CNC Machining Guides & Resources

What DFARS requires of a machine shop: specialty metals sourcing under 252.225-7014, cybersecurity under 252.204-7012, CMMC 2.0 Phase 2 deadline (November 2026), and supply chain verification. Written from the shop floor, not the compliance consultant's office.

When does a part actually need 5-axis? Cost comparison between 3-axis and 5-axis approaches, the geometry that demands simultaneous machining, and how to decide before you request a quote. Includes practical cost analysis and a decision checklist.

Material selection guide for precision CNC machining. Covers titanium Ti-6Al-4V, Inconel 718, Hastelloy C-276, and aerospace aluminums. Machinability ratings, achievable tolerances, heat treatment considerations, and how material choice affects your quote.

Standard vs tight tolerances for aerospace CNC machining. Material-specific considerations for Ti-6Al-4V, Inconel 718, and 7075-T6. AS9100D quality requirements, CMM inspection methods, and when to specify ±0.0002" vs ±0.005".

ITAR compliance at the machine shop level, common defense materials (hardened steel, tungsten, titanium), MIL-SPEC surface finishes, AS9100D and NADCAP pathway, and a Defense Machining RFQ Checklist for procurement teams.

What ITAR means at the machine shop level, what DDTC registration actually requires, and why Charlotte-area defense programs — supporting Fort Liberty, Cherry Point, and Camp Lejeune — depend on ITAR-registered CNC suppliers. With a supplier qualification checklist.

AS9102 first article inspection guide: what Forms 1, 2, and 3 actually require, when FAI is triggered, common rejection reasons, and CNC-specific FAI considerations for aerospace buyers and procurement teams.