Rush CNC machining is often possible when material is available, the drawing is complete, and the shop has machine capacity it can reassign. The factors that cannot be rushed are mill lead times for special alloys and fixed outside processing cycles, so the earlier a shop hears about the deadline, the more options it has.
Buyers look for rush CNC machining when a line is down, a prototype review is fixed, or a customer delivery date has moved. This page explains what a shop can accelerate, what it cannot, and how to give a rush job a realistic chance of shipping on time.
Rush CNC machining: what can and cannot be accelerated
| Step | Can it be expedited? | How |
|---|---|---|
| Quoting | Yes | Complete package, direct phone contact |
| Material, common grades | Usually | Distributor next-day delivery or shop stock |
| Material, special alloys | Rarely | Alternate approved grade or size, if the engineer allows |
| Programming and setup | Yes | Prioritized in the queue, STEP model provided |
| Machining | Yes | Schedule changes, second shift, extended run time |
| Outside processing | Sometimes | Processor expedite service, often at a premium |
| Inspection and documentation | Partially | Critical dimensions first, full report to follow if agreed |
| Shipping | Yes | Next-day air or dedicated freight |
How Wexmar handles rush orders
Wexmar operates a second shift, which adds hours to the day without adding calendar days. Our four Maier Swiss machines can run lights-out, so small turned parts can run overnight. Turning, horizontal milling, Swiss, and inspection are all on one floor in Canastota, New York, so a rush part does not wait in transit between suppliers. Equipment details are on our machine list.
A human estimator reviews every rush request and gives a delivery date based on the actual schedule and material availability. We do not quote a date that depends on a mill lead time we cannot control. If a date is not realistic, we say so and explain what would change it, such as an alternate material or a split shipment.
What a rush order usually costs
Rush pricing reflects the schedule disruption and overtime, plus any expedite fees from material suppliers and outside processors. Typical expedite premiums in the industry range from modest surcharges to a significant percentage of the base price, depending on how much work is displaced. The quote should show the premium clearly so you can weigh it against the cost of downtime.
How to get rush CNC machining to ship on time
- Call first. A phone call to (315) 400-2654 starts the schedule review while files are uploading.
- Send a complete package. PDF drawing, STEP model, material, quantity, finish, and need date.
- Name the true deadline. The date the part must be in hand, and where.
- Approve substitutes in advance. If an alternate alloy or bar size is acceptable, say so.
- Drop non-essential finishes. A bare part can ship days sooner than a plated one.
- Split the order. Ship the first few parts early and the balance on a standard schedule.
- Be available. Questions answered in minutes keep the job moving.
Materials and rush jobs
Common grades such as 6061 and 7075 aluminum, 1018, 1045, 4140 and 12L14 steel, 303, 304 and 316 stainless, and brass are generally available on short notice from distributors. Titanium in some sizes, Inconel, Hastelloy, and material requiring DFARS-compliant sourcing can take longer. Our materials page lists what we machine. If your part is in a specialty alloy and the date is tight, ask the design authority whether a substitute is permitted before the RFQ.
Rush orders with documentation
Rush parts can still ship with material certs and inspection reports. When a full first article report would delay shipment, agree in advance which dimensions are verified before shipment and whether the full report follows. Parts are inspected under an ISO 9001:2015-aligned quality system.
Preventing the next rush
Many rush orders are replacement parts for equipment that has no spare on the shelf. Once the emergency is over, consider ordering a small stock of critical spares at standard lead time and price. The program and setup from the rush job are already saved, so a follow-up order is usually straightforward to quote and schedule.
Rush RFQ checklist
- Phone call placed to confirm capacity
- Complete drawing and model sent
- Deadline and delivery location stated
- Material substitutes and finish options identified
- Documentation requirements agreed
- Technical contact available
Getting a quote
For an urgent part, call (315) 400-2654 and upload a drawing for an instant estimate at the same time. A Wexmar estimator confirms price and delivery before the quote is firm. Hours are Monday through Friday, 7 to 4 Eastern.