Finding a precision machine shop that promises high-quality parts on time and for the right price is one thing. But whether or not that shop has what it takes to deliver on that promise is a whole different story.
So, how can you pinpoint a superior precision machining partner in a sea of “good enough” shops? It starts with understanding what happens behind shop doors.
How to Choose the Right Precision Machining Partner
Before working with a precision machine shop, be sure to ask them about these critical aspects of their business:
1. Equipment and capabilities
You’ll need to determine if the shop’s equipment and capabilities are the right fit for your parts.
If you have a complex part and the shop primarily uses old machines, they probably can’t achieve the level of precision you need.
If you have a simple part and the shop only uses high-tech equipment, you’ll likely end up spending more than necessary.
Inspection equipment is also a crucial consideration. The shop may be able to machine a part, but can they inspect it to ensure that it meets all requirements? For extremely precise parts, they’ll need a coordinate measuring machine (CMM) on hand.
Precision machine shops use the rule of 10 when it comes to quality, which dictates that the equipment used to inspect a feature must be 10x more accurate than the feature it’s checking. That means if you have a feature that’s 0.002”, the inspection must be accurate to .0002”, and only a CMM will be able to get that job done right.
2. Capacity and lead time
Capacity and lead time are two important factors to consider in relation to one another. A precision machine shop might promise a 2-week lead time on their website, but lead times are measured from the date a project kicks off. If the shop’s capacity is low or nonexistent, they may not be able to get started on the project for another month—suddenly, a “2-week lead time” becomes more like 6 weeks.
Keep in mind that a shop with limited capacity at a given time could still be an excellent precision machining partner. Low capacity often indicates that a shop is in high demand because they’re great at what they do. If you’re confident that a particular shop is the best fit for your project, it’s worth having a conversation about what they can do for you. A high-end shop will help you solve your manufacturing problems and deliver significant value.
At Focused on Machining, we’re always honest and transparent with prospective customers about our current capacity. If we can’t turn your project around quickly enough ourselves, we’re happy to facilitate a solution that will get the job done on your timeline.
3. Types of parts they make
Ask a precision machine shop which industries they primarily work with to better understand the types of parts they typically make.
If they’re a top-line aerospace machine shop, for example, you can expect them to machine parts with tight tolerances, have an extensive network of finishers, and price projects on the higher end to reflect the exceptional level of service they provide.
If a shop is more of a jack of all trades, their prices may be more competitive, but as generalists, they’re probably not the best choice for parts with tolerances tighter than 0.005”.
4. Certifications
Most precision machine shops list certifications on their website, but you’ll want to see the actual certificates. Some shops claim to be AS9100 compliant, but that doesn’t mean they’re officially certified.
Even if they can prove that they’re certified, not all AS9100 machine shops are created equal. Ask the shop to see their ERP system and tell you how they purchase material. A superior precision machine shop will be able to put any prospective customer at ease by demonstrating that they have rock-solid processes in place.
Other certifications you may want to ask about include ISO 9001:2015, ITAR, and even calibration certificates for equipment.
5. Tech stack
Many precision machine shops have gone fully digital, which means customers don't have to worry about paperwork with sensitive information being strewn everywhere. But with that transition to paperless documentation comes security risks.
How robust is the shop’s cybersecurity? Do they work with an IT company? Are they CMMC certified? The right precision machining partner will have taken careful steps to ensure customer data is protected at all times.
If the shop runs 24/7, you’ll also want assurances that they have monitoring and oversight processes in place on the floor.
A trick for weeding out shops during the beginning stages of your assessment is to visit their website for cues on how sophisticated they are. Do they have a professional email address? Is their website easy to navigate? Do they have a secure quoting form? These are all green flags for taking the next step.
6. Long-term business plans
When looking for a long-term precision machining partner, it’s crucial to find a shop that can grow with you.
Conversations about succession plans and visions for the future can feel uncomfortable, but precision machine shop owners are accustomed to having them. More importantly, customers deserve to know if the shop they’re planning to work with will be around for the long haul.
If you need a precision machining partner, we hope you’ll consider Focused on Machining. We’re ready and willing to answer any questions you have about our equipment and capabilities, capacity and lead time, industry expertise, certifications, tech stack, and long-term business plans. Contact us today to speak with us directly, or go ahead and request a quote.