By Northfork Precision
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May 9, 2020
Choosing a CNC machine shop means looking for a company that has the right set up with the right capabilities for your project. The machine shop you choose will need to have the talent and the equipment to be able to keep up with your needs. Knowing what questions to ask when you first make contact will help you choose the right CNC machine shop for your company's individual needs. Are The CNC Operators Experienced? One of the most important questions you will need to ask is whether or not their CNC operators have the experience of making the products or components you need. For example, North Fork Precision has specialty experience with precision machining to create specialized components for the electronics, medical devices, and imaging industries. Having specialized CNC experience means that the operators know what they are doing and have the skills to deliver the end product to the highest standards of the industry. It also ensures that whatever work is completed in the shop will meet or exceed the expectations of both their supervisors and your quality control team. Does the Shop Have Reviews or References? Another important question to ask is whether or not the shop has references. Ask for the names and phone numbers of other companies they have worked for. Is the shop recommended by your peers or other companies that require the services of a CNC shop? Ask around. Word of mouth is often the best form of advertising. North Fork Precision is happy to provide references and reviews for new customers considering us for their next precision CNC project. What Types of Processes Do They Use? CNC machine shops use a variety of processes. Each process is used to achieve a different result. The processes and methods will depend on what materials are being used and whether a smooth or rough surface is required. It's essential that you know what processes and materials you require for your project, and that you express those needs with your potential supplier. The processes and methods are different for each type of material being used and can make for substantial changes in price. We are currently working to develop an ISO standard operating procedure that will certify our quality standards. Do They Offer High-Quality Work on a Consistent Basis? If you are offered a list of references, make sure to inquire about the shop's consistency when it comes to providing high-quality work on a regular basis. Are they capable of producing the level of quality you need with each order they complete for you? Asking prior customers is the best way to get an answer to this question. Are They Capable of Doing the Type and Amount of Work You Require? The next questions have to do with both the type of work they do and whether or not they can accommodate the amount of work you need. Are they capable of mass-producing an item or do they primarily offer customized work? If you need a large number of specially made parts, a smaller CNC machine shop may not have the capability to accommodate your request. Before you hire a CNC machine shop to do your work, make sure all of your questions are answered. It's also important to make sure the operators know exactly what you expect from them in terms of deadline and quality. Go the extra mile and find out as much as you can prior to hiring them. This will ensure you are satisfied with their work and there won't be any surprises later on. At North Fork Precision, we welcome your inquiry into our experience, capabilities, and dedication to deliver high quality, production quantity precision CNC work, on time, every time. Request a Quote today to learn more about how we can help you with your next CNC project.