When customers need parts with ports in them, such as fuel manifolds or hydraulic fixturing, it’s not uncommon for them to request quotes from 50 shops and receive only 5-10 quotes in return. 

Ports are challenging to machine, which deters many precision machine shops from taking them on. But not us. 

At Focused on Machining, we specialize in challenging manufacturing projects and are always up for machining port parts. 

Understanding the Function of a Port 

A port is a mechanical sealing surface commonly found in aerospace parts, like fuel manifolds and hydraulic fixturing. Depending on the application, fuel or hydraulic lines with fittings screw into the port, allowing fluid to pump in and out. Ports are popular in manifolds where fluid enters into one area and is diverted in many directions. 

Unlike rubber gaskets—which are vulnerable to failure in high-pressure applications—ports ensure a tight metal-to-metal seal that holds up to even the most extreme pressure. For a port to function effectively, the mating surface must be completely flat, with no imperfections. 

Challenges of Machining Ports 

There are several reasons why precision machine shops no-quote port parts. Here’s what makes ports so challenging to machine: 

1. Custom tooling 

Some shops will attempt to create a port’s geometry using a few different tools and precision machining operations. However, the optimal approach is to use a custom tool that produces all the geometry in one shot. 

While this custom tooling is readily available, there’s a learning curve to using it successfully. At Focused on Machining, we’ve put in the work to master it. 

2. One shot to get it right

Using all-in-one tooling to create a port means there’s just one chance to get it right. It’s only possible to enter the hole once with the tooling, and if we’re not successful the first time, we have to scrap the part. 

Fortunately, our team at Focused on Machining is skilled and experienced enough that we rarely scrap port parts. In fact, we’re so confident in our abilities that we machine the part first and then create the ports afterward—we know we won’t make any mistakes. 

3. Exacting standards 

When customers provide prints for port parts, their prints will dictate that the port needs to meet specific AS standards. 

The precision machine shop then needs to order the required standard document to determine the specifications for dimensions, tight tolerances, and inspection equipment. The document will even call out the exact custom tooling needed for the port. 

Specifications will also dictate that a witness mark must be present. A witness mark is a visual indicator that the port is deep enough and that all geometry has been generated to the appropriate depths. 

Many shops are deterred by these exacting standards, but at Focused on Machining, we’re an AS9100 machine shop already accustomed to meeting stringent aerospace requirements. 

4. Big investment 

Due to each of these factors, machining a new port part can be a considerable investment for a precision machine shop—in terms of both the cost and the expertise required to machine port parts successfully. 

We have several customers who technically have the capabilities to make port parts in-house but choose to send them to us instead. 

We Don’t Just Specialize in Port Parts—We Enjoy Making Them! 

At Focused on Machining, we enjoy the challenge of machining complex parts and find it immensely satisfying to take on the work that other shops no-quote. 

If we had the option to make a simple bracket or a challenging port part, we would choose the port part every time. Why? Because cracking the code on various precision machining challenges keeps our skills sharp and ensures that we’re continuously improving for our customers. 

We have the precision machining expertise and the operational excellence to maintain our standard (fast!) lead times while guaranteeing top-notch port parts. Request a quote for your next fuel manifold or hydraulic fixturing, and let us be your go-to shop for these parts.