Virtual designs into physical objects/Mail order machining

Small-scale engineering firms that will make custom items to order have always been around, often specialising certain materials and techniques, and a company called eMachineShop takes custom fabrication a step further in terms of ease of use for the individual. The US-based company supplies a free CAD software package that enables you to design a piece which it then checks to see if it is possible to create bearing in mind the machining processes available.

It calculates the price when the design process is finished, then the order is sent electronically and when the parts have been made up they are shipped by post (internationally if required). They say they can handle part quantities from one offs to runs up to a million.