You design it.
We machine it.

What can I make with Zoo Manufacturing?

We offer quick-turn 3-axis CNC machining in aluminum for single-part designs. Parts are considered on a case-by-case basis; we may not be able to handle all parts at this time. Our services cover parts up to 12”x12”x6” with standard tolerances of +/- 0.005”, hole tapping, and standard finishing (media blasting and type II anodizing).

Before you submit

• Upload one STEP or KCL model containing the individual part you’d like manufactured.

• For threaded holes, you can attach one PDF identifying the thread specifications and locations. Its dimensions must agree with the model.

• Check that your part fits within our 12”x12”x6” work space. Deep features may limit acceptance.

• Allow for rounded internal corners. Our minimum corner radius is 1/16”. Pocket depth must not exceed 2”.

• Use drilled holes at least 1/16” (1.587 mm) in diameter with depths not greater than five times the diameter.

• Ensure cutting tools can reach the features. Inaccessible overhangs and enclosed voids cannot be machined.

What files should I upload?

Upload one main model file: STEP (.stp or .step) or a KCL (.kcl) file made in Zoo Design Studio. The file may contain only one solid body (i.e., no assemblies) and must be smaller than 30 MB. Do not model threads on your part. You can upload one PDF drawing for thread specifications and the locations of threaded holes. A PDF does not replace the model.

Can I submit an assembly or several different parts together?

No. Each STEP or KCL file must contain a single part. Assemblies are not accepted, and the submission form accepts one main model file. At this time, if you wish to submit multiple parts they must be submitted as separate jobs.

Do I need a drawing?

Include a PDF drawing if your part needs threads. All other drawing callouts, including tolerances, will be considered on a case-by-case basis and subject to upcharge and lead time increase.

What if my drawing and model disagree?

The 3D model is the primary reference for manufacturing the part and will be treated as the final design for manufacturing.

Can I submit an STL, DXF, image, or PDF by itself?

No. The main file must be STEP/STP or KCL. The optional PDF is only a reference for threading or additional callouts.

How should I prepare a KCL file that uses other files?

If your main.kcl file imports other kcl files you will need to combine all relevant portions into a single file for submission. We are currently working on the ability to submit full kcl projects provided they only have one solid body.

What machining processes do you offer?

We offer 3-axis CNC machining and more options coming soon.

How large/small can my part be?

Our maximum part size is 12x12 inches and 6 inches deep. Our minimum finished-part size is 0.5x0.5x0.5 inches cubed. Parts that use the full envelope may not be accepted if their features are too deep to machine.

What tolerance should I design for?

Our standard tolerance is ±0.005 inch (approximately ±0.13 mm). If tighter tolerances are requested, note them in attached PDFs and/or job submission notes block. Tighter tolerances are subject to upcharge and increased lead times.

Can you machine sharp inside corners?

No. Sharp internal features will be cut with an internal corner radius of 1/16”, subject to pocket depth and tool access.

How thin can walls, floors, or narrow features be?

Avoid thin walls and floors when possible, as they increase machining difficulty and lead time. We recommend a wall thickness of at least one-eighth of the overall wall height to minimize deflection, enhance repeatability, and achieve clean surface finishes. We recommend a minimum floor thickness of 1/8 inch. Thinner features require further evaluation to assess the risk of breakage and determine whether we can provide a quote.

What is the smallest hole you can drill?

We can drill holes with diameters of 1/16” (1.587 mm) and larger.

How deep can a drilled hole be?

Maximum drilling depth is usually five times the drill diameter. For example, a 1/8 inch drill usually allows a hole up to 5/8 inch deep. Tool access and the rest of the part geometry may limit the depth.

Can you add threads to my part?

Yes. We offer metric and imperial threads. Thread callouts must be included in the optional PDF drawing; without them, the part will not be threaded.

Which thread sizes are available?

We support #4-40 through 1/2 inch for imperial threads and M2 through M12 for metric threads.

Should I model the threads?

No. Do not model thread geometry. Specify the required threads and identify their locations in the PDF drawing.

What should my thread drawing include?

Identify each hole to be threaded and its thread specification.

Can you add countersinks, counterbores, or other hole features?

Yes, we can provide counterbores and countersinks.

What materials can I choose?

We currently offer aluminum (6061, 7050, 7075, 2024) and will be adding more materials soon. We recommend choosing 6061 for nearly all applications. If you have a special request, you can note it in the job submission. Your request will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

What are the types of aluminum?

• 6061 — General-purpose parts Choose this for brackets, housings, fixtures, and everyday machined parts to balance strength, cost, and corrosion resistance. It is also the best option if the parts will be later welded.

• 7050/7075 — Highly loaded, weight-conscious parts Choose this when you need more strength within a limited size or weight. 7075 suits compact, highly loaded components. 7050 is suited for retaining strength through the part. Generally a poor choice for welding.

• 2024 — Cyclically loaded parts Choose this for parts where fatigue performance and resistance to cracks are important. Needs corrosion protection and is generally unsuitable for conventional welding.

Can I supply my own material?

No, we will order and provide all stock materials needed to make your part.

What finishes are available?

We offer as-machined, media blasted, and type II anodized finishes. Anodizing will extend the lead time by 9-10 days but can be expedited for an upcharge.

What will an as-machined or media blasted part look like?

Expect witness marks from tooling and fixturing along with slight mismatches up to +/- 0.005”.

Which anodizing colors and specifications can I choose?

We offer the following type II anodizing colors: clear, black, gold, blue, teal blue, gray, and red.

Will anodizing affect the delivery time?

Yes, anodizing adds to the lead time of your part, approximately 9-10 days, with exact time to be determined at the time of quoting.

How do I get a quote?

Once your job is submitted we will review it within two (2) business days and provide you with a quote. At this time we do not offer instant or automated pricing. Quotes expire 14 days after issuing.

When do I pay, and which payment methods can I use?

When you accept the quote, you will be billed to the credit card on file in your Zoo account (the same one used to pay for your Zoo subscription). Your part is entered into the queue once you accept your quote, not at the time your quote is issued.

What is included in the quoted price?

All items (machining, finishing, shipping, and taxes) will be itemized and included in the quote.

How much is shipping?

Standard shipping is complimentary, while expedited shipping options are available for an additional fee.

Where can you ship manufactured parts?

At this time, we can only ship manufactured parts within the United States. International shipping is not currently available.

What happens after I submit my part?

Following the submission of your part, our team assesses the job against our manufacturability standards and acceptance criteria. Jobs that meet these standards will receive a formal quote. If there are manufacturability concerns regarding a part, we reserve the right to decline the submission, though we may contact you to discuss potential options. Your part is entered into the queue as soon as you approve the provided quote.

What if my part cannot be machined as submitted?

We reserve the right to reject your submission if your part cannot be machined as submitted. You can then resubmit your part for manufacturing once it meets our design for manufacturing criteria.

Can I change my model, drawing, quantity, or finish after submitting?

Yes, you can change and update your model, drawing, quantity, or finish after submitting through our web portal. Changing items will restart the quoting process and may affect the total cost and reset or extend lead times.

Can I cancel an order?

You may cancel an order up until the job has been accepted. Once the job is accepted, no refunds will be offered.

How long will my part take to make?

Standard production time is 5-7 business days, depending on the exact job requirements. Shipping time is additional and is not included in those 5-7 business days. We will provide estimated production and delivery times with your quote.

Is the estimated delivery date guaranteed?

The delivery date provided with your quote is an estimate, not a guarantee. It accounts for production time plus additional shipping time. Our manufacturing team will communicate any changes to the estimated delivery date.

How do I check the status of my job?

You can review your personal and organizational jobs at https://zoo.dev/account/manufacturing. All communication will be done via email.

Who should I contact about a file, quote, or order?

Please reach out to manufacturing@zoo.dev for follow up about a file, quote or order. Please include your order ID number.

What should I do if the finished part has a problem?

If there is an issue with the finished part please contact manufacturing@zoo.dev with images of the part and any other information to help us understand discrepancies between the design and manufactured part.

How are my uploaded designs handled?

All provided files are stored securely on our end and are subject to our standard terms and conditions provided.