Custom Shipping Solutions at Focused on Machining

At Focused on Machining, our name reflects our precision machining expertise, but our focus extends far beyond that. Every step of the customer experience matters to us, from initial communication to machining to shipping. Delivering your parts on time and in perfect condition is a key part of our process. That’s why we’ve introduced custom foam packaging and reusable shipping crates for specific projects. This new shipping option offers better protection, more cost efficiency, and a smoother overall experience for our customers.

Elevating our Shipping Game

We produce parts for demanding industries, such as aerospace and medical, where precision is critical, and many parts require additional processing or testing outside our shop. For example, we frequently ship parts to trusted out-of-state plating partners.

In the past, we used standard foam for packaging, but that left a small risk of damage during transit, especially if the packaging was reused by a third party. While we’ve always taken extra precautions for high-value or delicate orders, these steps often increased shipping costs.

Now, we’ve taken a smarter approach. Our custom-cut foam packaging fits each part perfectly, and we use durable, reusable crates to further protect your parts during transit. This not only keeps your parts safe but also reduces costs and delivery time.

The Benefits of Our Custom Shipping Solutions

At our Colorado machine shop, we believe every detail matters. Here’s how our new shipping methods make a difference for you:

1. Cost-Effective Shipping
Custom foam allows us to securely pack multiple parts in a single crate, reducing the number of shipments needed. While the upfront cost of this packaging might be slightly higher, it ultimately lowers your overall shipping costs by minimizing packaging materials and consolidating shipments.

2. Faster Delivery Times
Fewer boxes mean fewer chances for shipment to be delayed. With the entire order packaged in one or two crates, there’s less risk of separate shipments falling behind, meaning your parts arrive faster and together.

3. Lower Risk of Damage
Shipping can be risky for parts with delicate features, unique geometries, or thin walls. Mishandling or rough transit can lead to scratches, dings, or even broken parts. Our custom foam packaging holds each piece securely in place, drastically reducing the risk of damage during shipping.

4. Better Customer Experience
For repeat projects, our reusable shipping crates streamline the process. Once you receive your parts, simply unpack the crate, apply the included return label, and send the crate back to us. We keep the custom foam on hand, so the next time we machine your parts, we’re ready to package them again quickly and efficiently. It’s a win-win for both cost and convenience.

What Projects Are Best Suited for This?

We evaluate each project individually to see if it’s a good fit for custom packaging. While these solutions are ideal for long-term contracts, they can also benefit low-volume CNC machining orders, particularly when the parts are:

• Heavy or large

• Delicate or thin-walled

• Uniquely shaped or feature sharp angles

• Expensive or single-order pieces

Partner with FOM for Smarter Shipping Solutions

At Focused on Machining, we are committed to providing you with the best possible experience—throughout the entire process, from quoting to machining to shipping. If you have a project, let’s discuss how our custom packaging solutions can ensure your parts arrive safely, on time, and cost-effectively. Reach out to us today to explore how we can support your next precision machining project!

From Air Force to Aerospace Machining: A Veteran’s Journey into Manufacturing

As Veteran’s Day approaches next month, I want to share the story of my journey from the Air Force to owning Focused on Machining, a precision CNC machine shop in Colorado. For many veterans, finding the right path after service can feel daunting, but I believe my experience can help offer a potential roadmap. My journey from military aircraft maintenance to running a manufacturing business has been deeply rewarding and I encourage veterans to explore opportunities in this field as they transition to civilian life.

Embracing Service: My Early Days in the Air Force

Right after high school, I followed a long family tradition by joining the Air Force. Since I was a child, I felt the Air Force was my calling. As an aircraft mechanic, I was responsible for the C-17, the second-largest cargo aircraft in the Air Force fleet. Although the C-5 is technically larger, the C-17’s demanding missions gave it an edge, and I found that challenge exhilarating.

After completing basic training and a year of technical training, I became a crew chief. My role was to ensure that the aircraft were always mission-ready—performing inspections, overseeing maintenance, and coordinating with specialists. My three years in this position were filled with high-pressure deployments to Qatar, Turkey, and Baghdad, where I honed my skills and learned the true meaning of teamwork.

Going Global: Life as a Flying Crew Chief

After three years on the ground, I applied to become a flying crew chief—a role that took me all over the world. Anytime a C-17 flew to a base without dedicated maintenance personnel, I was there to ensure it was mission-ready. From performing emergency engine repairs in Kuwait after a bird strike to landing in snowy Afghanistan when I was packed for the 100-degree heat of Qatar, the experience was unpredictable and thrilling.

I’ll never forget being the sole mechanic on a humanitarian mission in Pakistan, waiting alone for hours in total darkness between C-17 arrivals, servicing each plane as it came. My time as a flying crew chief was filled with incredibly demanding situations -  but they taught me resilience and adaptability. I spent three years traveling the world, a young guy in his twenties, living out of a suitcase and embracing each new challenge that came my way.

From Aircraft to Finance: Searching for My Post-Military Purpose

After leaving the military, I moved to Colorado, earned a degree in finance, and started working in banking. But it didn’t take long to realize that banking just wasn’t for me. The office environment couldn’t compare to the hands-on work I loved, and I missed the camaraderie and sense of purpose that came with the military.

My path to manufacturing began when I became involved with the National Tooling and Machining Association (NTMA). The people I encountered in local machine shops felt like a community where I truly belonged. Their work ethic and practical problem-solving were familiar to me from my time in the Air Force. I realized that many of the skills I had developed—blueprint reading, technical troubleshooting, and following precise processes—were a natural fit for this industry.

That’s when I decided to take the plunge and purchased Focused on Machining. It was a leap, but one that has brought me immense fulfillment.

Why Manufacturing Fuels My Passion

For veterans, manufacturing offers something truly special: a sense of purpose, teamwork, and the opportunity to continue serving in a different capacity. That’s why I’m so passionate about the work we do at Focused on Machining, especially in aerospace machining. The values I learned in the military—discipline, problem-solving, and teamwork—are the foundation of my company.

When I took over Focused on Machining, I made it my mission to achieve ISO and AS9100 certifications so we could handle the most complex aerospace projects. Some of the parts we machine are destined for the very military aircraft I used to maintain. Knowing that our work supports those still serving keeps me motivated every day. We approach each project with the same determination and precision that I applied during my Air Force days.

A Call to Veterans: Consider Manufacturing for Your Next Chapter

If you’re a veteran navigating the transition into civilian life, I strongly encourage you to consider manufacturing. It’s one of the few industries where you can translate your military experience directly into a fulfilling and challenging career. For me, it has been a way to bring the skills I learned in the Air Force into a new and rewarding chapter.

If you have a project—especially in aerospace—reach out to us at Focused on Machining. We bring the same dedication and passion to our work as I did during my time serving, and we’re always ready to take on your next challenge. Request a quote today.

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.

How Quoting a “Family of Parts” Leads to Better Pricing

We’ve talked in the past about how long-term manufacturing contracts benefit customers in the right circumstances. And among long-term contracts, certain scenarios will offer even more savings. One of the most notable is working with us on a “family of parts,” a set of similar parts that we can machine at significantly reduced pricing.

What Is a Family of Parts for a CNC Machine Shop?

A "family of parts" refers to a group of components that share common characteristics, such as material, size, features, and setup requirements. By standardizing these elements, we can optimize the machining process, reduce setup times, and minimize material waste. This approach not only increases efficiency but also enables us to pass on substantial cost savings to our customers.

When we are asked to quote a family of parts for a long-term contract, we can significantly improve on our standard pricing, because we can save on material and reduce setup time.

How to Identify a Family of Parts

For customers interested in this cost-saving strategy, it's essential to understand what qualifies as a family of parts. Here are the key factors:

1. Same Materials: Parts should be made from the same material, allowing for bulk purchasing and reduced costs.

2. Similar Size: Parts should have close dimensions to optimize material usage and machining efficiency. For example, if one part has a diameter of 0.75 inches and another is 1 inch, we can order material in a size that accommodates both.

3. Same Setup Fixtures: Using identical setup fixtures across parts significantly reduces setup time, speeding up the precision machining process.

4. Long-term Contract: Long-term commitments enable us to invest in fixtures and tooling, amortizing these costs over the contract's duration and further reducing expenses.

5. Quantity Requirements: The minimum quantity typically varies by project. We usually aim for at least 20 parts per quarter, with larger quantities yielding more substantial savings.

Cost Savings Through a Family of Parts

A recent project at our Colorado machine shop illustrates the benefits of this approach. A customer approached us with a three-year contract requiring the repeat delivery of approximately 60 parts per quarter. The initial request included 35 different part numbers made from various materials, including stainless steel, aluminum, carbon steel, and plastic.

By honing in on a family of parts as a subgroup, we knew we could offer drastically better pricing. We looked for parts of the same material that met the criteria laid out above and pared the order down to 21 parts. This subgroup allowed our team to find efficiencies and offer significantly reduced pricing, which the customer eagerly accepted. And because this was a long-term contract, we were able to take the time to create proper fixtures and optimize programming upfront.

However, it's essential to note that the quote was comprehensive. The improved pricing on a quote for a family of parts is an “all or nothing” proposition – we require customers to accept the entire quote rather than picking or choosing individual parts. The savings were contingent upon the entire order, enabling full implementation of cost-saving measures.

This example underscores the importance of providing detailed information when requesting a quote. The more context we have, the better we can optimize our processes and offer competitive pricing. Without detailed information, we might have quoted as if the parts were a one-time order, resulting in higher costs.

Talk to Us About Your Family of Parts

Partnering with Focused on Machining for a family of parts can lead to significant cost reductions. The potential savings often correlate with the complexity of the parts involved; the more complex the part, the greater the opportunity for cost savings.

If your next precision machining project includes a family of parts, we encourage you to reach out. Request a quote or contact us today to discuss how we can help you achieve better pricing and more efficient production. Our expertise and commitment to quality will ensure your project's success from prototype to production.

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.

How Customers Benefit from Our Lights-Out Manufacturing Capabilities

Focused on Machining offers lights-out machining as part of our CNC production machining services. These capabilities allow us to run orders around the clock so we can provide faster lead times, lower costs, and better flexibility. 

We currently have significant capacity on our DN Solutions NHP 4000, a horizontal lights-out machining center equipped with a 275-tool matrix and 12-station linear pallet system. Keep reading to find out how this machine benefits customers and if your part is a good candidate for it.

Benefits of Our Horizontal Lights-Out Machining Center 

The NHP 4000 is essentially a horizontal machining center attached to a 12-pallet system. There are 12 tombstones in the pallet pool, and each tombstone has four sides, giving us 48 machining tables in just one machine. Once loaded and programmed, the NHP 4000 will run unattended until it runs out of work. 

Here are the top three benefits customers can expect: 

1. Cost-effectiveness 

Labor factors significantly into the cost of machined parts. Generally, the more labor required, the higher the price. Because the NHP 4000 is highly automated, labor is only necessary during the initial programming and setup and when it’s time to change out a part and add raw stock. This benefit lets us keep our internal costs low and pass savings on to customers. 

Ultimately, you get work done on one of the most advanced and expensive machines in our CNC production machining services department for a highly competitive rate.

2. Just-in-time inventory 

The NHP 4000 is ideal for long-term contracts involving repeat parts machined and delivered at planned intervals over a fixed period of time. Once the parts have been programmed, we can run them with the click of a button, allowing us to machine them as close to the delivery date as possible without having to hold inventory on our shelves. 

Have a revision change? Just let us know, and we’ll update the programming before your next delivery. 

3. Flexibility 

The ability to run parts with the click of a button gives us the flexibility to accommodate schedule changes and last-minute requests for repeat parts.

Need a short run of parts we’ve already programmed? We can get you what you need right away without charging you expedite fees.

Is Your Part Right for Our Horizontal Lights-Out Machining Center? 

The NHP 4000 allows us to quote highly competitive prices for complex parts, but there are some caveats. Generally, parts should check these boxes: 

• High-volume or repeat. The initial programming and setup costs must be spread across a high enough volume of parts for the cost per part to be competitive. A good way to think of it is the longer the repeatability period, the higher the volume. For instance, if you only need one order annually, the volume should be in the hundreds; if you need monthly orders over an annual period, as few as five parts per month is tenable.

• Moderately complex. Regarding part complexity, the sweet spot for this machine is a moderately complex part with numerous features and/or features on all sides that do not require 5-axis machining services.

• Aluminum. Because aluminum is easy to cut and causes minimal tool wear, running aluminum parts unattended is relatively low risk. A harder material like stainless steel presents more opportunities for error. 

If your part doesn’t check all these boxes, it’s still worth having a conversation to determine whether the NHP 4000 could be the right fit. As of June 2024, we have 8,000 hours of open machining capacity for it that we are eager to fill with your parts! 

Request a quote for production machining services today.