---
title: "Micro Machining Services | Micro-Scale Precision Parts | OpenSpindle"
description: "Get quotes for micro machining from qualified manufacturing partners. Sub-millimeter holes, walls, and features cut with tiny tooling on high-precision machines. Upload a drawing."
canonical: https://openspindle.com/capabilities/micro-machining
---

# Get quotes for custom micro machined parts

Machining of very small parts and micro-scale features, sub-millimeter holes, walls, and details, held to tight tolerances. Tiny tooling and high-precision machines make it possible to hit sizes standard CNC machining cannot reach. Upload your drawing and we'll source competitive quotes from qualified manufacturing partners.

## How to design for Micro Machining

Micro machining pushes conventional milling and turning down to feature sizes that need specialized tooling and machines built for the accuracy.

| Design rule | Typical spec | Why |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Minimum feature size | to ~0.05-0.1 mm | Limited by the smallest tooling a shop can run without breaking it. |
| Micro tolerance | to ~+/-0.005 mm | Held with temperature-controlled machines and fine measurement. |
| Minimum hole diameter | to ~0.1 mm | Micro drills this small need slow feeds and frequent tool changes. |
| Depth-to-diameter for tiny tools | roughly 5-10x | Beyond this ratio, tiny tools deflect or snap under load. |
| Materials | metals, engineering plastics, ceramics | Most machinable materials scale down; brittle ceramics need extra care at small sizes. |

Typical starting points; a shop confirms against your part and tooling.

## Micro machining vs other processes

When another process fits better than micro machining.

| Process | Best for | Typical volume | Choose it over Micro Machining when |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| [Swiss Machining](https://openspindle.com/capabilities/swiss-machining.md) | Small slender turned parts in volume | Production | The part is a round turned part needed in higher quantities. |
| [EDM & Wire EDM](https://openspindle.com/capabilities/edm.md) | Micro features in hard metal | Prototype to production | The material is hardened or the feature needs no cutting force at all. |
| [Laser Cutting](https://openspindle.com/capabilities/laser-cutting.md) | Micro features in thin sheet and film | Prototype to production | The part is flat sheet or film rather than a 3D machined feature. |

## Industries Served

- Medical devices
- Electronics
- Aerospace & defense
- Robotics & automation
- Optics

Micro machining shops on OpenSpindle produce miniature components and fine-feature parts for demanding industries.

## Frequently Asked Questions

### What is micro machining?

Micro machining is CNC milling or turning of very small parts and micro-scale features, like sub-millimeter holes, thin walls, and fine details, using miniature tooling on machines built for high precision and rigidity at small scale.

### What is the smallest feature you can machine?

It depends on the tooling and the shop, but micro machining commonly reaches feature sizes down to a few hundredths of a millimeter. Give the shop your smallest critical feature and they will confirm what their tooling can hold.

### What materials can be micro machined?

Most machinable materials scale down to micro sizes, including metals like aluminum, stainless steel, and titanium, engineering plastics, and some ceramics. Brittle materials need extra care at very small feature sizes to avoid chipping.

### Micro machining vs Swiss machining vs micro-EDM?

Micro machining covers small-scale milled and turned features generally. Swiss machining is a specific turning process for small, slender, round parts run in volume. Micro-EDM uses spark erosion instead of cutting force, so it reaches fine features in hardened or hard-to-cut metal that a cutting tool cannot. The best fit depends on the part geometry, material, and volume.

## Other Capabilities

- [Swiss Machining](https://openspindle.com/capabilities/swiss-machining.md)
- [CNC Machining](https://openspindle.com/capabilities/cnc-machining.md)
- [EDM & Wire EDM](https://openspindle.com/capabilities/edm.md)

## Get micro machining quotes

Upload your part or print and we'll source competitive quotes from qualified manufacturing partners set up for micro machining.