High-quality precision machining isn’t achieved in a rush, and lightning-fast turnaround times aren’t always possible—not because we work slowly but because complex parts require careful workmanship to guarantee the accuracy you deserve. 

Keep reading for a glimpse behind the scenes at our Idaho machine shop. We’ll reveal every step we take to ensure exceptional manufacturing, from building your quote to packaging your parts for delivery.

The 9 Phases of Exceptional Manufacturing

As with any other industry, our customers see only a fraction of what goes into making a part. Here are the nine phases every precision machining project undergoes:

Phase 1: Order review

After receiving your RFQ (request for quote), we review your requirements to make sure we’re the right shop for your job. 

Once we’re familiar with your specifications, materials, hardware, inspection needs, and any outside services we’ll manage, we devise a plan for making your parts and completing your order correctly the first time.

Every quote we deliver includes an accurate lead time that accounts for every step in each phase of your part’s manufacturing journey. A tight tolerance, high-risk part made from a rare material and requiring multiple finishing processes will always take longer than a standard tolerance part made from a standard material and requiring a single in-house finishing service.

Shop tip: Expedite the quoting process by following this checklist! The more details you provide in your RFQ, the faster we can build your quote.

Phase 2: Order approval

With your purchase order (PO) in hand, our office staff gets your order into our system so our team can get started. We add your project to our shop schedule, create the traveler (the documentation that will accompany your job throughout the project), and push your order through to the production floor.

Shop tip: Do your best to respond promptly to any questions we have regarding your job so that we can meet your timeline and exceed your expectations!

Phase 3: Material sourcing

In addition to stocking a wide range of materials in-house, Accurate CNC has a trusted network of material suppliers who can assist us with sourcing materials quickly and cost-effectively.

If ever we encounter an unexpected supply chain delay that may impact your quoted lead time, we will reach out to you immediately to discuss your options, from choosing an alternate material or pivoting to a different precision machining process. The decision is always yours to make.

Phase 4: Programming

Programming is the final step before we begin the physical work of precision machining your parts. Programming times vary widely depending on your part’s complexity and whether we need to use multiple machines to achieve optimum results. 

Phase 5: Precision machining

Once we have your material in our shop and we’ve cut it to length, we get started machining your parts!

Phase 6: First Article Inspection (FAI)

You don’t have to request an FAI from Accurate CNC because we perform a First Article Inspection on any operation we’re running for the first time. This step allows our team to prove our programming and processes and verify the part’s dimensions—all before running a larger quantity. 

We never want to waste valuable material or time making hundreds of parts only to discover an issue at the eleventh hour. FAIs enable us to identify and correct any problems early.

Phase 7: Additional machining operations

If your part is especially complex, we may need to involve multiple machines and departments. Some machined parts require welding or forming before undergoing additional machining operations, and we’ll perform those processes if needed.

Deburring and any assembly also occur during this phase.

Phase 8: Preferred partner finishing services

On your quote, you’ll find the specific lead times and expedite options for your part’s outside services—processes our skilled finishing partners will perform. Finishing services may take anywhere from three days to three weeks, depending on what you need and the complexity of your part. Hard coat anodizing, for example, takes two and a half weeks to complete with a standard lead time but only a few days if you choose to expedite the processes.

From the outset, talk to us about any lead time concerns you have. We’ll do our best to find a solution that works for you.

Phase 9: Final inspection and packaging

After the final inspection of your order, we bag and tag all your parts with your PO documentation. We’re always glad to ship completed orders according to your requirements, so remember to include your packaging and shipping needs in your RFQ!

If you requested an FAI report, you’ll find it alongside your packing slips.

Accurate CNC Is Committed to Quality from the First Step to the Last

Our Idaho machine shop is always available throughout the manufacturing process to answer your questions or help you problem-solve.

Reach out today to discuss your needs or request a quick quote via our online portal!