- What is the standard lead time for CNC machined parts?
- Our standard lead time is typically 10-15 business days. However, we offer expedited "Rapid Prototype" services that can deliver parts in as little as 5-7 days, depending on material availability and secondary finishing requirements.
- What tolerances can your CNC machining services achieve?
- We provide a standard tolerance of ±0.005" (±0.127mm) per ISO 2768-m. For high-precision projects, we can maintain tight tolerances down to ±0.001" (±0.025mm) through controlled machining environments and CMM verification. Use our interactive ISO 2768 chart, tap drill calculator, and drill bit size chart when specifying holes and threads.
- Which materials are most cost-effective for CNC machining?
- Aluminum 6061-T6 is the most economical metal due to its excellent machinability. For plastics, Acetal (Delrin) is the best choice for a balance of cost, strength, and dimensional stability during the subtractive process.
- Do you offer 5-axis CNC machining?
- Yes. We utilize 5-axis CNC machining centers to produce complex geometries in a single setup. This reduces tolerance stack-up, eliminates expensive fixturing, and lowers the overall cost for intricate aerospace or medical components.
- Can you machine parts from a 3D CAD model without a 2D drawing?
- While we can machine directly from CAD files (STEP, IGES, Parasolid), we highly recommend a 2D technical drawing for features requiring tight tolerances, specific thread classes, or GD&T (Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing).
- What is the maximum part size you can machine?
- Our maximum machining envelope for milling is 40" x 20" x 20". For CNC turning, we can handle diameters up to 12" depending on the length and the specific lathe or mill-turn center utilized.
- Do you provide material certifications and inspection reports?
- Absolutely. We provide Material Test Reports (MTRs) and Certificate of Conformance (CoC) upon request. We also offer Full Inspection Reports and First Article Inspection (FAI) per AS9102 standards.
- What surface finishes are available for CNC parts?
- We offer a full suite of finishes, including As-Machined (Ra 125-32), Bead Blasting, Type II & III Anodizing (MIL-A-8625), Electroless Nickel Plating, Passivation, and Powder Coating.
- How can I reduce the cost of my CNC machined parts?
- To lower costs: 1) Increase internal corner radii to allow larger tools, 2) Minimize deep pockets, 3) Limit the use of tight tolerances to functional features only, and 4) Design for fewer setups (standard 3-axis).
- Do you support high-volume production runs?
- Yes. Our facility is scalable, supporting everything from single-unit prototypes to high-volume production of 10,000+ units. We utilize automated cell integration for recurring orders to ensure consistent quality and competitive pricing.