Your Trusted Partner for Level 2 CMMC Manufacturing Projects

At Focused on Machining, we’ve spent years taking proactive measures to be ready for CMMC manufacturing Level 2 requirements. As an early adopter, we have had to be trailblazers in some ways, adapting to evolving regulations and determining the best strategies for compliance. But we know that data security is just as vital as precision machining quality in the world of defense manufacturing.

Now, with implementation of CMMC requirements officially beginning, our preparation is paying off. We’re ready to take on your CMMC Level 2-compliant projects immediately.

Reaching the Final Stages of CMMC Readiness

Our team is nearing the finish line of the CMMC Level 2 certification process, with just two major items left to complete before our audit: 

1. Physical Security Upgrades

While CMMC is most often associated with cybersecurity, physical security plays an important role. We’re currently adding electronic door locks to our facility, as well as a digital system that tracks access. These measures complete several key physical security requirements and improve protection across our shop.

2. ERP Data Migration to In-House Servers

Another major step is bringing all ProShop ERP data in-house to our secure local server. This change allows us to maintain the full functionality of ProShop while increasing control over data access and storage. The move enhances protection for sensitive customer information without adding any additional ERP fees that could impact pricing at our Colorado machine shop.

Ready for Your CMMC Level 2 Projects Today

We’re positioned to meet the Department of Defense's requirements for handling CMMC work immediately, even as we complete these final steps. We expect to fully satisfy the FAR clause shortly, and we’re in the process of scheduling an official audit.

In the meantime, we have a formal Plan of Action and Milestones (POA&M), which allows us to maintain eligibility for CMMC manufacturing projects as we complete final improvements. Limited, temporary use of a POA&M for non-critical items is permitted, which means we can begin your CMMC work now.

Why CMMC Is So Important to Us

Our pursuit of CMMC is a reflection of our values as a company. As a service-disabled veteran-owned small business, defense work carries special meaning for us. 

Our owner, Justin Quinn, is an Air Force veteran who understands firsthand the importance of protecting national security and sensitive data. Every improvement we’ve made helps ensure our customers’ data and designs are handled with care.

Partner With Focused on Machining for CMMC Manufacturing

After years of preparation, we’re proud to be ready for your CMMC Level 2 projects. If you’re looking for a trusted manufacturing partner who takes security as seriously as you do, Focused on Machining will deliver.

Contact our precision machine shop today about your next CMMC project!

Unlocking New Possibilities with 5-Axis Machining Technology

At Focused on Machining, we’re committed to serving the needs of our customers, and that means we’re continually investing in new technology. In our projects as an aerospace machine shop, in particular, today’s parts often include more challenging features than ever before. To meet those requirements, we’ve expanded our capabilities into 5-axis machining with a major new addition to our shop. 

We are the proud new owners of a DVF 5000 with an eight-pallet auto work changer and 120-tool capacity. This full five-axis machine not only handles complex parts with speed and accuracy, it also enables more lights-out production, making us an even stronger manufacturing partner to our customers.

The Features That Define 5-Axis Parts

Our new machine is a full simultaneous 5-axis machining center, not a three-plus-two configuration. It can move the tool and workpiece along five different axes simultaneously. That allows us to tackle challenging features in fewer setups and with greater accuracy.

Some of the features that are simplified by our new machine include:

Complex Angles: Complex angles are a staple of 5-axis machining. For instance, consider a manifold with offset holes at different angles. This would require extensive fixturing in a vertical machine, adding to cost and lead time. With a 5-axis, we simply rotate to the correct angle and machine it.

3D Surfaces: Curved or contoured surfaces can be completed in far fewer setups with a 5-axis machine. In fact, because our machine moves in all 5 axes at the same time, we can machine some 3D surfaces for customers that weren't possible before. 

For instance, many aerospace parts must fit the skin of a rocket. A panel that bolts to a rocket with a 6-foot diameter would require customized setups and several operations in many machines, but can now be completed in only one or two.

A Closer Look at the Benefits to Our Customers

Beyond complex features, the new machine translates directly into several other benefits for our customers:

Faster production and shorter lead times: With a 20,000 RPM spindle, the DVF 5000 allows us to remove material at higher speeds without sacrificing accuracy. That means faster manufacturing so you get your delivery sooner.

Simultaneous machining: With 120 tools loaded, we can set up the machine to run a range of operations in the same cycle. The machine can switch between tools seamlessly even as it runs families of parts.

Greater lights-out capabilities: Even for complex jobs that require more than a dozen tools, we still have capacity in the tool magazine. Combined with our eight-pallet changer, the machine can be run 24/7 without interruption.

Efficient surface finishing: The high-speed spindle also results in smoother surface finishes. While we’ve always been known for delivering parts with quality surface finishes, this simplifies the process.

Enhancing Our Lights-Out Machining

While this five-axis machine is new to our shop, lights-out production is not. This new addition simply allows us to expand the types of parts we can run in a lights-out environment. Even parts with complex features requiring tight-tolerance machining can be produced lights-out, increasing our capacity without adding labor costs.

As part of our contract manufacturing services, we frequently machine multiple parts that integrate into a customer’s assembly. In the past, we may have delivered individual components piece by piece over months. Now, we can produce and ship all parts of the assembly at the same time. That allows your production team to begin the final assembly process earlier and improve your production timeline. 

See What Our 5-Axis Machining Can Do

If you have a complex design, we’re ready to help. Our new investment means that even the most challenging parts are achievable, often with our efficient lights-out production. 

Request a quote today and we’re confident we’ll soon become your go-to 5-axis machine shop!

Focused on Machining Is the Perfect Tier One OEM Supplier

Every year, we conduct a customer survey to ensure we’re meeting customer expectations in areas like communication, quality, and delivery. In our most recent survey, the responses were positive across the board, with nearly every customer segment satisfied. One customer segment stood out with particularly strong feedback: tier-one OEMs.

Find out why so many aerospace and defense OEMs find Focused on Machining to be a reliable, nimble, and competitively priced partner for their precision machining needs.

Built to Act as a Tier-One OEM Supplier

Every customer in every industry values our precision machining capabilities and excellent quality—it’s the reason most first approach us. However, tier-one OEMs have specific requirements that we’ve built our operation to efficiently meet, including:

Quality Requirements

Our full quality department includes a dedicated quality manager and inspectors. We maintain tight tolerances and quickly verify accuracy, ensuring consistent results that meet strict OEM standards.

Lights-Out Machining

Our lights-out capabilities reduce OEM lead times by maximizing our production schedule. This automated approach allows us to maintain our competitive edge in both speed and pricing.

Critical Certifications

Our certifications make us an ideal tier-one OEM supplier. We are AS9100 certified, ITAR-registered, and nearing our final steps toward CMMC compliance. These credentials streamline audits by new customers and demonstrate our total commitment to quality.

Complex Documentation

With our suite of digital tools, we simplify the process of delivering complex paperwork required for tier-one OEM projects. Our ERP system generates all AS9102s, and every work order receives documented FAI in AS9102 format.

Supplier Diversity and Service-Disabled Veteran Status

Focused on Machining is a certified Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB), helping tier-one manufacturers to meet the requirements of FAR regulation 19.201 and supporting their supplier diversity goals.

Cybersecurity

OEMs must protect sensitive data, and our CMMC efforts demonstrate our commitment to cybersecurity. We take every precaution to keep your data safe, because we know it’s critical to your operations.

Expertise in Exotic Materials

As an AS9100 machine shop, we’re experienced with a variety of challenging materials critical to the aerospace and defense industries, from titanium machining to Inconel and beyond.

The Benefits of a Small Shop as a Tier One OEM Supplier

Many OEMs may assume that partnering with a smaller shop means sacrificing certain capabilities, but it’s simply not the case. Our size is actually a strength when serving tier-one manufacturers. 

At our size, we can still be nimble and adaptable, keeping costs down without ever sacrificing quality. In contract negotiations, for instance, we have flexibility to meet OEMs halfway because of our streamlined structure. Our deep supplier relationships allow us to go through trusted vendors for the best possible prices. 

Many larger shops solve problems by adding layers of staff, but we leverage technology to stay lean. That allows for greater responsiveness and transparency both internally and externally, and ultimately lower costs that we pass on.

With this structure, we’re well-suited to partner with tier-one OEMs like:

• Lockheed Martin

• RTX Corporation (formerly Raytheon)

• Northrop Grumman

• Boeing

• General Dynamics

• Blue Origin

• SpaceX

Your Next Project Starts Here

With our advanced capabilities, essential certifications, and efficient operations, we are an ideal manufacturing partner for tier-one OEMs who need quality parts at competitive prices. From tight tolerance machining to handling exotic materials, we’re ready to tackle your challenging projects.

Request a quote and experience how easy manufacturing can be with our Colorado machine shop!

Industry Spotlight: Partner With a Veteran-Led Aerospace and Defense Machine Shop

At Focused on Machining, we’re proud of our work as an aerospace and defense machine shop because it’s personal for us. 

Our owner, Justin Quinn, spent six years in the United States Air Force, serving around the world as a C-17 aircraft mechanic. Now, Justin is passionate about supporting the men and women behind every mission in his work leading a CNC machine shop.

We support the aerospace and defense sectors with high-quality, tight-tolerance machining backed by critical certifications, extensive documentation, and a veteran’s commitment to excellence.

Precision and Documentation: The Foundation of Aerospace Machining

In aerospace and defense, precision isn’t optional—it’s critical. Faulty parts can compromise an entire mission, and that’s why customers in these industries not only have extremely high standards, they demand clear documentation to ensure quality and compliance at every stage.

Our shop leverages ProShop ERP to ensure complete transparency and traceability throughout every aspect of manufacturing. From material certifications to calibration logs to inspection reports, every detail is tracked. When customers need documentation, we’re ready.

Certifications to Meet All Your Requirements

For an aerospace and defense machine shop, certain credentials are non-negotiable. We maintain some of the most important certifications for these sectors:

AS9100 and ISO 9001:2015 Certifications: AS9100 includes all ISO 9001:2015 requirements, along with additional standards for aerospace and defense. Together they demonstrate our commitment to excellence in quality systems for both general and industry-specific projects.

ITAR Registered: We are fully staffed by U.S. citizens and authorized for sensitive defense work.

CMMC Level 2 Compliant: We are ahead of the curve on cybersecurity and will be CMMC Level 2 compliant in the coming months.

Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business: We’re proud of our veteran-owned status and can provide our customers with official documentation when needed. 

Advanced Machining Capabilities for Precision Parts

Our aerospace and defense machine shop is built specifically to address the challenges of manufacturing for customers in these demanding industries, with capabilities including:

Multi-Axis Machining With Deep Aluminum Expertise

Our advanced multi-axis equipment machines parts with complex geometries in fewer setups, reducing lead times while increasing accuracy and repeatability for custom CNC machining projects. And while our shop works with a variety of materials, our experience with common aerospace options such as 6000 and 7000 series aluminum allows us to machine parts quickly without compromising accuracy.

Assembly Services

We streamline your workflows by delivering completed subassemblies, including performing high-volume rivet installation and installing hardware like nut plates that can be essential to aerospace projects.

Tight Tolerance Machining

Other shops might no-quote jobs with tolerances under +/- 0.0005”, but we’re always ready to meet your specifications. Our skilled machinists and advanced inspection equipment ensure precise results every time.

Streamline Your Projects With Focused on Machining

When we talk to engineers and buyers for aerospace and defense organizations, they often tell us they’re juggling a variety of different vendors: one for tight tolerance machining, one for certain certifications, one for specialized capabilities, and more. At Focused on Machining, we offer all of these in a single precision machine shop, backed by a team that truly understands your mission.

Request a quote to partner with a veteran-led shop with expertise in the aerospace and defense industries!

Material Spotlight: 7000 Series Aluminum

At Focused on Machining, we bring years of expertise across a wide range of materials such as stainless steel, titanium, Monel and Inconel. Here, we’re focusing on our experience with 7000 series aluminum, a strong alloy that’s a popular material choice in a variety of industries. 

An Overview of Aluminum 7000 Series

The 7000 series of aluminum alloys is among the strongest aluminum alloys available. It’s well known for its applications in aerospace and structural components. Because of our extensive experience in aerospace machining, we’ve grown very familiar with 7000 series aluminum.

7000 series aluminum has zinc as its primary alloying element, which differentiates it from 6000 series aluminum, another popular aluminum alloy that we often machine. The zinc content gives it high tensile strength properties, and its strength-to-weight ratio is one reason it’s so popular in applications like aircraft.

At Focused on Machining, we frequently work with several popular alloys from the 7000 series, with 7075 aluminum being the most common. This alloy is prized for its impressive strength-to-weight ratio, machinability, and the ability to further enhance its strength through heat treatment. We also regularly machine 7050 aluminum, another high-performance alloy in the 7000 series.

Among the drawbacks of 7075 is its limited corrosion resistance, which leads some engineers to choose 6000 series aluminum instead.

7000 Series Aluminum at Focused on Machining

We have been machining 7075 and 7050 for many years at our Colorado CNC machine shop, we sometimes feel like we’ve done it all with these alloys. Our customers see several benefits from our deep experience with 7000 series aluminum:

Speed: When a machine shop lacks experience with alloys like 7050, they often move cautiously, double-checking tooling and slowing down production. At Focused on Machining, we’re so confident in our expertise with 7075 and 7050 aluminum that we push our machines to their limits every time. This ensures that our customers receive their parts as quickly as possible without compromising on quality.

Price: We order so much of these materials that it’s unlikely any other shop can beat our pricing. We’re always getting the best prices from vendors because we have a long-term relationship with them and we’re ordering in such large quantities. 

Processing: 7000 series aluminum often requires multiple post-processing steps and inspections. We have a trusted network of reliable aluminum processors who are experienced in working with these alloys. They are able to handle all of these processes under one roof, reducing lead time and minimizing the chances of any damage in shipping.

Knowledge: At certain times, there may be limited availability for a particular variety of 7000 series. For instance, maybe a customer asks for a large bracket in 7075 T6 six-inch plate, and we are not able to find it at that moment. However, we have the suppliers and the machining experience to find and machine it from T3 six inch plate or 7050 T6 six inch plate. 

Talk to Us About Your Next 7000 Series Aluminum Project

At Focused on Machining, we’ve been making high-quality parts from 7000 series aluminum for years. We have the expertise to make what you need and the trusted partner network to get any post-processing steps done. And if you’re not sure if 7000 series aluminum is right for your project, we can offer some advice on selecting the right material for your CNC machined part.  

Request a quote today to see how we can help with your next project.

Focused on Machining Is a Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business

By Justin Quinn, President of Focused on Machining 

If you’re a manufacturing buyer who does business with the US government, chances are you’re well-acquainted with FAR regulation 19.201. This regulation clarifies the government’s commitment to providing business opportunities to small businesses, veteran-owned small businesses, service-disabled veteran-owned small businesses, HUBZone small businesses, small disadvantaged businesses, and women-owned small businesses.

From my discussions with buyers, I understand that adhering to the highly specific regulations outlining the percentage of government work that must be contracted to businesses in the categories listed can be difficult. Yet the stakes couldn’t be higher, as failure to comply could cost you your next government contract. 

That’s why I want you to know that when you contract CNC machining services to Focused on Machining, you’ll be working with a certified Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB).

My Experience in the US Air Force 

Many people don’t know this, but I served in the US Air Force for six years before purchasing Focused on Machining. I’m always happy to look back and reflect on that foundational experience. 

I joined the Air Force right out of high school in 2002 and spent my first couple of years learning and becoming certified in aircraft systems—everything from engine to hydraulic to air conditioning—to serve as an aircraft mechanic on the C-17. 

I then earned my flight status, allowing me to fly with the aircraft all around the world. For years, I lived out of a suitcase, traveling to locations like Afghanistan, Iraq, and Antarctica with a toolbox and a laptop to ensure the aircraft remained operational. It was an incredible way to spend that part of my life, and I’m very grateful for the experience. 

Unfortunately, all that time spent in close proximity to jet engines led to cumulative hearing loss, which is how I earned my disabled veteran status. I maintain an up-to-date certification from the VA stating that I am a disabled veteran. 

CNC Machining Services Certifications 

I understand that many buyers who do business with the US government must outsource their manufacturing to shops that hold specific certifications. As a precision machine shop with a high percentage of aerospace and defense customers, Focused on Machining is committed to maintaining pertinent certifications and compliances. 

ISO certification 

ISO certification ensures that we maintain a quality management system conforming to a set of requirements defined by International Standards.

AS9100 certification 

If you need an AS9100 machine shop for aerospace parts, you’ve come to the right place. Focused on Machining follows a strict set of quality management system requirements designed specifically for the high-stakes aerospace industry. 

ITAR compliant  

We use ITAR-compliant systems and processes to ensure adherence to US government regulations regarding the import and export of defense-related items.

CMMC compliant (in progress) 

We are in the process of pursuing CMMC compliance and are on target to achieve Level 2 certification, which has a long list of 110 requirements aligned to NIST SP 800-171, by the end of 2024. 

Work with Our Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business

If you’re looking for manufacturing partners who can help you meet FAR requirements, I hope you’ll consider Focused on Machining for CNC machining services. We have a reputation for machining complex parts fast and at an incredibly high quality level. Let us know what we can do for you.