Custom Machine Shop

Why turn to a custom machine shop?

• We exist for the express purpose of producing novel parts •

Great service is at the heart of precision engineering. So, no matter the variety of parts or the quantity you require – whether it’s 1 or 1,000 – know that our custom machine shop delivers outstanding value. When it comes to producing custom parts, there are few faster methods than CNC machining. With expertise and ongoing investment in the latest CNC machinery and software, our team can produce whatever you need. Plus, thanks to the speed of CAD and the availability of global shopping, you can receive custom machined parts in a matter of days.

We consider all available options to ensure that we offer you the best possible solutions. After all, that’s what CNC machining affords us – the best possible solution. As a custom machine shop, we exist for the express purpose of producing parts that do not yet exist elsewhere. Better still, our team appropriately takes care of your project to ensure fast lead times, top quality and outstanding value. Parts may not exist elsewhere for plenty of reasons. However, thanks to astute accuracy, consistency and customer service, we can deliver the novel result you need.

Trusted across multiple industries

Entech helps supply high-quality precision to a wide range of industries. Our custom machine shop proudly creates parts for mechanical engineers in the following industries and more:

Aerospace | Leisure | MOD | Motor Trade

How much will a custom machine shop cost me?

• Consider the following factors to reduce your bottom line •

Calculating how much a custom machine shop will cost you and your business involves a surplus of factors. So, whether you need high or low-volume parts produced, understanding the process is essential. Yet, whilst CNC machining provides a cost-effective option for in-demand production, its costs can shift. Therefore, our cost estimation is just that – an estimation. However, we understand that customers require accurate price estimates before signing off on a new project. So, to best optimise your project, we suggest considering the following factors to reduce your bottom line.

CNC Machining

At Entech, our custom machine shop utilises four core sections of equipment. These are CNC milling, CNC turning, manual machining and miscellaneous plant sections. This provides the flexibility to design parts with complex geometries and tight tolerances. Specifying tolerances is a crucial step in ensuring precision and functionality. However, it can significantly ramp up the final cost of production. A small change in tolerances may lead to a large price change. So, before approaching a custom machine shop, we recommend optimising your design as much as possible.

Quality Control

Each of our sections are supported by a fully equipped and calibrated inspection department. Included in which, is an Aberlink Axiom too Coordinate Measuring Machine. Therefore, costs not only depend on the type of machine but the number of hours required for it to run. Custom machine shops like ours tend to set an hourly rate for running different types of machines. This figure is available upon request, however, it is independent of human labour.

Complexity in Design

Parts with geometrically complex designs necessitate more programming, running and setup times. Certain parts might also require specialist tools, multiple setups and machines to fabricate. Therefore, it’s beneficial you simplify the design wherever possible to reduce the cost per part as the above all contributes to costs. For it to be more cost-effective, eliminate unnecessary features or split the design into multiple parts that can be assembled.

Subtractive Manufacturing

Materials used in a custom machine shop can include aluminium, stainless steel, plastics and much more. Whichever material you use, it’s the amount removed that correlates with the machining time and price. This is known as subtractive manufacturing, and the process involves sequentially removing material. Therefore, the size and associated cost of the material and its machinability will play a key factor in determining the total cost of your part.

Material Properties & Flexibility

A general rule of thumb is to select the least costly material without sacrificing form, fit or function. However, whilst some materials might be cheaper to acquire, each comes with its own set of properties. For example, disregarding density could lead to longer production times, resulting in more wear on machine tools. Plus, particular material requests might not be available for a custom part that needs to be produced within a time scale. Therefore, if your application allows for flexibility, consider extending it to the shop producing the part. This way, you can reduce both the cost and delivery time.

Initial Labour Costs

The beauty of CNC machining is that it requires little to no intervention from humans. The end cost depends upon the quantity and complexity of the parts produced, including labour costs. This is because, whilst machines can effortlessly make parts in as little as five minutes, there’s a fair bit of labour required to set it in motion. This is why orders for one bespoke part might seem excessive – because labour is the most intensive at the start-up. Although, this can be offset with higher-volume productions and optimised production cycles. No matter what, a machinist, engineer, or programmer must perform specific steps ahead of time to ensure things go smoothly.

The Labour Process

A programmer converts a CAD file into a CAM file for the CNC machine to process crucial elements like toolpaths. A machinist sets up the machine and loads the necessary tools into the tool changer. Quality controllers ensure the produced part is what was requested. Then elements like part-assembly, cleaning, support removal and surface finishes typically require intervention. Yet, with so many variables in play, there’s always a chance things might go astray. Therefore, specify as much as you can and leave no room for error.

Appropriate Finishes

A custom machine shop will offer an extensive range of surface finishes for many materials. Yet, any tool marks or roughness are removed from the surface finish to improve cosmetics and resistance. The surface finish depends on a part’s application. This affects part tolerances and ranges from “as-machined” to more expensive bead blasting. A qualified machine shop can help determine the most prudent option.

What is a custom machine shop?

They deliver complex and simple parts in short lead times

A custom machine shop like Entech utilises four core sections of equipment. These are; CNC milling, CNC turning, manual machining and miscellaneous plant sections.

Such sections provide services of any complexity whilst producing both small and large series of bespoke parts. From single prototypes to full production runs, a custom machine shop can deliver the minutest of details. Your requested part might be something simple – like a gear or button in a nonstandard size or material – or some completely new invention. In lots of cases, a custom machine shop is used to make bespoke piece parts or large components that encompass several novel features. Such services adapt new lean manufacturing techniques to deliver complex and simple parts in short lead times. This not only keeps the costs low due to less wasted downtime; it ensures projects are on schedule.

Contact Entech about our custom machine shop

• Quality precision engineering services •

You will find a warm welcome at Entech. Based in Poole, we are ideally placed to offer CNC Milling and CNC Turning services in Devon, Dorset and Hampshire. We have a vibrant client base that we care passionately about – so why not join them? We offer clear, jargon-free advice, consistent personal support and our valuable expertise. We will be happy to hear from you and are always looking for new ways to help local businesses. So, if you need our help, don’t delay. Simply get in touch today. We are open Monday to Thursday: 8am-5pm, and Friday: 8am-1pm. You can arrange to visit us if you wish to discuss your project in more detail at:

9 Virage Business Park
132-134 Stanley Green Road
Poole, Dorset
BH15 3AP

Looking for a custom machine shop? The easiest way to discuss your engineering requirements is to phone us on 01202 680600 or email us on [email protected]