Frequently Asked Questions

Q: WHAT KIND OF PARTS CAN YOU MAKE?

A: We can make all kinds of parts! Things like a copper or aluminum heatsinks, custom steel bolts, water tight hobby radio receiver boxes, automotive throttle bodies, custom modifications and redesigns of existing parts and assemblies, and so on.

Q: HOW MUCH WILL IT COST?

A: This is a difficult question to answer. There are a lot of things that can affect a given project’s price point. Quoted price can depend on the amount of design work needed, what type of material is required, how long a job will take to prepare and set up, time for the machine to actually cut the part, and of course how many parts you need. Post-production inspection and any other post-processing that you require such as anodizing can always play in as well.  Your best bet is to get in contact with us and discuss the details of your project. We price every job as reasonably as possible and we strive to keep our rates incredibly competitive.

Q: HOW DO I PLACE AN ORDER?

A: Send us an email! Once we get all the details worked out for your project, you will receive a job quote from us with a lead time.

Q: I HAVE AN IDEA, WHAT’S THE NEXT STEP?

A: If you know what the next step is, contact us! If you aren’t sure, ask us! Maybe you have a drawing and a CAD file ready to be machined or maybe you just have a pencil drawing on a napkin with a few rough dimensions. Either way, we’re here to go through the next step with you. Even if we can’t help you through the next step, we can always point you in the right direction.

Q: HOW QUICKLY CAN PARTS BE MADE?

A: This will be highly dependent on the material used, the amount of parts that you need and how complex your parts are. Generally, parts take anywhere from three to six weeks.  However, with simple parts and low quantities, it is not uncommon for us to complete parts and ship them to you the same week that you order them.

Q: HOW DO I KNOW WHAT MATERIAL TO MAKE MY PARTS OUT OF?

A: We are a great resource for figuring out which material is going to be the best option for your project. We can help you decide what will give you best balance of price, performance, and manufacturability.

Q: THERE’S A MACHINE SHOP IN MY HOMETOWN WHERE I WANT TO GET PARTS MADE, BUT UNLESS I HAVE A DRAWING AND CAD MODEL THEY WON’T HARDLY LET ME IN THE DOOR. WHAT DO I DO?

A: We can make a CAD model and a drawing for you! We won’t be hurt if you have someone else manufacture it.

Q: CNC MACHINING MEANS THAT ALL OF THE WORK IS DONE BY THE COMPUTER SOFTWARE AND MACHINE, RIGHT?

A: Not quite. Trained and experienced programmers, operators, and quality inspectors are still vital requirements throughout the entire process. Just as a photographer can spend a great deal of time on photo editing software to get things just right, a good programmer will need to understand how to properly employ his CAM software and the available CAD model to manufacture your part in the most efficient manner. This will ensure that it looks good and meets specifications when finished. Prior to and during machining, an operator needs to know how to set up his machine properly to make your part and how to analyze the code to verify and anticipate correct machine operation. The operator also needs to be able to inspect your part’s features and finish throughout the manufacture process to ensure that the machine and program are all doing what they should be. After manufacture, the quality inspector must know how to use an array of precise measuring instruments to accurately verify dimensions and feature forms on your part.