in the Chicago area
in the Chicago area
for Chicago hardware startups
growth (2022–2023)
Your Prototype-to-Production CNC Partner
Hardware startups in Chicago need a machining partner who moves at their speed. You upload a file today and need parts by next week. We get it. Our AI pricing engine gives you a quote the moment you upload your STEP file — no waiting on salespeople. No minimums. Parts ship in 5 to 7 days. And when you are ready to scale, we save your programs for fast re-orders.
No Minimums
Order 1 part or 1,000. We run prototype quantities without setup fees or minimum order requirements.
Instant AI Pricing
Upload your STEP file and get a price in seconds. No phone calls, no email chains, no waiting.
Scale When Ready
Programs saved for every job. When your design is validated, scaling to bridge production is seamless — same quality, faster turnaround on re-orders.
Hardware Startups Manufacturing in Chicago
Chicago's hardware startup ecosystem is anchored by mHUB — a 63,000 square foot hardtech innovation center in the West Loop with a CNC machine lab, electronics lab, and prototyping shop. Over 300 hardware startups have worked out of mHUB, building everything from medical devices to industrial IoT sensors to consumer products. mHUB's in-house accelerator provides funding and mentorship specifically for companies building physical products.
The broader Chicago ecosystem includes 1871 (one of the largest tech incubators in the US), the Polsky Center at University of Chicago, and Northwestern's Garage program. Chicago hardware startups tend to focus on industrial IoT, medical devices, and food technology — reflecting the city's strengths in manufacturing, healthcare, and food processing. Companies like Tempronics (thermoelectric devices) and SwiftConnect (access control hardware) have scaled from Chicago prototypes to production.
Chicago hardware founders value practical engineering over flash. They need machined parts that work — not just look good. We machine functional prototypes in aluminum, stainless, and engineering plastics. No minimums. Instant AI pricing. DFM feedback that catches problems before you waste a manufacturing cycle. When your design is validated and you need 200 units for your first customers, we scale up with saved programs and consistent quality.
Parts for Chicago Hardware Startups
Enclosures, brackets, chassis, and everything in between.
Enclosures & Housings
Custom aluminum enclosures, product housings, and access panels. Clean cosmetic finishes for consumer-facing products. Anodize in multiple colors available.
Anodize availableChassis & Structural Frames
Internal chassis, structural plates, and mounting frames. Aluminum 6061 and 7075. Precision-machined mounting holes and alignment features.
Al 6061 & 7075Heat Sinks & Thermal Parts
Custom heat sinks, cold plates, and thermal interface hardware. High-conductivity aluminum and copper. Thin fins, deep pockets, and tight flatness.
Copper & aluminumBrackets & Mounting Hardware
Motor mounts, sensor brackets, PCB standoffs, and cable management parts. Quick turnaround, no minimums. Great for iterating on internal layouts.
No minimumsBattery & Electronics Housings
Custom battery enclosures, PCB trays, and electronics bays. Tight tolerances for snap-fit assembly. EMI shielding pockets and ventilation slots on request.
EMI shieldingTest Fixtures & Jigs
Functional test fixtures, assembly jigs, and alignment tools for your production line. Precision dowel holes and datum surfaces. Saved for re-orders.
Programs savedChicago Hardware Startup Scene
Chicago has a growing hardware startups manufacturing sector.
Y Combinator, Techstars & HAX
Top hardware accelerators fund and mentor hundreds of hardware startups each year. Their portfolio companies need fast, reliable CNC machining partners.
Dragon Innovation & Fictiv
Manufacturing-focused platforms help startups scale from prototype to production. They connect hardware founders with qualified CNC shops like RivCut.
University Spinouts & R&D Labs
MIT, Stanford, and dozens of research universities spin out hardware companies that need machined prototypes fast. Early-stage teams iterate weekly.
VC-Backed Hardware Companies
Venture-funded startups in Chicago are building physical products across robotics, climate tech, health tech, and consumer electronics — all need precision parts.
Y Combinator, Techstars & HAX
Top hardware accelerators fund and mentor hundreds of hardware startups each...
Dragon Innovation & Fictiv
Manufacturing-focused platforms help startups scale from prototype to...
University Spinouts & R&D Labs
MIT, Stanford, and dozens of research universities spin out hardware...
VC-Backed Hardware Companies
Venture-funded startups in Chicago are building physical products across...
Built for Startup Speed
No minimums, instant pricing, and parts that ship fast. We move at your pace.
No Minimums or Setup Fees
Order 1 part or 500. We run prototypes without artificial minimums. No setup fees, no NRE charges on standard work.
Instant AI Pricing
Upload your STEP file and get a price in seconds. No phone calls, no email chains. Change your design and re-price instantly.
DFM Feedback Included
Our system flags manufacturability issues — thin walls, deep pockets, tight corners — before you commit. Saves you redesign cycles.
Scale When You Are Ready
Programs saved for every job. When your prototype is validated and you need 100 or 500 parts, we scale up without re-programming or new setup.
in Chicago We Can Serve
Need our full quality documentation before ordering? Email us — we'll send everything your team needs to evaluate.
From File to Part in 3 Steps
Simple, clear, and designed for fast-moving hardware startups teams.
Upload & Quote
Send your STEP or IGES file. Pick your material, quantity, and finish. Our AI gives you a real price right away. We also run a free DFM check and flag anything that could add cost.
We Machine & Inspect
Your parts run on our CNC mills and lathes. Every order gets CMM inspection. We check every critical feature against your drawing before anything ships.
Ship with Full Docs
Parts ship with your dimensional inspection report. Programs and fixture designs are saved — so when your design is validated and you need more, scaling up is seamless.
Find Your Exact Part Type
We machine parts for every kind of hardware startup in Chicago.
Enclosures & Chassis
product enclosures, chassis frames, battery housings
Prototypes & First Articles
functional prototypes, fit-check models, test fixtures
IoT Device Hardware
sensor housings, antenna mounts, gateway enclosures
Wearable Device Components
watch cases, sensor bezels, clasp mechanisms
Climate & Energy Hardware
heat exchanger plates, battery module frames, inverter housings
Robotics & Drone Parts
drone frames, motor mounts, gimbal arms
Questions from Chicago Hardware Startups
Hardware Startup CNC Machining in Other Cities
We serve hardware startups in cities across the US.
Upload Your Hardware CAD File
Enclosures, brackets, chassis, heat sinks — we machine them all. No minimums. Most orders ship in 5 to 7 business days. Rush available.
No minimums · Instant AI pricing · DFM included · NDA ready · Ships anywhere in the US
Currently accepting new projects
AI price estimates are usually within ±20% of final price. Complex parts may get a human review within one business day before pricing is confirmed.