P. I. Can Humet de Dalt · Antoni Tàpies, 7-9 · Nave F · 08213 Polinyà · BarcelonaView on Google Maps
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Manufactures Cusell
Manufacturers of custom gaskets and washers since 1961
CNC machining for custom technical parts
Machining makes it possible to produce custom technical parts from blocks, bars, sheets or standard material formats, achieving precise geometries without the need for a mould or dedicated tooling. It is a particularly useful solution for prototypes, short runs, spare parts, functional parts and components with specific dimensional requirements.
At Manufactures Cusell we machine parts in engineering plastics, metals, composites and high-hardness elastomers, adapting the process to the characteristics of each material and the needs of the application. Machining can be carried out by CNC milling, turning, drilling, threading, grooving or other complementary operations, depending on the geometry and the level of finish required.
This process can produce anything from simple flat parts to three-dimensional components with recesses, pockets, steps, threads, channels, radii, holes or functional details. It is also particularly worthwhile when the part has to be made in a specific technical material or when other processes, such as cutting, die-cutting, injection moulding or moulding, are not suitable because of geometry, quantity or initial investment.
Machining offers great manufacturing flexibility and can be used with materials such as POM, PA, PTFE, PEEK, PE, PP, acrylic, polycarbonate, polyurethane, high-hardness rubbers, aluminium, stainless steel, brass, bronze, copper, G10, technical laminates and other industrial materials.
Performance and strengths of the service
CNC machining makes it possible to produce technical parts with precision, flexibility and dimensional control, particularly when the part requires functional details or highly defined geometry.
Precision and repeatability
Control over functional detailsRecesses, threads, grooves, steps, holes and bearing surfaces can be produced with a high degree of dimensional control.
Flexibility in development
Changes without modifying toolingDesign adjustments, geometry changes or new versions of a part can be made easily without having to remake moulds or cutting dies.
Functional parts from the outset
Final or equivalent materialPrototypes, spare parts or short runs can be made in the same material intended for the application, or in a comparable technical alternative.
Finish tailored to the application
Integrated secondary operationsThreading, countersinking, chamfering, polishing, deburring and other operations can be added so that the part is delivered ready for assembly.
What types of machining can we carry out?
Machining allows different operations to be combined on a single part to obtain finished or semi-finished components, ready for assembly, validation or functional use.
CNC milling
Suitable for prismatic parts, technical plates, recesses, steps, pockets, channels, grooves and surfaces machined on one or more faces.
CNC turning
Suitable for turned parts such as bushes, spacers, plugs, shafts, special washers, stand-offs or cylindrical components with threads, radii or stepped profiles.
Bar turning and machining from bar
Suitable for series parts produced from bar or tube, in both engineering plastics and metals. It is a common option for thick washers, bushes, spacers, stand-offs, plugs or turned parts that are not viable by stamping or do not justify an injection mould.
Drilling, threading and countersinking
Common operations to prepare fixing points, bolt holes, mounting recesses or assembly areas on a machined part.
Multi-face machining
Produces parts with functional details on different planes, combining milling, drilling, threading or finishing operations without being limited to flat geometries.
Finishing and complementary operations
Deburring, chamfering, polishing, dimensional adjustments, insertion of Helicoils, threaded inserts or other secondary operations to improve assembly, thread strength or the final finish of the part.
Need a custom machined part?
Send us the drawing or specifications of the part and we will review its manufacturing feasibility based on the material, quantity and technical requirements. We will help you assess the most suitable option for the final function of the part.
Fast, personalised response
Expert technical advice
Solutions fully tailored to your application
Which materials can be machined?
Machining can be used on a wide variety of technical materials, provided that their format, stability and behaviour during chip removal are compatible with the process. The choice of material determines the functionality of the part as well as the finish, the achievable tolerances and the manufacturing strategy.
Engineering plastics
Machining of POM, PA, PE, PP, PTFE, PEEK, PVC, acrylic, polycarbonate and other industrial plastics. These are common materials for bushes, guides, spacers, wear parts, insulators, supports or components that require low weight, chemical resistance, electrical insulation or good frictional behaviour.
Polyurethanes and high-hardness elastomers
In certain cases, high-hardness polyurethanes and rubbers, usually above 85 Shore A, can be machined when the stability of the material allows chip removal. These materials are used in scrapers, lips, rings, wear elements or high-strength elastic parts.
Metals
Machining of aluminium, steel, stainless steel, brass, bronze, copper and other metal alloys. They are used in parts that require mechanical strength, dimensional stability, conductivity, robust threads, fixings, recesses or integration into assemblies subject to high loads. Depending on the material and the application, heat treatments, electroplating, anodising, passivation or other surface finishes can be added.
Composites and technical laminates
Machining of G10, epoxy glass-fibre laminates, phenolic laminates, insulating materials and other technical composites. These materials are commonly used in electrical, thermal, structural or insulation applications that call for a combination of stiffness, low weight and specific material properties.
High-performance materials
In more demanding applications, materials such as PEEK, modified PTFE, glass-fibre-filled plastics, graphite, carbon and other technical formulations can be machined. Machining them requires tools, speeds and operating conditions to be correctly adjusted in order to obtain a stable, repeatable result.
Starting formats
Machined parts can be made from sheet, bar, tube, block or available standard formats. The starting format determines the cost, material yield, part orientation and the operations needed to complete production.
What functions can a machined part perform?
Fit and positioning
Parts designed to separate, centre, support or secure elements within a mechanical assembly.
Movement and guidance
Components designed to accompany movement, reduce friction or act as bearing elements between surfaces.
Insulation and separation
Elements that separate materials, protect sensitive areas or prevent direct contact between components.
Assembly and fixing
Parts adapted to assembly systems, joints, supports or specific mounting configurations.
Validation and replacement
Parts made for functional testing, maintenance or replacement when a defined, working part is needed.
Common technical requirements for machined parts
Beyond the geometry of the part, machining can meet very different functional requirements through the selection of the right material, complementary operations and finishes.
Low friction and wear resistance
Materials such as POM, PA, PE-UHMW, PTFE, polyurethane or filled formulations can be used in parts subject to sliding, repeated contact or mechanical wear.
Electrical insulation and fire performance
Composites, technical laminates and certain plastics can be used to make insulating parts, supports or spacers with electrical, thermal or fire classification requirements, such as UL94 in compatible materials.
Chemical and thermal resistance
Materials such as PTFE, PEEK, PVDF, some composites or high-performance plastics can be used when the part has to operate in chemical or thermal environments or under more demanding technical conditions.
Corrosion and outdoor environments
For metal parts, the choice of material and subsequent treatments can improve resistance to corrosion, humidity and weathering, or meet specific requirements such as salt spray testing.
Conductivity or dissipation
Certain metals, filled engineering plastics or specific materials can be used when the part needs to provide electrical conductivity, electrostatic dissipation or heat transfer.
When to choose machining over other processes?
Not all manufacturing processes respond in the same way to the same part. Machining is particularly useful when the project needs flexibility, precision or direct production without depending on a high initial investment.
Compared with waterjet, laser or plotter cutting
Cutting is very useful for flat parts, gaskets, washers or geometries produced from sheet. Machining makes more sense when the part requires work through its thickness, different levels, local adjustments or operations that cannot be achieved by flat cutting alone.
Compared with die-cutting or stamping
Die-cutting can be more competitive for repeat runs of flat parts, especially in thin gauges. However, when the thickness, precision or starting format make stamping unviable, machining can be a more suitable alternative.
Compared with plastic injection moulding or rubber moulding
Injection moulding and moulding are suitable processes when the geometry, material and quantity justify making a mould. Machining produces parts directly from standard material, avoiding that initial investment when the quantity does not justify it or when the part can be produced more directly by machining.
When the part may still need adjustments
During development, replacement or improvement of an existing part, machining leaves more room for manoeuvre before the solution is finalised. It is useful when small dimensional changes, fitting adjustments or adaptations may be needed before moving on to more repetitive production.
Compared with 3D printing
3D printing can be useful for validating designs or producing complex geometries. Machining is usually more suitable when you need to work with standard technical materials, obtain a more defined finish or retain the properties of the starting material.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Do you have a minimum order for machined or bar-turned parts?
How does the material affect the cost of machining?
Can you machine parts from a PDF drawing, or is a 3D file required?
Can machining leave burrs or tool marks?
How can temperature or humidity affect machined plastic parts?
What dimensional tolerances can be achieved on a machined part?
Quotes for custom machined parts
Drawing
Sample
Technical specification
✓To assess a machined part, send us the technical information available together with the approximate quantity and any operating requirements that need to be taken into account.
We will review whether machining is a viable option and which aspects should be defined before production begins.
Manufacturing from a sample is assessed according to the characteristics of each project.
Related products and services
If the working conditions call for higher chemical, thermal or mechanical performance, there are other products and services that may perform better in each application.
Engineering plastic washers
Engineering plastic washers for applications with chemical, electrical or low-friction requirements.
Injection-moulded parts
Injection moulding process for runs of technical plastic parts with geometries that machining cannot achieve.
3D printing for parts
Nylon 3D printing for prototypes or short runs of industrial parts using additive manufacturing.
