CNC Machining & Fabrication Services

Precision Manufacturing with Leading-Edge Technology

The Manufacturing Collaborative provides advanced CNC machining and precision fabrication services that transform your designs into high-quality manufactured components. Our world-class facility, located at Vermont State University, combines cutting-edge equipment with expert engineering guidance to deliver comprehensive manufacturing solutions from concept through production.

Whether you need complex 5-axis machined parts, precision wire EDM components, or laser and waterjet cut materials, our team provides the technology and expertise to solve your most challenging manufacturing problems with precision, quality, and efficiency.

CNC Machining

Our CNC Machining Services

5-Axis CNC Milling

Our DMG Mori DMU75 5-axis mill enables complex geometries and precision machining for advanced applications:

  • Complex contoured surfaces and organic shapes
  • Simultaneous 5-axis machining reduces setup times and improves accuracy
  • Exceptional surface finishes and dimensional accuracy
  • Ability to machine difficult-to-reach features in a single setup
  • Ideal for aerospace, medical device, and complex prototype components

3-Axis CNC Milling

HAAS 3-axis CNC milling for versatile, reliable precision machining:
  • Cost-effective solution for standard milling operations
  • Excellent for prototyping and low to medium volume production
  • Wide range of materials including metals and plastics
  • Proven reliability for consistent part quality

Wire EDM (Electrical Discharge Machining)

Makino U6 wire EDM for ultra-precise cutting and complex features:
  • Extremely tight tolerances and intricate geometries
  • No mechanical cutting forces – ideal for delicate or hardened materials
  • Complex 2D profiles and intricate internal features
  • Excellent surface finishes without secondary operations
  • Perfect for tooling, dies, and precision components

Our Precision Cutting Services

Laser Cutting and Etching

High-precision laser cutting for clean, accurate cuts and etching:
  • Minimal heat-affected zones for dimensional stability
  • Complex 2D profiles and intricate patterns
  • Fast turnaround for prototypes and production
  • Excellent edge quality requiring minimal finishing

Waterjet Cutting

Versatile waterjet cutting for materials sensitive to heat:
  • Zero heat-affected zone – no material distortion
  • Cuts virtually any material and thickness
  • Ideal for composites, plastics, metals, and exotic materials
  • Environmentally friendly cutting process
  • Maintains material properties throughout cutting

Why Choose The Manufacturing Collaborative?

World-Class Equipment & Technology

Our facility houses over 40 pieces of advanced manufacturing technology and software representing the latest in design, precision machining and fabrication capabilities. This equipment density and diversity – typically found only in large production facilities – gives you access to leading-edge tools for prototyping, production, and problem-solving.

University-Affiliated Excellence

As part of Vermont State University, The Manufacturing Collaborative combines academic rigor with practical manufacturing expertise. This unique positioning means:
  • Access to cutting-edge equipment without capital investment
  • Engineering expertise that bridges theory and practice
  • Commitment to advancing U.S. advanced manufacturing capabilities
  • Support for both business innovation and workforce development

Expert Engineering Guidance

We don’t just manufacture parts – we partner with you to optimize designs and processes. Our engineering team provides:
  • Design for manufacturing (DFM) consultation
  • Material selection recommendations
  • Process optimization to reduce costs and improve quality
  • Reverse engineering capabilities when needed
  • Technical problem-solving for complex manufacturing challenges

Real-World Hands-On Experience

Our team combines engineering knowledge with practical manufacturing experience. Every project benefits from professionals who understand how to optimize processes, select appropriate tooling, and solve real-world manufacturing challenges efficiently.

From Prototyping to Production

Whether you need a single prototype or a production run, we scale our services to meet your needs:
  • Rapid turnaround for prototyping and design validation
  • Efficient processes for low to medium volume production
  • Consistent quality across all quantity levels
  • Flexible approach that adapts to your project requirements

Industries We Serve

Aerospace Industry

Aerospace & Defense:

Precision components meeting stringent specifications

Medical Industry

Medical Devices:

High-quality parts for critical healthcare applications

Industrial Equipment:

Durable components for demanding applications

Consumer Products:

Rapid prototyping and production support for innovation

Research and Academia

Research & Development:

Custom fabrication supporting cutting-edge research

Our Manufacturing Process​

Step 1: Project Consultation

Share your CAD files, technical drawings, or concepts with our team. We review your requirements and provide expert recommendations on materials, processes, and design optimization opportunities.

Step 2: Engineering Review & Quoting

Our engineers conduct a thorough manufacturability analysis, identifying any potential issues and optimization opportunities. You receive a detailed quote with transparent pricing and realistic lead times.

Step 3: Manufacturing & Quality Control

Your parts are manufactured using optimal processes on our advanced equipment. In-process quality checks ensure specifications are met throughout production.

Step 4: Final Inspection & Delivery

Complete inspection verifies all specifications. Your parts are carefully packaged and delivered with full documentation including inspection reports as required.

Materials We Work With

Metals:

  • Aluminum alloys
  • Stainless steel
  • Carbon steel
  • Titanium alloys
  • Inconel
  • Brass and copper alloys
  • Exotic materials by request

Plastics & Composites:

  • Ultra High Molecular weight Polyethelyne (UHMWPE)
  • Teflon
  • Ultem
  • Acrylic and polycarbonate
  • Engineering plastics
  • Composite materials
  • And other non-metallic materials

Complementary Services

The Manufacturing Collaborative offers comprehensive advanced manufacturing solutions beyond CNC machining and fabrication:
Complementary Services

Get Started With Your Project

Transform your designs into precision-manufactured components. The Manufacturing Collaborative provides the advanced equipment, engineering expertise, and manufacturing experience you need to succeed.
Ready to discuss your CNC machining or fabrication project?

What to Provide for a Quote:

  • CAD files (STEP, IGES, or native formats)
  • Technical drawings with tolerances and specifications
  • Material specifications and requirements
  • Quantity requirements
  • Desired delivery timeline
  • Any special requirements or certifications needed