Prototype and low-volume machining

Overview

Prove out the design, then scale it

Every product starts with a first part. Star Precision machines prototypes and low-volume runs so you can test fit, form and function before you commit to tooling or a large order. You get real, functional metal parts, not a stand-in, machined on the same equipment we use for production.

Because the first article is cut on production machines, the jump from prototype to volume is short and predictable. When your design is proven, we scale the same CNC programs and the same quality system straight into a full production run, so nothing about the part changes when the quantity does.

Support from concept to production

Bring us a sketch, a CAD model or an existing sample. We help you get to a working part quickly and keep cost down at every step.

• DFM supportWe simplify designs to use less material and save time and money.
• Reverse engineeringNo drawing to start from? We can recreate a design from an existing part or sample.
• CNC programs from your CADPrograms generated straight from your engineering data, with fewer errors.
• First article to low volumeA single part or a short run, machined on production equipment.
• Scale to productionThe same part and quality system move into full volume when ready.

Materials we machine

We machine a wide range of materials for small to medium parts, and will help you choose the most cost-effective option during quoting and DFM review. Not sure what fits your prototype? Tell us the load, environment and finish the part needs to handle and we will recommend one.

• Mild & carbon steelStrong, weldable and economical, our workhorse metal for brackets and structural parts.
• Stainless steelResists rust and stands up to harsh, wet and sterile conditions, right for medical and food-grade hardware.
• AluminumLightweight yet rigid, machines fast to a clean finish, ideal for aerospace and electronics parts.
• Copper & brassConduct electricity well and machine cleanly to a fine finish, well suited to connectors and fittings.
• Other metals on requestWorking with a different alloy? Tell us what you need and we will confirm we can machine it.

Prototype machining specifications

Real, in-house capacity for first articles and low-volume runs, on the same dozen-plus mills and lathes used for full production. Bring us a challenging design and we will tell you exactly how we would prove it out.

From concept to production

Every job follows the same controlled path, from first concept to final inspection, so the part you approve as a prototype is exactly the part that scales into production.

1. Share your conceptSend a sketch, a CAD model or a sample. Tell us what the part has to do and how many you need, and we will map out the fastest path to a working part.
2. DFM reviewWe review the design for manufacturability, flagging changes that cut cost and material without losing function, before anything is cut.
3. Program from CADCNC programs are generated directly from your engineering data, which reduces errors and speeds up the first cut.
4. Machine the first articleWe machine a real, functional first article on the same mills and lathes we use for production, not a separate prototyping cell.
5. Inspect & refineCMM inspection confirms every dimension against the print. We adjust with you until the part is right.
6. Low volume to productionRun a low-volume batch, then scale the same program and quality system into full production on the same equipment.

Industries we prototype for

Star Precision proves out designs for demanding Texas and national manufacturers, including the regulated and heavy-industrial sectors below, where getting the first article right matters as much as the final production run:

• Aerospace & spaceWe prove out flight-ready hardware designs before committing to tooling.
• Commercial lightingWe machine first articles for new fixture and hardware designs.
• Industrial & OEMWe help OEM equipment makers prove a design before scaling to production.
• Medical & scientificWe machine first articles for laboratory instruments and medical devices.

What to expect when you work with us

Working with a machine shop should be straightforward. From the first file you send to the finished parts arriving on your dock, here is what you can count on from our team.

• Send a sketch or a CAD fileA STEP, IGES, DXF/DWG or PDF works, or bring an early sketch and we will help you get it to a machinable model.
• Fast, honest quotesYou get a fast quote for the first article plus a rough sense of production cost, so you can plan past the prototype.
• One point of contactOne team owns your job from design review through production, all under one roof.
• NDAs on requestWe sign NDAs on request, so early-stage concepts stay fully confidential.
• On-time deliveryYou get dependable, on-time delivery from our Texas shop, not an overseas queue.

Prototype Machining FAQs

Quick answers about our prototype and low-volume services. Company-wide questions are covered in the FAQs at the bottom of the page.

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