Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between CNC and precision machining?
CNC (Computer Numerical Control) machining is a computer-controlled manufacturing process that uses programmed tool movements to cut material with high precision and repeatability.
Precision machining is a broader term for any manufacturing process capable of holding tight tolerances — CNC machining is the most common method used to achieve it.
What is the highest tolerance CNC?
Achievable tolerance depends on the machine, tooling, workholding, and the part’s geometry.
At Othala, our standard CNC machining tolerance is up to ±0.005 mm, with select 5-axis and EDM work capable of ±0.001 mm on critical features, subject to drawing, material, and process review.
What is the highest accuracy machining?
Specialized processes such as EDM (electrical discharge machining) and precision grinding can hold tighter accuracy than standard CNC milling or turning, and are typically reserved for small, critical features rather than an entire part.
Othala uses these processes selectively alongside standard CNC machining when a feature calls for tolerances tighter than ±0.005 mm.
What is the difference between CNC machining and injection molding?
CNC machining is a subtractive process that removes material from a solid workpiece to produce the final part.
Injection molding is a forming process in which molten plastic is injected into a mold cavity and cooled to shape — it is not an additive manufacturing process, and it typically requires tooling before production can begin.
How precise can CNC machines be?
Precision depends on the machine’s accuracy, the tooling used, and the process parameters.
At Othala, our standard CNC machining capability is up to ±0.005 mm, with select 5-axis and EDM work holding ±0.001 mm on critical features.
What is CNC precision machining?
CNC precision machining uses computer-controlled machine tools to produce parts with tight, consistent tolerances.
It requires careful part programming, secure workholding, and in-process inspection to hold those tolerances reliably across a full production run.
What is considered high-precision machining?
High-precision machining generally refers to tolerances of a few thousandths of a millimeter or tighter — the kind of accuracy required in industries like aerospace, medical devices, and optics.
At Othala, we hold tolerances up to ±0.005 mm as standard, with select features machined to ±0.001 mm.
What materials can Othala machine?
Othala machines a wide range of metals and engineering plastics, including stainless steel (304, 316L, 17-4PH, 465), titanium and titanium alloys, Nitinol, aluminum, brass, bronze, copper, and engineering polymers such as PEEK and Delrin.
Material selection is confirmed during DFM review based on the part’s application, mechanical requirements, and finish.
Is there a minimum order quantity (MOQ)?
No. Othala accepts orders from a single prototype part through full OEM production runs, with no minimum order quantity.
This makes it practical to validate a design before committing to volume production.
How long does it take to get a quote?
Othala provides a DFM review and quote within 24 hours of receiving a drawing or design file.
For complex parts or specialized materials, the review may take slightly longer to confirm manufacturability.
What is the typical lead time for CNC machined parts?
Standard lead times start from 5 business days, depending on part complexity, material, quantity, and finishing requirements.
Prototype and low-volume orders are generally faster than full production runs.
What surface finishes are available?
Othala offers a range of finishes including as-machined, anodizing, powder coating, and polishing, with surface finish capability to Ra 0.4 µm on select features.
The right finish depends on the part’s function — corrosion resistance, appearance, or a mating-surface requirement, for example.
Can Othala sign an NDA before I share my design?
Yes. An NDA is available on request before any drawings, specifications, or design files are shared.
This is standard practice for both prototype and production inquiries.
Does Othala only manufacture prototypes, or full production runs too?
Both. Othala supports the full path from engineering samples and prototypes through validation and repeatable OEM production.
The same drawing-based process applies at every stage, so a part does not need to be re-engineered when it moves from prototype to volume.
Does Othala offer processes besides CNC machining?
Yes. In addition to CNC turning and milling, Othala offers injection molding, 3D printing, precision laser cutting, die casting, and sheet metal fabrication, so a project can move between processes as it develops without changing suppliers.
This is particularly useful when a part starts as a machined prototype and later moves to molding for production volume.
What is the difference between CNC machining and 3D printing?
CNC machining is a subtractive process that cuts a part from solid metal or plastic stock, producing production-grade strength and tolerance.
3D printing builds a part layer by layer from a digital file — it is typically faster and cheaper for early-stage prototypes, but generally cannot match CNC machining’s tolerances or material properties for functional, production parts.
How does Othala inspect part quality?
Parts are checked using dimensional inspection methods such as CMM (coordinate measuring machine) measurement, alongside standard tools like calipers and micrometers, against the customer’s drawing.
Othala’s quality system is certified to ISO 9001:2015 and ISO 13485:2016. Othala also holds ISO 14001, IATF 16949 and AS9100 certifications.
What industries does Othala serve?
Othala serves customers across medical devices, aerospace, automotive, robotics, electronics, energy, and general industrial manufacturing.
The same precision-machining and quality-control processes apply across all of these, with medical-device work additionally covered by ISO 13485, automotive work by IATF 16949 and aerospace work by AS9100 certification.