What is an aerospace machine shop?
An aerospace machine shop is a specialized precision manufacturing facility that produces components for aircraft, spacecraft, defense systems, and aviation applications. These shops use advanced CNC machining equipment to create parts with extremely tight tolerances, often working with aerospace-grade materials like titanium and aluminum alloys. Aerospace machine shops must meet rigorous quality standards including ISO 9001 certification, maintain complete traceability documentation, and often hold ITAR registration for defense-related work.
What is an aerospace machinist?
An aerospace machinist is a highly skilled manufacturing professional who operates CNC machines to produce precision components for the aerospace industry. These machinists are trained to read complex engineering drawings, program and operate multi-axis CNC equipment, work with challenging aerospace materials, and maintain tolerances as tight as ±.0002". Aerospace machinists must understand quality requirements, inspection procedures, and documentation standards specific to aviation and defense applications where component failure could have catastrophic consequences.
What tolerances can you achieve on aerospace components?
Criterion maintains tolerances as tight as ±.0002" on aerospace components using our advanced CNC equipment and rigorous quality control processes. Our multi-axis CNC mills, turning centers, and Swiss machines are calibrated regularly and monitored throughout production. Components are verified using CMM inspection, optical measurement systems, and traditional metrology tools to ensure dimensional accuracy meets your aerospace specifications.
What aerospace materials can you machine?
We specialize in machining aerospace-grade materials including titanium alloys (Ti-6Al-4V), aluminum alloys (7075-T6, 6061), stainless steels (300 and 400 series), PEEK, and specialty aerospace composites. Our machinists have extensive experience with the cutting parameters, tooling, and techniques required for these challenging materials, ensuring optimal surface finishes and dimensional accuracy while maintaining material properties.
Are you certified for aerospace manufacturing?
Yes, Criterion is ISO 9001 certified and maintains FDA and ITAR registration. While we don't currently hold AS9100 certification, our quality management system incorporates aerospace best practices, rigorous inspection protocols, and complete traceability documentation. We provide Certificates of Conformance, material certifications, and detailed inspection reports that meet aerospace customer requirements for mission-critical components.
Can you handle prototype aerospace components?
Absolutely. We offer production-intent prototyping using the same CNC equipment and inspection systems as full production runs. This approach validates your aerospace design's manufacturability, fit, and function before committing to volume production. Once your prototype is approved, we can seamlessly transition to higher volumes without reprogramming or re-qualifying, saving time and ensuring consistency.
What documentation do you provide with aerospace parts?
We provide comprehensive documentation including Certificates of Conformance, material certifications with heat lot traceability, first article inspection reports, dimensional inspection data from our CMM systems, and any special testing results required. This complete documentation package supports your aerospace quality management system and regulatory compliance requirements.
What is your typical lead time for aerospace components?
Lead times vary based on component complexity, quantity, and current shop capacity. Simple turned parts may be completed in 2-3 weeks, while complex multi-axis milled components typically require 4-6 weeks. We prioritize clear communication about realistic delivery schedules and can accommodate expedited timelines for urgent aerospace requirements when needed.