From 3D Scanning to CNC Machining

From Ultra-Precise 3D Scanning to CNC Machining: How We Actually Build Parts

After thirteen years in this industry, you learn one thing very quickly: the real risk in any project isn’t the idea—it’s the gap between the idea and a finished, usable part. That’s where timelines slip, costs grow, and “should work” turns into “doesn’t fit.”

At NP Parts and Engineering, we see every kind of starting point. Sometimes it’s a rough sketch. Sometimes it’s a broken component with no documentation—no CAD, no drawing, nothing to reference. And sometimes it’s a well-prepared engineer with a clear specification and zero tolerance for shortcuts. We’re used to all of it.

Step One: Start With the Scan (And the Environment)

3D scanning still surprises people—not because it’s new, but because of the level of accuracy we work with. When a part comes in for scanning, we’re often dealing with tolerances down to hundredths of a millimeter.

However, we go beyond just scanning the object itself. You can also scan the environment where the part will work. This allows for a great understanding of the boundaries of the design and physical obstacles. Whether it’s a tight engine bay or a complex industrial assembly, seeing the surrounding “obstacles” in a digital space ensures the part fits perfectly the first time.

Step Two: CAD Hours & The “Test Fit”

Once we have the data, the real engineering begins. Next is CAD hours. This is the deep work phase: designing, adjusting, 3D printing, and test fitting.

We are firm believers that a prototype is not optional. By 3D printing a version of the design first, we can physically test the fitment in the real-world environment we scanned earlier. This identifies assembly stack-ups, vibration issues, or tool access problems before we ever touch a piece of metal.

Step Three: TURN Data Into Tool Paths

After the design is perfected and the test fit is 100% successful, we move to the machines. This is where we TURN data into tool paths. Turning a digital model into a physical part requires more than just pushing a button. Our CNC capability has grown significantly because we are constantly investing in tools and new machines. But the hardware is only half the story—the rest is experience. After 13 years, we have developed a “feel” for how materials respond, allowing us to achieve complex geometries and surface finishes that meet the strictest requirements.

Not Just Automotive—Not Even Close

While precision CNC work is often associated with automotive custom components, our work goes well beyond that. We provide solutions for:

• Industrial Machinery: Components for production lines that can’t afford downtime.
• Agricultural Equipment: Parts where tolerances are tighter than most people expect.
• Defense & Tech: High-stakes applications where errors aren’t tolerated.
• Prototyping: For any industry that needs a precision-machined part in aluminum or stainless steel.

Custom Doesn’t Have to Mean Complicated

Because the entire process is handled in-house—scanning, CAD, prototyping, and CNC machining—there’s less back-and-forth and fewer points where information gets lost.

Whether you are based in Lithuania or anywhere else in the world, our workflow adapts to what the project actually needs. We aren’t just a high-volume shop; we are built to deliver precision at the quantity that makes sense for the job.

FAQ

1. Where are you located and do you ship internationally? While our facility is based in Lithuania, we serve clients globally. Thanks to digital 3D scanning and precise CAD data, we can collaborate with engineers and companies anywhere in the world and ship finished parts internationally.

2. Can you replicate a part that is no longer in production? Yes. By scanning the original (even if it’s broken) and scanning the environment it sits in, we can recreate the part and often improve the design to ensure it lasts longer than the original.

3. What is the benefit of “CAD hours” if I already have a drawing? Drawings are great, but our CAD hours are spent verifying that the design is “machine-friendly” and optimized for the specific material. We look for potential failure points and adjust the model to ensure the highest quality finish during the CNC process.

Have a project that requires precision? Whether it’s a one-off prototype or a production run, we’d be happy to talk through what’s possible.