Precision CNC Machining

±0.005 mm tolerance.
CMM verified.
Precision at scale.

Precision CNC machining with tolerances to ±0.005 mm. CMM-verified every critical dimension. Temperature-controlled shop floor for dimensional stability. Swiss-level precision on watch, instrument, and aerospace components.

Precision CNC Quote Tolerance guide

±0.005 mm CMM verified Temperature controlled 24/7 precision

01 · Precision tiers

Four precision tiers.

Not all precision work is the same. We categorize work into four tiers, each with different equipment, process controls, and cost implications.

Standard tier

±0.05 mm · Ra 1.6 µm

Standard CNC work. Tolerance per ISO 2768-m. Appropriate for most industrial, consumer, and general engineering parts

Precision tier

±0.025 mm · Ra 0.8 µm

Tighter tolerance with process controls. First-article CMM inspection. Good for instrument housings, mechanical assemblies

High precision tier

±0.01 mm · Ra 0.4 µm

CMM inspection on every critical feature. Temperature-compensated measurements. Suitable for aerospace critical, precision mechanisms

Ultra precision tier

±0.005 mm · Ra 0.2 µm

All critical features CMM-verified. Dedicated precision machines, temperature-stable shop. Scientific instruments, metrology, watchmaking

02 · When precision matters

Precision applications.

Scientific instruments

Optical mounts, microfluidic components, research-grade specialty hardware

Metrology equipment

Calibration artifacts, measurement standards, precision gauge hardware

Swiss watch components

Watch cases, bridges, balance wheel hardware — horological precision

Aerospace critical

Flight-critical precision features — bearing seats, mating interfaces

Semiconductor photolithography

ASML Tier-2 optical mount hardware, stepper component precision

Medical precision

Surgical robotic end-effectors, orthopedic fit features, diagnostic equipment precision

Defense precision

Missile components, precision optical mounts, targeting system hardware

Precision automation

Robot joint bearing seats, precision linear motion hardware

Quantum computing

Cryogenic hardware, ion trap components — precision at extreme conditions

FAQ

Precision CNC questions.

±0.002 mm (2 µm) on features below 25 mm, with appropriate process controls. For tighter than ±0.002 mm, post-machining grinding, honing, or lapping is required — we coordinate with specialty partners for sub-micron work. In practice, ±0.005 mm is our reliable production tier for ultra-precision work. Below that, cost increases exponentially and application validation matters.

Process controls: precision CNC machines (Makino V56i for micro-precision), temperature-controlled shop floor (20 ±0.5 °C), climatized inspection room, calibrated precision measurement tools. Verification: Hexagon Global S CMM with ±1.8 µm accuracy, custom hand tools for specific inspections, ISO 17025-calibrated measurement equipment. Critical features inspected by CMM, dimensional reports provided with parts.

Multiple cost drivers: (1) Slower cutting — precision requires slow speeds and light cuts. (2) Multiple passes — roughing + semi-finishing + finishing + spring passes. (3) Inspection overhead — CMM programming, calibrated equipment, documented reports. (4) Scrap rate — precision work has higher scrap from tool wear and temperature drift. Typical precision part is 2–4× cost of equivalent standard-tolerance part.

Yes — dedicated precision machining area with temperature controlled to 20 ±0.5 °C. Humidity controlled to prevent thermal gradient from condensation. Parts and gauges soak in measuring room (20 °C ±0.1 °C) before CMM inspection. Important because 1 mm aluminum part changes 0.023 mm per 1 °C — without temperature control, measurements can't be trusted at ±0.005 mm tolerance.

All standard materials — but some are easier than others. Best: free-machining brass C360 (easiest precision), free-machining stainless 303, aluminum 6061 (dimensional stability). Challenging: titanium (work hardens), Inconel (tool wear), PEEK (thermal expansion during cut). For very tight tolerances in difficult materials, more process development time is needed — we'll discuss during quote.

Every precision order ships with full inspection report. Standard report format: critical dimensions with measured values + tolerance band + pass/fail indication, CMM-generated when applicable. ISO 17025-calibrated equipment used. For aerospace or regulated orders, AS9102 FAI format. Full archive retained for customer retrieval if needed later.