Guide

Online CNC Machining Services: 9 Platforms Compared (2026)

Last updated: 2026-02-27

This process-intent guide is for buyers searching online cnc machining service providers and choosing among nine platforms by tolerance, lead time, volume, compliance, and procurement workflow fit.

CNC Comparison Table (9 Platforms)

PlatformMaterials signalTolerance signalMOQLead-time signalInstant quoteCertifications signal
XometryBroad metals/plastics catalog+/-0.005 in standard metals (tighter by quote)1 unit / no MOQDynamic; CNC can be as fast as 1 dayYesISO 9001, ISO 13485, AS9100D, ITAR, CMMC L2
ProtolabsBroad metals/plastics in own factories + network+/-0.005 in standard, tighter options documented1 part / no formal MOQAs fast as 1 day CNCYesISO 9001, ISO 13485, AS9100D, ITAR
HubsBroad network materials (supplier-dependent depth)Down to +/-0.001 in for network CNC1 part (CNC)CNC lead time not publicly fixedYesISO 9001 floor; AS9100D/ISO 13485 via suppliers
FictivBroad CNC materials + managed network sourcingTight CNC tolerances documented with drawing-based specsNo MOQ statedCNC as fast as 1 day (expedited)YesISO 9001; AS9100D/ISO 13485 via partners; SOC 2 Type II
JigaBroad CNC supplier coverageGeneral +/-0.005 in guidance; tighter possible by supplier1 part (inferred)Not publicly fixedNo (RFQ model)ISO 9001; AS9100D/ISO 13485/ITAR options
SendCutSendLimited CNC compared with sheet-metal focusTolerance clarity is strongest for cutting/forming flows1 part3-5 days standard; rush 1-2 days on core flowsYesISO 9001
RapidDirectBroad CNC materials with global sourcing model+/-0.05 mm standard; tighter options documented1 part (CNC)3-7 days standard CNC; expedite availableYesISO 9001, ISO 13485, AS9100D via partners
MeviyCNC + sheet workflows in MISUMI ecosystem+/-0.05 mm general; tighter with drawing specs1 partCNC 3-5 days typicalYesISO 9001 (MISUMI)
eMachineShopBroad CNC coverage via in-house + partner model+/-0.005 in standard; precision options available1 part (CNC)CNC 5-10 days standard; 3-5 day expediteYesISO 9001, ITAR, JCP

Buyer Decision Guide

Choose by volume

Prototype speed: Xometry, Protolabs, Fictiv. Cost-tilted production: RapidDirect. Mixed network production: Hubs.

Choose by tolerance

Tight tolerance workflows are strongest where tolerance specs are explicitly documented and drawing-level confirmation is supported.

Choose by lead time

Fastest published paths are generally Protolabs and Xometry, with Fictiv also offering expedited CNC routes.

Choose by compliance

Regulated-industry buyers often shortlist Xometry, Protolabs, and eMachineShop first, then verify order-level certifications.

What Independent Users Report

Sources: Reddit (CNC alternatives); Reddit (Xometry experience); Trustpilot (Xometry); Trustpilot (RapidDirect); Trustpilot (Hubs)

FAQ

What is the best online CNC machining service?

There is no universal best platform. Choice depends on tolerance requirements, lead time target, compliance scope, and sourcing model preferences.

Which custom CNC machining service is cheapest?

RapidDirect is often positioned as cost-focused, but final landed cost depends on logistics, tariffs, rework risk, and quality controls.

Which online CNC machining service is fastest?

Protolabs and Xometry frequently publish the fastest CNC turn windows for eligible parts. Fictiv also offers expedited CNC options.

Which CNC platform supports one-off parts with no MOQ?

Most platforms in this set support low-quantity CNC entry, but process-specific exceptions can apply for tooling-heavy programs.

Which online CNC service is strongest for compliance-heavy industries?

Xometry, Protolabs, and eMachineShop publish strong compliance signals, while Hubs, Fictiv, and Jiga can route to certified supplier flows depending on requirements.

Is there an online CNC platform with a public API?

In this dataset, Xometry is the only platform with a documented public API for quote/order workflow automation.

Related Pages

Sources