Why Choose a Material Agnostic Precision Machine Shop
When it comes to manufacturing, we’re what you might call “material agnostic,” meaning we accept almost any plastic, composite, soft metal, or hard metal for precision machining.
You may be surprised to learn that some shops are not as inclusive. For example, they may not machine Inconel because it’s too difficult, or they won’t machine plastic because it’s too messy. (That’s right: “messy.”)
At Summit CNC, we even relish opportunities to work with new materials. And for one recent customer, we did just that, rolling up our sleeves and learning how to machine an all-new, patent-pending, experimental material that may soon jet off to the farthest reaches of our galaxy.
Modern Precision Machining for a Myriad of Materials
When one valued customer contacted us about machining parts out of a newly developed material, we were instantly intrigued.
The customer was an engineering research and development (R&D) firm working on a contract with an aerospace client. The carbon composite they wanted to use had already been turned down by other manufacturers that were hesitant to tackle an unknown material with no preexisting specs. Conversely, our curiosity was piqued, and we invited our customer to bring a sample of the material into our shop.
New materials call for new techniques
After analyzing the composite, discussing workholding, and considering our machining options, we dove right into the manufacturing deep end and purchased diamond-coated, compression-style cutters from our partners at MSC.
With any obscure material, experienced manufacturers know to anticipate challenges. This carbon composite was no exception! When one workpiece showed signs of delamination, we collaborated closely with our customer to remedy the issue with minimal material loss.
Ultimately, Summit CNC successfully machined three variations of the composite. We provided a level of service customers just won’t get when they work with a big shop focused on high-volume production or an on-demand industrial parts marketplace.
Critical industries need a solution-oriented shop
Summit CNC is committed to providing one-stop machine shop services, which means supporting an array of materials as diverse as our customers. When you work with us, you won’t have to worry about sourcing different shops for different parts depending on your chosen material—we’ll do it all.
With an emphasis on low-volume, CNC machining, our ITAR-certified shop is trusted by frontline and high-impact industries whose parts and products can be found as far away as outer space and as close to home as, well. . . home.
From aerospace and defense to medical, electronics to energy, we’re proud to serve our customers with American-made prototypes and low-volume production runs.
Top Materials for Precision Machining at Summit CNC
We accept a range of materials for CNC machining, including:
Plastics and composites. We will precision machine your Delrin (acetal resin), PEEK, carbon PEEK, ULTEM, carbon nylon, HDPE, Garolite, and many more plastics and composites.
Soft metals and alloys. We have experience machining aluminum, brass, copper, magnesium, bronze, and others.
Hard metals and alloys. Our machines have run the gamut of steels: stainless, carbon, tool, and more. Summit CNC also machines Inconel, titanium, manganese, and more.
Thanks to our excellent US-based suppliers, we can source most materials our customers need for their projects.
Ready to get started? Request a quote today!