CNC Machining Services for R&D and Prototyping

Frigate provides CNC machining support for prototyping and innovation labs using advanced 3-axis, 4-axis, and 5-axis equipment. We supply metal parts that meet functional testing, design iteration, and small-run preproduction needs with consistent precision. 

Our Clients

Advantages of Our CNC Machining Services

Our workflow includes reverse engineering, quick-turn setups, and toolpath optimization to reduce lead times for R&D applications. 

Design-Driven Milling Techniques

We machine single-part prototypes or limited production runs using high-speed 5-axis milling systems with in-process inspection.

Micro-Tolerance Turning

Precision turning methods maintain tight dimensional repeatability, even across variable test runs or trial geometries.

Adaptive Programming

Our process adapts tool strategies and feed parameters to suit changing geometries during product evolution.

Our CNC Machining Process

We support R&D customers through CAD model validation, toolpath simulation, in-process inspection, and real-time revision control. 

CNC Machining Services for R&D and Prototyping
CNC Machining Services for R&D and Prototyping
CNC Machining Services for R&D and Prototyping
CNC Machining Services for R&D and Prototyping
CNC Machining Services for R&D and Prototyping
CNC Machining Services for R&D and Prototyping
Tool Path Optimization

Advanced algorithms optimize tool paths, minimizing tool wear, reducing cycle times, and improving surface finishes. This involves strategically planning the sequence of movements and cuts to enhance efficiency. 

Multi-Axis Machining

Modern CNC machines often utilize 5-axis or even 6-axis capabilities, allowing for complex geometries and intricate shapes. This reduces the need to reposition the part, ensuring higher accuracy and a more refined finish. 

Adaptive Cutting Technology

CNC machines may integrate adaptive cutting strategies, where cutting conditions (speed, feed, depth of cut) adjust dynamically based on real-time sensor feedback or cutting force monitoring. This helps prevent tool breakage and ensures optimal material removal rates. 

High-Speed Machining

Specialized techniques like high-speed machining enable faster spindle speeds and advanced feed rates. This increases material removal rates while maintaining fine tolerances and reducing thermal distortion. 

In-Process Measurement and Feedback Loops

Some CNC setups incorporate in-process measuring systems (like laser scanners or probe-based systems) to check the part’s dimensions as it’s being machined. These systems can send real-time data back to the machine, allowing for automatic adjustments during production. 

Automated Tool Changer (ATC) Systems

CNC machines with automated tool changers enhance efficiency by switching tools automatically without operator intervention. This allows for uninterrupted multi-operation machining without downtime, improving productivity in complex jobs with several cutting tools. 

Words from Clients

See how global OEMs and sourcing heads describe their experience with our scalable execution.

Functional Surface Quality for Prototypes

Our process-specific finishing techniques to achieve surface consistency suited to actual fit and function testing. 

Anodizing

Give your aluminum parts a tough, corrosion-resistant shield with anodizing, reaching surface hardness up to HV 500, while enhancing electrical insulation and durability.

Mechanical Finishing

Smooth out imperfections and refine surfaces to Ra 0.2 µm or better with mechanical finishing techniques like grinding, polishing, and bead blasting. 

Heat Treatment

Boost material strength and hardness by heat treating parts at temperatures up to 1100°C, ensuring they meet the mechanical demands of your application.

Electroplating

Add protective or functional metal coatings with electroplating, delivering consistent layers as precise as ±2 µm for improved corrosion resistance and conductivity.

Our Machined Products 

We support your production needs with CNC-machined parts, subassemblies, and performance-critical components. 

Rudder Pedal Assembly - IMG
Synchronous Timing Pulley - IMG (2)
Conveyor Chain Sprocket -IMG
Heavy-Duty Linear Rail Block - IMG
Filter Press Plate - IMG
Food Processing Mixer Blade - IMG (2)
elevator guide shoe - IMG (2)
Mud Logger Sensor Mount - IMG (3)
Pitch Control Gear Shaft - IMG (3)
Catheter Guide Wire Handle - IMG
Pacemaker Lead Connector - IMG (2)
Automated Guided Vehicle Wheel Hub - IMG (3)
Cartesian Robot Rail Block - IMG (4)
Hydraulic Actuation Block - IMG (2)
Machine Spindle Tool Holder - IMG

CNC Machining Capabilities

Upload prototype drawings or evolving test part models, including material targets and feature tolerances. 

CNC Machining Services for R&D and Prototyping

CNC Milling

Functional prototype parts delivered on schedule with fixture stability, toolpath customization, and low-volume efficiency. 

CNC Machining Services for R&D and Prototyping

CNC Turning

We use multi-axis turning to produce cylindrical parts with variable geometries, tight tolerances, and no setup duplication. 

Materials for Machined R&D Prototypes

We select materials based on design phase needs, functional expectations, and availability. Each material is chosen for its response to low-volume CNC milling and testing feedback. 

A2 Tool Steel

A2 Tool Steel is a high-carbon, high-chromium steel known for its toughness and wear resistance. It’s ideal for producing durable, high-strength parts that can withstand heavy use. 

Aluminum

Aluminum is a lightweight, corrosion-resistant metal with good machinability. Because of its strength-to-weight ratio, it’s commonly used in aerospace, automotive, and various industrial applications. 

Brass

Brass is a copper-zinc alloy known for its machinability and corrosion resistance. It’s used for components requiring precise detailing and good mechanical properties. 

Bronze

Bronze is a copper-tin alloy with excellent wear resistance and strength. It’s often used for bushings, bearings, and other friction-prone components. 

Cast Iron

Cast Iron is known for its high wear resistance and machinability. It’s used in heavy-duty applications such as machinery parts and engine components. 

Copper

Copper offers excellent thermal and electrical conductivity. It’s used in applications requiring heat dissipation or electrical conductivity, such as electronic components. 

Steel

Steel is a versatile material known for its strength and durability. It’s used in various applications, from construction to automotive parts. 

Titanium

Titanium is a lightweight, high-strength metal with excellent corrosion resistance. It’s used in aerospace, medical implants, and high-performance engineering applications. 

Stainless Steel

Stainless Steel offers high corrosion resistance and strength. It’s widely used in applications ranging from kitchen equipment to industrial machinery. 

Zinc

Zinc is a ductile and corrosion-resistant metal known for its excellent machinability, especially in its alloy forms. It's often used for components requiring intricate details, good surface finish, and precise dimensions, commonly found in automotive, hardware, and electrical applications.

Key Highlights

Our structure enables you to test designs across revision cycles with stability and repeatability. We maintain control while gaining process reliability and short response loops. 

CNC Milling

Compliance Standards for R&D CNC Services

Frigate’s CNC services for R&D clients comply with documentation protocols required for product lifecycle traceability. Our practices align with industry norms for pre-commercial stages and early-stage validation. Each build includes digital trace data, material validation, and revision linkage. 

ISO 9001:2015

Quality management standards applied across prototype batches 

AS9100D

Quality processes align with aerospace-grade part controls 
  

RoHS Compliant

Ensures materials used are compliant for EU pre-commercial evaluations 

CE Marking

Prepares part documentation to support CE compliance testing 
  

NADCAP

Supports customers conducting early-stage special process validation 

ISO/TS 16949

Controls used for design samples intended for future automotive integration 

UL Certification

Includes file-ready reports for UL pre-testing submissions 

Frigate’s Global Presence

Frigate takes pride in facilitating “Make in India for the globe“.  As our global network of Frigaters provides virtually limitless capacity, and through our IoT enabled platform your parts go directly into production. By digitally and technologically enabling “the silent pillars of the economy” MSME and SME manufacturing industries, we are able to tap the huge potential for manufacturing to bring the best results for our clients.

CNC Machining Services for R&D and Prototyping

100,000+

Parts Manufactured

250+

Frigaters

2000+

Machines

450+

Materials

25+

Manufacturing Process

CNC-Machining

Quality Testing Standards for CNC Machining Services

Roundness Testing
CMM, Roundness Tester (e.g., Talyrond)

To measure the roundness of cylindrical features, ensuring they meet tolerance requirements. 

Flatness of Internal Surfaces Testing
Optical Flat or CMM

To check internal surfaces for flatness, critical for sealing and assembly purposes. 

Burr Detection Testing
Visual Inspection, Edge Detection Tool

To identify burrs or sharp edges that may affect assembly or safety. 

Profile Tolerance Testing
CMM, Laser Scanning, or Profile Projector

To ensure that complex profiles (e.g., contours, curves) conform to design specifications. 

Surface Profile Testing
Profilometer or Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM)

To check the topography and texture of the surface, ensuring it meets the required specifications for function or aesthetics. 

Material Hardness Depth Testing
Microhardness Test or Depth Hardness Measurement

To verify that the surface hardness depth meets the required specifications for wear resistance. 

Residual Stress Testing
X-ray Diffraction, Strain Gauges

To measure internal stresses that could lead to deformation or failure during or after machining. 

Microstructure Response Testing
Metallographic Analysis (e.g., Optical or Electron Microscopy)

To verify grain structure, inclusions, and material consistency, ensuring the part meets performance requirements. 

Delivered CNC-Machined Components

We provide test-worthy parts machined for startup teams, labs, and product engineering groups. See examples of components made for early-stage device testing and design validation workflows. 

Other Industries We Serve 

We deliver machining support across sectors that require consistency, material reliability, and tight dimensional control. 

Construction Equipment - IMG
Precision Instruments & Metrology - IMG
Medical Devices
oil & gas equipment
industrial machinery
Food Processing Machinery
Dental & Orthodontics
Firearms & Defense Accessories
Consumer Electronics - img

Our Manufacturing Metrics

Frigate brings stability, control, and predictable performance to your sourcing operations through a structured multi-vendor system. 

CNC Machining Services for R&D and Prototyping
CNC Machining Services for R&D and Prototyping

2.8X

Sourcing Cycle Speed

Frigate’s pre-qualified network shortens decision time between RFQ and PO placement.  

CNC Machining Services for R&D and Prototyping

94%

On-Time Delivery Rate

Structured planning windows and logistics-linked schedules improve project-level delivery reliability. 

CNC Machining Services for R&D and Prototyping

4X

Multi-Part Consolidation

We enable part family batching across suppliers to reduce fragmentation.  

CNC Machining Services for R&D and Prototyping

22% 

Quality Rejection Rate

Multi-level quality checks and fixed inspection plans lower non-conformities. 

CNC Machining Services for R&D and Prototyping

30%

Procurement Costs

Optimized supplier negotiations and bulk order strategies reduce your overall sourcing expenses. 

CNC Machining Services for R&D and Prototyping

20%

Manual Processing Time

Automation of sourcing and supplier management significantly reduces time spent on manual tasks. 

Get Clarity with Our Manufacturing Insights

Having Doubts? Our FAQ

Check all our Frequently Asked Questions in CNC Machining 

How does Frigate support rapid design iteration for R&D teams?

Frigate uses flexible CNC programming and low-fixturing machining strategies to accommodate design changes without retooling. Each setup is configured for fast swaps between part revisions. CAM updates are processed on-site, reducing reprogramming delays. This helps engineering teams iterate quickly and reduce prototype turnaround cycles without losing dimensional accuracy. 

How are prototype tolerances maintained across different part geometries?

Frigate uses in-process inspection and adaptive offset control to stabilize tolerances in variable test geometries. CMM data and probing checkpoints are integrated directly into the cycle. Machining parameters adjust automatically to shape-specific distortion patterns. This results in consistent fit and function even when the part geometry evolves. 

Can Frigate handle one-off prototype requests with short deadlines?

Yes. Frigate is equipped for one-off prototype machining with same-day CAM validation and rapid material sourcing. Short-run jobs are prioritized through a dedicated cell for R&D requests. Each component is machined under traceable protocols and verified against design-critical dimensions. This approach supports urgent testing needs during early product development. 

How does Frigate validate precision in small-batch functional parts?

Frigate uses metrology-grade CMMs and 3D scanning routines to validate each batch. Inspection routines are customized to focus on functional features like alignment zones, press-fit areas, and load-bearing contours. Each part includes inspection records linked to the CAD model. This ensures the final parts align with expected test performance. 

What materials does Frigate typically use for R&D CNC machining?

Frigate machines a wide range of metals suitable for prototyping and functional testing. Common choices include 6061-T6 for fast iteration, 17-4 PH stainless steel for mechanical loading, and copper-based alloys for thermal transfer. Material selection is based on design goals, mechanical needs, and test stage. Certification is provided with every order. 

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LOCATIONS

Registered Office

10-A, First Floor, V.V Complex, Prakash Nagar, Thiruverumbur, Trichy-620013, Tamil Nadu, India.

Operations Office

9/1, Poonthottam Nagar, Ramanandha Nagar, Saravanampatti, Coimbatore-641035, Tamil Nadu, India. ㅤ

Other Locations

GENERAL ENQUIRIES

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