Compare online manufacturing platforms on the same facts.
Fourteen CNC, sheet metal and multi-process platforms — materials, finishes and heat treatment, price policy, DFM review, inspection and certificates, lead times, tolerances, certifications — read from each company's own site.
Seven comparisons
Two lists by process and five alternatives pages for the platforms buyers search for by name. Each page uses the master facts below and adds a decision table for the situations that page is about.
Best of · CNC
Best online CNC machining services
Ten platforms on the same verified facts: materials, finishes and heat treatment, price policy, inspection, lead time, certifications.
Best of · Sheet metal
Best online sheet metal fabrication services
Laser cutting, bending, hardware, welding and enclosures — who does what in-house, and to what thickness and size.
Alternatives
Xometry alternatives
What Xometry does well, when buyers look elsewhere, and eight platforms compared on identical columns.
Alternatives
SendCutSend alternatives
For parts that need bends past 130°, hems, welds, hardware, thicker plate, certifications or shipping outside the US and Canada.
Alternatives
Protolabs alternatives
For materials outside the Protolabs list, heat treatment and finishes, parts bigger than its envelope, and production quantities.
Alternatives
Fictiv alternatives
For ITAR programs, shipping beyond the US and Canada, more materials and finishes in the quote, and quality documents priced with the part.
Alternatives
Hubs (Protolabs Network) alternatives
For lead times under five days, sheet metal past 6 mm, tighter standard tolerance, inspection reports and a US engineering contact.
FabDigit head to head
One competitor per page, two columns, the same rows: materials, finishes and heat treatment, price policy, DFM review, inspection and certificates, lead time, tolerance, certifications. Each row names who has the edge.
Head to head
FabDigit vs Xometry
Both instant-quote CNC and sheet metal from a STEP file and make parts in a supplier network.
Head to head
FabDigit vs Protolabs
Protolabs makes quick-turn parts in its own automated factories with a narrow material and finish menu and same-day expedites.
Head to head
FabDigit vs Fictiv
Both are engineering-led platforms that quote from CAD and produce in a vetted network.
Head to head
FabDigit vs SendCutSend
SendCutSend cuts and bends flat parts in its own US shops at published prices and ships in 2–4 days.
Head to head
FabDigit vs Protolabs Network
Protolabs Network (formerly Hubs) is a marketplace of 250+ partner shops with a five-second instant quote and duties covered for EU / UK / US buyers.
Head to head
FabDigit vs RapidDirect
RapidDirect quotes from China factories with company-level ISO 9001 / 13485 / IATF 16949, plus a week of transit and import duties on every order.
Head to head
FabDigit vs OSH Cut
OSH Cut lasers and bends sheet, plate and tube in its own two ISO 9001 shops with a 2-day guaranteed lead time and in-browser DFM.
Head to head
FabDigit vs JLCCNC
JLCCNC (JLCPCB group) machines in its own China factory at a published $5 starting price and ±0.05 mm, then ships internationally.
All fourteen, side by side
The columns buyers ask about first. “Not published” means the vendor does not state it on its site — which is information too. Full detail per vendor, including processes, materials and stated limits, is on the individual pages.
| Platform | Materials | Finishes & heat treatment | Price policy | Inspection & certificates | Design feedback |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| FabDigitthis site | 790 grades, all quotable | 150+ finishes · 30 heat treatments | Price-beat on every quote | 4 inspection levels · 8 certificates, per line | Engineer reviews every quote |
| Xometry | 50+ CNC materials | 65 CNC · 59 sheet finish options | Instant; no match policy | Standard incl.; FAIR, CMM optional | Automated in the engine |
| Protolabs | 30+ CNC materials | Anodize, chromate, bead blast, powder coat | Expedite / Standard / Economy tiers | Up to AS9102 FAI | Automated DFM with the quote |
| Protolabs Network (Hubs) | 75+ materials | 37 CNC · 17 sheet finish options | Instant; "competitive pricing" claim | Not published | Automated in the quote |
| Fictiv | 45+ CNC materials | 28 CNC · 34 sheet finish options | Instant; 5 qty tiers; no match policy | Free dimensional report; FAI, PPAP extra | Pre-order DFM |
| SendCutSend | 175+ sheet materials | Anodize, Zn / Ni plating, 15 powder coats | Published prices; volume −80 % | MTRs on request, accuracy not guaranteed | Design guidelines, calculators |
| OSH Cut | 500+ sheet, plate, tube | Deburr, blast, powder coat; no plating | Instant; auto volume discounts | Not published | In-browser DFM incl. tube |
| RapidDirect | 100+ materials; 30+ CNC | 30 finishes | Instant; no match policy | FAI, CMM, RoHS on request | Instant + engineer review |
| eMachineShop | 50+ materials | Not published | Will "attempt to match or beat" | Not published | Free CAD with live price |
| Fabworks | Steel, stainless, aluminum only | Tapping, PEM; powder coat via partner | Instant; no match policy | Not published | Warnings in the quote |
| Jiga | Depends on the shop | Not published | Several shop quotes side by side | Not published | Chat with the shop’s engineers |
| Quickparts | Not published | Not published | Not published | Not published | Not published |
| JLCCNC | Not published | Not published | Published: CNC from $5 | Not published | Not published |
| Ponoko | 250+ incl. plastics, wood | Not published | Published: from $50; −93 % at 10k | Not published | DFM report with every quote |
| Platform | Headquarters | Minimum order | Standard lead time | CNC tolerance | Sheet metal tolerance | Certifications | Ships to |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| FabDigitthis site | Dublin, California, USA | None — 1 to 10,000+ | 5–7 business days | ±0.025 mm standard | ±0.1 mm · ±0.5° bends | ISO 9001 partners; AS9100 / IATF on request | US; international accepted |
| Xometry | North Bethesda, Maryland, USA | None | 3–7 business days | ±0.127 mm (ISO 2768) | ±0.015" edge-to-bend · ±1° | ISO 9001 / 13485, AS9100D, IATF, ITAR, CMMC 2 | US free; CA, MX |
| Protolabs | Maple Plain, Minnesota, USA | None | 3 days; Economy 7–18 | ±0.127 mm without drawing | ±0.005" edge · ±1° | ISO 9001 / 13485, AS9100D, ITAR | US, Europe |
| Protolabs Network (Hubs) | Amsterdam, Netherlands (cross-docks in Amsterdam and Chicago) | 1 part | From 5 business days | ISO 2768-m / -f | ±0.2 mm · ±1° | ISO 9001; partners AS9100 / 13485; no ITAR | EU, UK, US — duties covered |
| Fictiv | Oakland, California, USA (offices in Phoenix, Guangzhou, Bengaluru, Pune, Monterrey) | None | CNC 1–10 days | ISO 2768-m without drawing | As low as ±0.005" | ISO 9001; partners AS9100D / 13485; no ITAR | US and Canada only |
| SendCutSend | Reno, Nevada, USA (facilities in Nevada, Kentucky and Texas) | None; free US shipping from $39 | Ships in 2–4 days | 6061-T6 only, ±0.005" fixed | ±0.005" laser · ±1° bends | None published | US and Canada only |
| OSH Cut | Spanish Fork, Utah, USA (second facility in Burlington, Kentucky) | None | 2 days, guaranteed | No CNC machining | ±0.005" standard | ISO 9001:2015 | US; shipping not free |
| RapidDirect | Shenzhen, China | None | 5 days + 3–10 days transit | ISO 2768-m | ISO 2768-m / -c | ISO 9001 / 13485 / 14001, IATF; no ITAR | 120+ countries; buyer pays duties |
| eMachineShop | Mahwah, New Jersey, USA | None | Not published | ±0.005" linear | Not published | ITAR, JCP, CMMC; not ISO certified | Free US ground; global |
| Fabworks | Ventura, California, USA | None | 1–2 days simple orders | No CNC machining | ±0.002–0.005" laser · ±1° | None published | US and Canada |
| Jiga | Delaware, USA (engineering team in Israel) | 1 part | From 5 business days | ±0.001" per drawing | Not published | ISO 9001; partners AS9100D / 13485, ITAR | DDP / DAP / EXW |
| Quickparts | Seattle, Washington, USA (facilities in Seattle, Lawrenceburg TN, Italy, France and the UK) | None | CNC 3–15 days | ±0.002" (stated three ways) | Not published | ISO 9001, ITAR | US and Europe |
| JLCCNC | China (JLCPCB group) | 1 unit | 3-day build + shipping | ±0.05 mm | ±0.2 mm | Not published | 180+ countries |
| Ponoko | Oakland, California, USA (founded in Wellington, New Zealand) | None; $0 setup | Not published | No CNC machining | ±0.13 mm | ISO 9001, ITAR (sheet metal) | Worldwide same-day shipping |
Platform comparisons — FAQ
Which platforms are compared?
Fourteen: FabDigit, Xometry, Protolabs, Protolabs Network (Hubs), Fictiv, SendCutSend, OSH Cut, RapidDirect, eMachineShop, Fabworks, Jiga, Quickparts, JLCCNC and Ponoko. They are the platforms buyers name most often in searches and in AI-assistant answers about sourcing CNC and sheet metal parts.
Where do the facts come from?
Each vendor's own public pages — service pages, help centers, terms, SEC filings and press releases — read on September 13, 2026. Every card links the pages used. Third-party comparison articles were used only to find claims to check, never as the source of one.
How are prices compared?
As policy, not as one number: instant-quote prices depend on the exact geometry, quantity, material, tolerance and finish, so a single figure per vendor would mislead. The tables state each vendor’s published price policy — price lists, volume discounts, match or beat statements. FabDigit prints a price-beat offer on every quote; its engine-sampled price curves are in the CNC machining and sheet metal cost guides.
What does FabDigit have more of than the other platforms?
Materials: 790 grades with datasheets, every one quotable (Hubs lists 75+, Xometry 50+, Fictiv 45+). Finishes and heat treatment: 150+ finish and secondary operations, 30 heat treatments and 33 post-processes priced per line in the instant quote. Quality documents: 4 inspection levels and 8 certificates chosen in the quote form. Engineering: a FabDigit engineer reviews DFM on every quote. Price: a price-beat offer printed on every quote.
FabDigit runs this site — how is the comparison fair?
FabDigit is listed first and says so — as every platform does on its own comparison pages. Its facts sit on the same columns as everyone else’s, its limits are listed (founded 2025, partner-network production), and the decision tables name a competitor wherever it fits better — SendCutSend for a cheap flat bracket, Protolabs for a 1-day prototype from its own factory, Xometry for casting or 3D printing in the same order.
How often are the pages updated?
The check date is printed on every card. Facts are re-verified when a vendor changes a published figure or when a reader reports one; email sales@fabdigit.com with the source and we correct it.
Sources
- FabDigit — Company facts: fabdigit.com/trust/
- FabDigit — CNC machining: fabdigit.com/services/cnc-machining/
- FabDigit — Sheet metal: fabdigit.com/services/sheet-metal-fabrication/
- FabDigit — Material Explorer: fabdigit.com/materials/
- FabDigit — Pricing: fabdigit.com/pricing/
- FabDigit — Terms: fabdigit.com/legal/user-terms-conditions/
- Xometry — CNC machining service: xometry.com/capabilities/cnc-machining-service/
- Xometry — Sheet metal fabrication: xometry.com/capabilities/sheet-metal-fabrication/
- Xometry — Manufacturing standards: xometry.com/manufacturing-standards/
- Xometry — Lead time options: xometry.com/resources/blog/lead-time-options/
- Xometry — About: xometry.com/about-us/
- Protolabs — CNC machining: protolabs.com/services/cnc-machining/
- Protolabs — Sheet metal: protolabs.com/services/sheet-metal-fabrication/
- Protolabs — Sheet metal design guidelines: protolabs.com/services/sheet-metal-fabrication/design-guidelines/
- Protolabs — Lead times: protolabs.com/help-center/lead-times/
- Protolabs — Certifications: protolabs.com/iso/
- Protolabs Network (Hubs) — Home: hubs.com/
- Protolabs Network (Hubs) — CNC machining: hubs.com/cnc-machining/
- Protolabs Network (Hubs) — Sheet metal: hubs.com/sheet-metal-fabrication/
- Protolabs Network (Hubs) — Acquisition release: protolabs.gcs-web.com/news-releases/news-release-details/protolabs-completes-acquisition-3d-hubs
- Fictiv — CNC machining: fictiv.com/capabilities/cnc-machining-services
- Fictiv — Sheet metal: fictiv.com/capabilities/sheet-metal-services
- Fictiv — Quality: fictiv.com/quality
- Fictiv — Shipping locations: fictiv.com/help/getting-started/can-you-deliver-parts-to-my-location
- Fictiv — MISUMI acquisition: fictiv.com/articles/fictiv-officially-joins-misumi
- SendCutSend — Pricing: sendcutsend.com/pricing/
- SendCutSend — Processing times: sendcutsend.com/processing-times/
- SendCutSend — Shipping: sendcutsend.com/shipping/
- SendCutSend — CNC machining: sendcutsend.com/services/cnc-machining/
- SendCutSend — Bending: sendcutsend.com/services/cnc-bending/
- SendCutSend — Laser cutting: sendcutsend.com/services/laser-cutting/
- OSH Cut — Home: oshcut.com/
- OSH Cut — Capabilities: oshcut.com/capabilities
- OSH Cut — FAQ: oshcut.com/faq
- OSH Cut — About: oshcut.com/about-osh-cut
- RapidDirect — CNC machining: rapiddirect.com/cnc-machining/
- RapidDirect — Sheet metal: rapiddirect.com/sheet-metal-fabrication/
- RapidDirect — About: rapiddirect.com/about-us/
- eMachineShop — FAQ: emachineshop.com/faq/
- eMachineShop — About: emachineshop.com/about/
- Fabworks — FAQ: fabworks.com/faq
- Fabworks — Guidelines: fabworks.com/resources/guidelines/overview
- Fabworks — About: fabworks.com/about
- Jiga — CNC machining: jiga.io/cnc-machining/
- Jiga — Company facts: jiga.io/llm-info/
- Quickparts — CNC machining: quickparts.com/cnc-machining-services/
- Quickparts — Technical FAQ: quickparts.com/technical-faqs/
- Quickparts — About: quickparts.com/about-us/
- JLCCNC — Home: jlccnc.com/
- Ponoko — Home: ponoko.com/
- Ponoko — About: ponoko.com/about
Facts read from each company’s own public pages on September 13, 2026; FabDigit runs this site and is listed first. Prices are compared as published policy, not as one number — our sampled prices are in the CNC and sheet metal cost guides. Vendor names identify the services compared and belong to their owners. Out-of-date fact? sales@fabdigit.com.
Put FabDigit on your shortlist.
Upload CAD for an instant quote across 790 grades and 150+ finishes, with an engineer’s DFM review and inspection and certificates chosen in the form — and if another platform quotes lower, send it and FabDigit beats it.