Trusted Custom Optical Components Manufacturer

Criterion Precision Machining manufactures custom optical components for photonics, aerospace, defense, and medical programs where alignment and repeatability are critical. From lens housings and mounts to optical-system components, our team combines 5-axis milling, Swiss turning, Wire EDM, and certified inspection to hold tight tolerances and protect traceability from prototype through production for demanding OEM buyers.

Custom optical component machining in a precision CNC shop

Our Optical Component Manufacturing Services

From optics-focused machining to certified inspection, Criterion supports complex optical components from prototype validation through repeatable production.

Optomechanical Machining

Manufacturing for lens housings, lens mounts, fixtures, and optical-system components where concentricity, parallelism, and geometric control directly affect alignment, stability, and optical performance in demanding OEM assemblies.

5-Axis CNC Milling

Complex optical parts are produced with 3-, 4-, and 5-axis CNC milling, including tight pockets, fine features, and close-tolerance geometries in metals, plastics, and exotic materials.

Swiss Turning

Multi-axis Swiss turning supports small-diameter optical components, micro-features, and repeatable cylindrical geometry, with diameters as small as .010 inches and tolerances down to ±0.0002 inches.

CNC Turning

Precision CNC turning produces cylindrical housings, sleeves, rings, and mount features with smooth finishes, live-tooling efficiency, and reduced tolerance stack-up for optical assemblies.

Wire EDM Features

Wire EDM creates burr-free profiles, sharp internal corners, narrow slots, and intricate contours for optical mounts and alignment features that conventional tools cannot produce economically.

Certified Inspection

Inspection is integrated from incoming material verification through final release, using CMM, OASIS optical inspection, and Keyence systems with FAIR, CoC, and material-traceability documentation included.

Engineer reviewing optical component drawing near inspection equipment

Our Optical Component Manufacturing Process

Engineering Review and RFQ Alignment

We review drawings, GD&T, optical alignment requirements, materials, production volumes, and documentation needs before quoting. This early technical review helps identify manufacturability risks, tolerance stack-up concerns, and the best machining route for reliable production.

Production-Intent Prototype Planning

Precision Machining and Secondary Operations

Certified Inspection and Documentation

Production Release and Repeat Orders

The Criterion Difference

Why Choose Criterion Precision Machining?

Criterion combines advanced machining, certified inspection, and accountable program support for precision optical components.

Tight Tolerances

Holds tolerances down to ±0.0002 inches for alignment-critical optics and photonics components.

Certified Quality

ISO 13485, ISO 9001, and AS9100 systems support regulated OEM documentation expectations.

In-House Capability

CNC, Swiss, EDM, finishing, marking, and inspection stay under one accountable roof.

Legacy Leadership

Third-generation, woman-owned leadership brings stability to long-cycle, mission-critical manufacturing partnerships for OEMs.

Meet Criterion’s Team

Experienced leadership supporting precision manufacturing for no-failure industries.

Professional headshot of Tanya DiSalvo, President

Tanya DiSalvo

President

As third-generation owner and President of Criterion Precision Machining, Tanya DiSalvo leads our commitment to delivering mission-critical components for Texas railroad infrastructure. Under her leadership, Criterion has evolved into a woman-owned precision machining company specializing in the 'No Failure' sectors, including railroad safety systems. Tanya's vision has guided the company's investment in advanced CNC technology and ISO certification programs, ensuring our Texas railroad clients receive components that meet the most stringent safety and performance standards. Her dedication to quality excellence and operational efficiency has positioned Criterion as a trusted partner for railroad manufacturers requiring precision components that perform reliably across Texas's diverse operating environments, from Gulf Coast humidity to West Texas desert conditions.

Professional headshot of Kelly Marflak, Quality Manager

Kelly Marflak

Quality Manager

Kelly Marflak serves as Quality Manager at Criterion Precision Machining, overseeing our comprehensive quality assurance programs critical to railroad component manufacturing. With deep expertise in precision inspection protocols, Kelly manages our certified Quality Assurance program that includes multiple points of precision inspection built into manufacturing processes. She oversees the operation of our Global Advantage CMM with PC-DMIS software, OASIS Optical Automatic Smart Inspection System, and Keyence measuring systems capable of measuring up to 99 dimensions simultaneously. Kelly's meticulous attention to detail ensures every railroad component meets the exacting tolerances and safety standards required for Texas railroad applications. Her leadership in quality control processes has been instrumental in maintaining our ISO 13485 and ISO 9001 certifications, providing railroad manufacturers with the documentation and compliance verification essential for safety-critical components operating across Texas's extensive rail network.

Professional headshot of Mike Pinchot, Estimator/Project Manager

Mike Pinchot

Estimator/Project Manager

Mike Pinchot brings extensive project management expertise to Criterion's railroad machining operations as Estimator and Project Manager. With deep understanding of precision manufacturing requirements, Mike works closely with Texas railroad clients to develop accurate project estimates and manage complex machining programs from concept through delivery. His technical expertise enables him to assess challenging railroad component specifications and coordinate multi-axis machining operations, Swiss turning processes, and quality inspection requirements. Mike's project management approach ensures railroad components are delivered on time and within budget while meeting the stringent quality standards required for safety-critical applications. His collaborative work with engineering teams and manufacturing personnel has streamlined processes for producing complex railroad parts, from prototype development through full production runs, ensuring Texas railroad infrastructure receives components manufactured to the highest precision standards.

Professional headshot of David Glass, Chief Financial Officer

David Glass

Chief Financial Officer

David Glass serves as Chief Financial Officer at Criterion Precision Machining, bringing strategic financial leadership to support our continued growth and investment in advanced manufacturing capabilities. With his comprehensive understanding of manufacturing economics and operational efficiency, David ensures that our precision machining operations remain competitive while maintaining the highest quality standards. His financial expertise enables Criterion to make strategic investments in cutting-edge CNC equipment, quality systems, and workforce development that directly benefit our clients in mission-critical industries. David's analytical approach to business management helps optimize our manufacturing processes and resource allocation, ensuring we can deliver exceptional value to customers while maintaining the financial stability necessary for long-term partnerships. His commitment to operational excellence supports our ability to serve the demanding requirements of medical device, aerospace, defense, and photonics manufacturers who rely on our precision machining capabilities.

Kellyanne Gottschalk, Internal Systems Manager at Criterion Precision Machining

Kellyanne Gottschalk

Internal Systems Manager

Kellyanne Gottschalk serves as Internal Systems Manager at Criterion Precision Machining, responsible for managing and optimizing the company's operational and business systems, including the ProShop ERP platform. Her role is critical in ensuring seamless workflow from order intake to final delivery, enabling real-time visibility into production scheduling, quality documentation, and compliance tracking. Kellyanne's expertise in systems management supports Criterion's ability to scale efficiently while maintaining the rigorous documentation and traceability standards required by regulated industries such as medical devices and aerospace. Her work underpins the company's operational excellence and helps ensure every project is delivered on time and in full compliance.

Nilda Feliciano, Customer Service representative at Criterion Precision Machining

Nilda Feliciano

Customer Service

Nilda Feliciano is the Customer Service representative at Criterion Precision Machining, serving as a dedicated point of contact for clients throughout the entire order lifecycle. From initial inquiries to order updates and delivery coordination, Nilda ensures that every client receives responsive, clear, and professional communication. Her commitment to customer satisfaction reflects Criterion's values of reliability and partnership, particularly important for clients in time-sensitive industries like aerospace, defense, and medical devices. Nilda's friendly and knowledgeable approach helps build lasting relationships with customers, ensuring they feel supported and informed at every stage of their project with Criterion.

Bonnie Paletta, Office Administrator at Criterion Precision Machining

Bonnie Paletta

Office Administrator

Bonnie Paletta serves as Office Administrator at Criterion Precision Machining, keeping the day-to-day operations of the business running smoothly. Her organizational skills and attention to detail ensure that administrative processes, documentation, and internal coordination are handled efficiently, freeing up the production and quality teams to focus on delivering precision components. Bonnie is a vital part of the Criterion team, contributing to the company's culture of professionalism and reliability. Her support role touches every department, helping to maintain the high standards of communication and organization that Criterion's clients in medical device, aerospace, and defense industries depend on.

Frequently Asked Questions

What custom optical components do you manufacture?

Criterion manufactures optomechanical and optical-system components such as lens housings, lens mounts, fixtures, alignment-critical parts, and related components for photonics, aerospace, defense, and medical applications. Work can include tight pockets, cylindrical features, micro-details, internal corners, and precision mounting surfaces that influence alignment, stability, and optical performance.

What tolerances can you hold for optical components?

Which materials can be used for optical component machining?

Can you support optical component prototypes before production?

How do you verify optical component quality?

Do you provide inspection reports and traceability documentation?

What machining processes are used for custom optical components?

How do I request a quote for custom optical components?

Still Have Manufacturing Questions?

Get clear answers before your next optical component build.

Certified & Trusted

Awards and Recognition

ISO 13485 certification logo

ISO 13485

Medical device quality management certification.

ISO 9001 certification logo

ISO 9001

International quality management system certification.

AS9100 certification logo

AS9100

Aerospace quality management certification for suppliers.

Start Your Optical Component RFQ

Share your drawings, material requirements, tolerances, volumes, and documentation needs. Our team will review the project and help determine the best manufacturing path.

Contact Us Today

For immediate assistance, feel free to give us a direct call at 216-267-1733. You can also send us a quick email at office@criteriontool.com.