What materials can you CNC machine for aerospace applications?
We machine all major aerospace-grade materials including Aluminum 7075-T6 and 6061-T6, Titanium Ti-6Al-4V (Grade 5), Inconel 718 and 625, Stainless Steel 17-4PH and 15-5PH, and engineering plastics like PEEK and Ultem. Each material requires specialized tooling, speeds, and coolant strategies that our team has refined over years of aerospace production.
What tolerances can you hold on aerospace CNC machined parts?
Our standard aerospace machining tolerance is ±0.01mm (±0.0004 in). For critical features, we routinely hold ±0.005mm (±0.0002 in). All dimensions are verified on CMM (Coordinate Measuring Machine) equipment with full inspection reports provided for every shipment.
Do you have AS9100 certification?
We operate our aerospace machining division under a quality management system aligned with AS9100D requirements. Our processes include full material traceability, first article inspection (FAI) per AS9102, in-process inspection checkpoints, and CMM final verification. We provide complete documentation packages including material certificates, inspection reports, and certificates of conformance.
What is your typical lead time for aerospace CNC machining?
Prototypes and small batches (1-10 pieces) typically ship in 7-12 business days. Production runs of 50-500+ parts are usually completed in 15-25 business days depending on complexity. We offer expedited services for AOG (Aircraft on Ground) situations with lead times as short as 3-5 business days.
Can you machine complex 5-axis aerospace geometries?
Yes. Our 5-axis CNC machining centers handle complex contoured surfaces, undercuts, and multi-angle features in a single setup. This is critical for aerospace components like turbine blades, structural brackets, and airframe fittings where geometric complexity and tight tolerances must be maintained simultaneously.
What surface finishes are available for aerospace parts?
We offer surface finishes from Ra 0.4μm (as-machined precision) to Ra 0.1μm (mirror polish). Additional finishing options include hard anodizing (MIL-A-8625 Type III), chemical film (MIL-DTL-5541 Class 1A), passivation (ASTM A967), nickel plating, and bead blasting. All finishes can be certified to the relevant aerospace specifications.
What is your minimum order quantity for aerospace parts?
There is no minimum order quantity. We handle everything from single prototype parts to production runs of thousands. Many aerospace customers start with 1-5 prototype pieces for qualification testing, then scale to regular production orders of 50-500+ pieces per batch.
How do you ensure traceability for aerospace CNC machined parts?
Every aerospace part we produce has full material traceability from raw stock to finished component. This includes mill test certificates for all raw materials, lot tracking through every machining and finishing operation, serialized part marking (laser engraving or vibro-etching), CMM inspection data linked to serial numbers, and a complete documentation package with Certificate of Conformance.
Do you offer DFM review for aerospace parts?
Yes. Every aerospace RFQ includes a free DFM (Design for Manufacturability) review. Our engineers analyze your CAD model for potential machining challenges, suggest design modifications that can reduce cost without compromising function, recommend optimal material grades, and identify features that may require special tooling or secondary operations. This review typically saves customers 10-25% on part cost.
Can you combine CNC machining with metal 3D printing for aerospace parts?
Yes — this is one of our core strengths. We use metal 3D printing (SLM/DMLS) to produce near-net-shape aerospace blanks with complex internal features like cooling channels or lattice structures, then CNC machine critical surfaces to final tolerance. This hybrid approach reduces material waste by up to 80% on expensive alloys like titanium and inconel while achieving full aerospace dimensional requirements.
