Frequently Asked Questions

Quoting & Getting Started

How do I request a quote?

Use the quote form on our homepage. Fill in your name, email, and a description of your project. You can attach drawings, STEP files, photos, or any reference files directly in the form — multiple files are accepted. We'll respond within 24 hours on business days.

What file formats do you accept?

We work with most standard engineering formats:

• 3D CAD: STEP (.stp, .step), IGES (.igs, .iges), STL
• 2D drawings: DXF, DWG, PDF
• Images: JPG, PNG (for reference photos or sketches)

No drawing yet? No problem — describe your part in writing and we'll work through the details together.

How long does a quote take?

We respond to every quote request within 24 hours on business days (Monday–Friday, 8am–6pm CT). Complex projects may require a follow-up call or additional questions before we finalize numbers.

Is there a minimum order quantity?

No. We work on single prototypes as well as recurring small batches. There is no minimum order quantity — if you need one part, we'll quote one part.

Do you offer design-for-manufacturability (DFM) feedback?

Yes. If we see an opportunity to reduce cost, improve tolerance stack-up, or simplify a feature without affecting function, we'll flag it in the quote. You're never obligated to change anything — it's just part of how we work.

Materials

What materials do you specialize in?

Our core specialties are:

• Titanium (Grade 2, Grade 5 / Ti-6Al-4V)
• Aluminum 6061-T6
• Aluminum 7075-T6
• Engineered alloys — stainless steel, tool steel, brass, copper, and others on request

Can you source the material, or do I need to supply it?

We source and verify all material in-house by default. If you have a specific certified material requirement (e.g., aerospace lot traceability), let us know in your quote request and we'll accommodate it. Customer-supplied material is also accepted.

Machining & Tolerances

What tolerances can you hold?

Our standard tolerances are ±0.005" on most features. For critical fits and precision applications, we routinely hold ±0.0005". Specify your tolerances on the drawing and we'll confirm capability in the quote.

What type of machining do you do?

We specialize in 3-axis CNC vertical milling for prismatic parts, complex geometries, housings, brackets, plates, and custom components. We also offer 3D scanning and reverse engineering for legacy or worn parts.

Do you do turning / lathe work?

Cylindrical features are available as part of a milling operation for many parts. For dedicated turning operations, contact us to discuss your specific part and we'll let you know if it's within scope or refer you to a trusted partner.

Finishing & Coatings

What finishing options are available?

We coordinate a full range of finishing services:

• Anodizing (Type II and Type III / hardcoat)
• Passivation (for stainless steel)
• Bead blast
• Polish / brushed finish
• Laser marking / engraving

Parts are delivered finished and ready to install — no extra coordination needed on your end.

Lead Time & Delivery

What are your typical lead times?

Lead times depend on complexity, quantity, and current shop load. As a general guideline:

• Prototypes (1–5 parts): 5–10 business days
• Small batches (6–50 parts): 10–20 business days
• Rush orders: Contact us — we'll do our best to accommodate

Your confirmed lead time is included in every quote.

Do you ship outside of Texas?

Yes. We ship to all 50 US states via FedEx and UPS with full tracking. All shipments include inspection documentation and lot traceability records.

Do you ship internationally?

International shipping is available on a case-by-case basis. Contact us with your project details and destination country and we'll discuss options.

Quality & IP Protection

What does your quality inspection process look like?

Every part goes through 100% dimensional inspection before shipping. We document all critical features against the drawing and include the inspection report with every shipment. Lot traceability is maintained for material and process records.

Will you sign an NDA?

Yes. We operate under NDA for clients who require it. Your drawings, designs, and project details are treated as confidential by default — NDA or not. Contact us before sending any sensitive files and we'll get a signed agreement in place first.

Do you keep my drawings on file for repeat orders?

Yes — with your permission. We can keep your files securely on record so repeat orders require no re-submission. Just say "repeat order" with a reference number and we'll pull everything up.