CNC machining FAQ: the questions we get most

Yes. If the drawing is dimensioned and legible, our design department builds the 3D model and programs from there, with no additional modeling charge on most parts.

We tell you before quoting. A tight tolerance that adds no function raises the price for no reason; we would rather propose the change and let you decide.

It depends on material, size and geometry: a long aluminum plate moves more than a short stainless bushing. We review your print and tell you what we can hold repeatably before committing to a date.

Yes, on critical characteristics. We state the impact on time and cost in the quote so you can choose between sampling and full inspection.

Yes. We tear it down, measure clearances and wear, resharpen what is recoverable and manufacture only the elements that no longer meet spec.

It depends on the steel and the application. We define hardening and tempering by the material being cut and the expected volume, and the written specification ships with the tooling.

That is how most of our fixtures start. With a sketch and the part it will hold, our design department proposes the complete device and you approve before we build.

Yes, and it is almost always cheaper than building a new one. We analyze what can be kept and change only locators and clamping.

On most projects that end in manufacturing, design is folded into the part cost. If you only need the model and the print, we quote it separately and the files are yours to keep.

You do. The model and drawing of a part designed for you are handed over and never reused with third parties.

Yes. We use TIG with the right filler and shielding gas, back-purging when the application calls for it, and we passivate the heat-affected zone so the stainless keeps its corrosion resistance.

That is exactly what separates this from a general fab job. We weld, relieve stress and then machine the critical faces for real flatness and position.

It depends on diameter, wear and geometry. A carbide end mill usually takes several resharpenings before losing usable length; we inspect it and tell you whether sharpening is worthwhile or it is time to replace it.

Yes, we sharpen tooling of any origin and brand as long as the geometry is recoverable.

It does, which is why it is accounted for at the machining stage. Hard anodizing and nickel add thickness; we leave the planned allowance so the part measures correctly once finished, not before.

We state it in the quote, because it depends on the process. Generally hardening does not move the date and external coatings add two to four business days.

In practice, no: the laser marks the surface without removing meaningful material. Even so, we avoid marking in stress-concentration zones and suggest a safe location if the print does not specify one.

Yes. We accept finished parts for marking, including anodized or painted ones.

Yes, with current, traceable calibration. The instrument record appears on every report we issue.

Yes. We do it often when a plant and a supplier disagree and an independent written disposition is needed.