Frequently Asked Questions

What types of materials can you machine?

Micron specializes in machining a wide range of materials, including steel, stainless steel, aluminum, brass, bronze, copper, plastics, and engineered polymers. We also work with exotic alloys and corrosion-resistant materials for demanding industries such as aerospace, defense, and marine.

Do you provide both prototype and production runs?

Micron exclusively offers prototyping in preparation for production runs or “prototyping for production”. We handle low-, mid-, and high-volume production runs, with prototyping for production to ensure quality and function before production begins at scale.

What is your typical turnaround time?

Turnaround time depends on quantity, part complexity, material availability, outside operations, and lead time for tooling or gauges. On average, most projects are completed in 4–5 weeks. Expedited options may be available for urgent needs.

What is your capacity for large-volume orders?

• CNC Lathe: Our customers’ typical Estimated Annual Usage (EAU) runs from 1,000–250,000 parts, fulfilled in monthly or quarterly orders.
• CNC Mill: Capacity depends on part complexity and setup, with flexible batch runs available.
• Escomatic Coil-Fed Micro Machines: Commonly used for high-volume production, generally up to 750,000 EAU with batch volumes of 100,000 parts and above.

What size parts can you machine?

• From bar stock, Micron machines parts ranging from 0.050” (1.5 mm) diameter micro-precision components to components as large as 2.5″ (65 mm) in diameter.
• For blanks and chucking, our capacity extends up to 3.4″ (86 mm) in diameter. Length capacity varies by machine, with Swiss-type lathes capable of producing long, slender parts up to 26.5″ (67.3 cm) in length.

What tolerances can Micron hold?

We routinely achieve machining tolerances as tight as ±0.0004″ (±10 µm) and surface finishes down to 8Ra. For ultra-precision requirements, we partner with trusted finishing suppliers for grinding and specialty processes.

Do you offer multi-axis CNC turning or Swiss-type machining?

Both. Micron provides multi-axis, turn-mill CNC machining as well as Swiss-type CNC turning.

Can you handle complex geometries and tight tolerances?

Absolutely. Our advanced turn-mill lathes, Swiss machines, and vertical milling centers are designed for intricate details, complex shapes, and repeatable precision.

What kind of surface finishes do you provide?

We offer a variety of surface finishes to meet customer requirements, including machined, polished, plated, and coated finishes through our approved finishing partners.

What quality control processes do you use?

Micron employs in-process inspections, Statistical Process Control (SPC), and final quality checks to ensure every order meets specifications.

Are you ISO certified?

Yes. Micron is ISO 9001:2015 certified, ensuring consistent quality management and continuous improvement across all operations.

Do you provide inspection reports and certificates of compliance?

Yes. We can provide detailed inspection reports, certificates of compliance, and material certifications as required.

How do you ensure consistency across high-volume runs?

Through standardized processes, calibrated equipment, and documented quality checks, we ensure every order is repeatable, accurate, and reliable — from small runs to high-volume production.

Do you offer full material traceability?

Yes. Micron maintains full material traceability so that each batch of finished parts can be linked to the material heat number(s) it was machined from. We can also provide material certification documents or verify Country of Melt compliance upon request.

Which industries do you typically serve?

While Micron does not focus on a single industry, we seek long-term partnerships with customers whose products align with our capabilities. Our client base includes aerospace, defense, oil & gas, hydraulics, furniture, medical devices, and industrial equipment manufacturers.

Do you have experience machining medical- or aerospace-grade materials?

Yes. We regularly machine aerospace-grade alloys, medical-grade stainless steel, and corrosion-resistant materials for critical applications.

Do you understand compliance requirements for my industry?

Yes. With decades of experience, our team understands and adheres to industry-specific compliance and regulatory requirements to ensure all parts meet the necessary standards.

Do you offer design assistance or DFM (Design for Manufacturability) feedback?

Yes. Our engineering team provides DFM support to help optimize designs for cost efficiency, performance, and manufacturability.

Can you work from CAD files, technical drawings, or part samples?

Yes. We can work from 2D CAD files, 3D models, technical drawings, or physical samples to reverse-engineer and manufacture precision components.

Which CAD/CAM file formats do you accept?

We accept most standard file formats, including STEP, IGES, DXF, and SolidWorks files.

Do you provide secondary services such as milling, grinding, heat treating, or plating?

Yes. Micron performs in-house CNC milling and turning and partners with trusted suppliers for grinding, plating, heat treating, and specialty finishing.

Do you offer assembly services?

Yes. We provide light assembly services for sub-assemblies and finished components.

Can you manage supply chain or vendor partnerships for finishing operations?

Yes. Micron acts as a single-source machining partner, managing supplier relationships to deliver fully finished, ready-to-use components.

Can I see examples of previous work or case studies?

Yes. We can provide sample parts, case studies, and customer success stories showcasing our capabilities and expertise.

How do you handle order changes or revisions?

Micron maintains a flexible production process. If revisions are required, our engineering, quality, and production teams review updates and adjust schedules to ensure accuracy, compliance, and on-time delivery.