How to Get Your Prototypes and Components Manufactured (Without Losing Time or Money)
Ever designed a part and had no clue what to do next?
Like — you’ve got the CAD file, the idea is solid, but manufacturing feels like a maze?
You’re not alone.
Most people overcomplicate it.
But getting your prototypes or components manufactured can actually be simple — if you follow the right steps and understand how machining costs really work.
This is your no-nonsense guide to getting real, working parts made — fast — without the usual frustration.
Custom bicycle parts. Manufactured by Poly Workshop Oy
Step 1: Get Your Design Ready
Start with a proper CAD model.
Tools like Fusion 360 or SolidWorks are fine.
Your model should be clean — no weird edges, open faces, or missing holes.
If you’re not confident your design can be machined, that’s where Poly Workshop comes in.
Our engineers can check your file for free and tell you what needs fixing before you even place an order.
That alone can save days of back-and-forth.
Step 2: Think Like a Machinist When You Design
This is where costs are made or lost.
CNC machining prices aren’t random — they’re based on time, setup, and complexity.
If your part takes more time to cut, it’ll cost more.
Here’s how to design smarter:
Avoid deep holes and thin walls. They take longer to machine.
Stick to standard hole sizes. Custom tools = more time.
Add fillets to internal corners (rounded corners). Sharp corners kill cutters and time.
Don’t ask for crazy tolerances unless you really need them.
Most parts are fine with ±0.1 mm tolerance. Going tighter can double your cost.
Poly Workshop helps with this too. We’ll flag areas that can be simplified — saving you machining time and cost.
Step 3: Pick the Right Material
This is where people often mess up.
Material choice impacts price, strength, and turnaround time.
Here’s the cheat sheet:
Aluminium 6061 — cheap, strong, easy to machine. Great for prototypes.
Stainless steel — tougher and more durable, but costs more to cut.
Brass — smooth to machine, looks premium.
Engineering plastics (like Delrin or Nylon) — light and strong for functional tests.
If you’re unsure, Poly Workshop can recommend what’s best based on your part’s use.
Step 4: Get a Quote
Most old-school machine shops take days to send a quote.
That’s lost time.
We flip that on its head.
You just upload your CAD files, let us know your material and quantity, and get a CNC quote in under 24 hours.
👉 Start your next project with Poly Workshop
What Drives CNC Costs:
Machine time: The longer it takes to cut, the higher the cost.
Setup cost: Each new part or fixture adds setup time.
Material cost: Aluminium is cheap, titanium is not.
Tolerances: Tighter = more expensive.
Quantity: 1 part is pricey. 10 parts drop your unit price dramatically.
A quick example:
A simple aluminium prototype might cost 250–400€.
But if you order 10, it could drop to 45€ each.
The secret? Repetition cuts setup time — and that’s what you’re paying for.
Step 5: Confirm the Finish
Surface finish isn’t just looks.
It affects wear, function, and cost.
Here are the most common ones:
As machined: Cheapest and fastest.
Bead blasted: Smooth matte finish.
Anodized: Adds corrosion resistance and colour.
Powder coat: Strong surface protection.
Poly Workshop offers all these options, and they’ll tell you if your finish choice affects lead time.
Step 6: Approve and Manufacture
Once your quote looks good, just confirm it.
Poly Workshop will send you an estimated lead time — usually between 3 to 7 days for prototypes.
We’ll machine, inspect, and ship your parts to you around the globe.
If you need updates or want to talk to a real engineer, just use our contact page
Step 7: Review and Iterate
Once your parts arrive, check them against your drawing or CAD file.
Look for dimensions, surface quality, and fit.
If something’s off, Poly Workshop can adjust the next batch fast.
That’s the beauty of small-run CNC manufacturing — you can tweak designs and re-order quickly.
CNC micro machining of custom copper parts for the scientific / electronics industry
How Much Does It Cost to CNC Parts?
Here’s the rough breakdown:
| Cost Driver | What It Means | Typical Range |
|---|---|---|
| Material | Aluminium cheaper than stainless | 10€–40€ per part |
| Machine Time | Cutting time | 30€–150€/hr |
| Setup | Tooling and fixtures | 20€–50€ per setup |
| Tolerances | ±0.01mm = slower machining | Add 10–30% |
| Finishes | Anodizing, coating, polishing | Add 10€–40€ |
| Quantity | 1-off vs. batch | 30–70% discount in volume |
For reference:
A simple aluminium part might cost 60–120€.
A complex steel component might be 200–400€.
But remember — We evaluate each project & part on an individual basis, so feel free to 👉Contact Us -> to discuss your project’s needs.
Why Poly Workshop Beats Traditional Machine Shops
Here’s what makes them stand out:
✅ Fast quoting — no delays.
✅ Fast turnaround — prototypes in days, not weeks.
✅ Free DFM feedback — saves time and reduces cost.
✅ Supports 50+ materials and 20+ finishes.
✅ Scales from prototype to production easily.
Whether you’re designing a new gadget, building industrial equipment, or just need custom parts fast, Poly Workshop is the smart move.
👉 Visit Poly Workshop to get started
FAQs
Q: Can I manufacture my own product through Poly Workshop?
Yes. You can start with prototypes and scale up to full production runs. We’ll handle both.
Q: How long does CNC machining take?
For most prototypes, 3–7 days. Complex jobs can take up to 4 weeks.
Q: Can Poly Workshop make parts from my 3D file?
Yes, just upload your STEP file for a fast quote.
Q: What if my design isn’t ready?
We’ll review it for free and tell you what needs tweaking to make it machinable.
Q: Is CNC better than 3D printing for prototypes?
Usually, yes — CNC parts are stronger, more precise, and use uniform materials.
Final Thoughts
If you want to turn your design into a real, working part — you don’t need a factory or a giant budget.
You just need a reliable CNC partner who understands what you need and keeps things simple.
That’s what Poly Workshop does.
Upload your CAD file.
Get a quote Fast.
Receive your parts Fast
Simple as that.