Factors to Consider When Selecting a Precision Machining Company

Nov 29, 2021

A CNC routing machine working on a cylindrical piece of metal.

For manufacturers in industries ranging from aerospace and defense to medical technology and specialty electronics, partnering with the right precision machining company is one of the keys to success. After all, without reliable, on-time delivery of economical and high-quality components, remaining competitive in a global marketplace becomes impossible. There are a variety of factors to consider when choosing a precision machining partner with which you can hope to forge a long-term relationship. Key criteria include:

A Focus on Your Industry

CNC machined parts are used in the manufacturing process for a wide array of industries. Many precision machining companies specialize in producing certain types of parts. Some companies may claim to be able to serve you; however, if they don’t have experience producing parts for your application, they likely aren’t the best fit. Everything from the prototyping process and machining quality to the on-time delivery rate is likely to be better with a company that is experienced serving your industry.

Machining Customization

Whether for metal stamping, CNC machined parts, or any other precision manufacturing process, the best companies customize each machining process to maximize efficiency and reduce costs while ensuring the best-quality product possible. The early prototyping and engineering specifications stages will heavily impact the overall value you can expect to receive, so choosing a company that has robust Design for Manufacturing (DFM) processes in place is a must.

Machining Capabilities

Of course, the company you choose should have the capability to produce the parts required. However, they should also be able to do so with industry-leading efficiency. Look for companies that can produce a high volume of components with complex geometries using advanced techniques and technologies, such as thin-wall machining and 5-axis machining.

Quality Control

When it comes to precision machined parts, quality is of the utmost importance. The company you choose should not only emphasize precision and quality, but also be able to clearly outline their quality control process. The best companies utilize advanced software solutions to provide robust process management and documentation. You can also look to a company’s certifications to gauge quality. For example, specific ISO certifications are a good indicator that a company has strong quality management in place.

On-Time Delivery

Consistent delays in parts delivery will take a toll on the efficiency of your operations and negatively impact your bottom line. The best way to determine if a precision manufacturing company can be relied on to deliver quality products on time is to evaluate its record. The company you choose should have documentation available that clearly shows its track record.

Compliance

There are many regulatory considerations that precision machining and fabrication companies must account for. One important example is the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR). If your company is involved with the manufacture, sale, or distribution of products or technical data on the United States Munitions List (USML), you as well as any contractors you work with will need to be ITAR compliant.

Find The Perfect Precision Machining Company in Demmer Manufacturing’s Portfolio

At Demmer Manufacturing, we are among the most reputable precision machining portfolio companies with trusted affiliates serving the aerospace, automotive, defense, medical, and specialty electronics industries. By continuously investing in our affiliates’ technology and strategic infrastructure, we ensure they are ideally positioned to help our clients remain competitive in a global marketplace. Visit our portfolio page to learn more about what our precision machining companies can do for you.