5-Axis CNC Trimming for Fiberglass Part Production

When it comes to molded fiberglass parts, achieving the right shape is only part of the job. To get the finished part "to print," precise trimming is critical—and that's where Arrowhead's 5-axis CNC trimming for fiberglass comes in. From one-off prototypes to production-level composite assemblies, our in-house trimming capabilities ensure the finished part meets your specifications every time.

Arrowhead has decades of experience in fiberglass molding, and trimming is a natural extension of that expertise. We support a variety of fiberglass manufacturing processes—including hand lay-up, spray-up, resin transfer molding (RTM), RTM Lite, vacuum infusion, and compression molding. No matter how your part is made, if it needs consistent edges, mounting surfaces, or openings trimmed with repeatable accuracy, we're equipped to do it.

Why CNC Trimming Matters

Fiberglass parts are often molded slightly oversized and require secondary trimming to reach final dimensions. For basic parts, hand-trimming might work—but as soon as a part requires repeatable tolerances, complex geometry, or customer-supplied CAD models, 5-axis CNC trimming becomes essential.

At Arrowhead, all CNC operations are performed in-house by our team. That means we control the entire workflow—from CAD to cut—ensuring quick revisions, faster turnaround, and tighter alignment with your product requirements.

What We Trim

Our 5-axis CNC trimming for fiberglass supports a wide range of part types and industries, including:

• Molded fiberglass engine covers
• Dashboards and instrument panels
• Step walls and access panels
• Rear doors and interior panels for buses
• Custom fiberglass enclosures and housings
• Fiberglass components from agriculture, marine, defense, and commercial equipment sectors

Whether your part was made using hand lay-up, RTM, spray-up, or any other fiberglass molding method, our trimming process ensures a clean, consistent finish.

Advantages of 5-Axis CNC Trimming for Fiberglass

1. Consistency Across Runs

   Even slight trimming variations can affect how a part fits, mounts, or assembles. CNC trimming ensures that every part—whether it's the first or the 500th—meets the same dimensional standards.

2. Clean, Professional Edges

   Our CNC process is dialed in for clean cuts and reliable edge quality with minimal post-processing.

3. Complex Geometries, Simple Execution

   Need precise cutouts, beveled edges, or access ports in hard-to-reach areas? Since all of our CNCs are 5-axis machines, most of the time we have no problem reaching these difficult areas and trimming these challenging features —no flipping, clamping tricks, or manual guesswork required.

4. CAD-Driven Accuracy

   We work directly from your CAD files or develop tool paths based on the molded part, allowing for high-precision trimming that aligns with your design intent.

5. Reduced Lead Time and Labor

   Trimming fiberglass by hand is time-consuming and prone to variation. CNC trimming speeds up the process and reduces labor while improving quality.

From Mold to Final Trim

Because Arrowhead has over 50 years of experience molding fiberglass parts in-house using a range of processes, we also understand how to trim them correctly. Many of our production parts—like bus components, commercial equipment covers, and structural panels—move directly from the molding bay to the CNC table. This seamless workflow allows us to trim, inspect, and prepare parts for shipment without relying on external vendors.

Let's Get to the Finish Line—Together

Arrowhead's 5-axis CNC trimming capabilities are a critical part of our fiberglass manufacturing services. Whether your parts are open molded or closed molded, we're ready to help you achieve the finish, precision, and repeatability your project requires.