How Vendor-Managed Inventory Simplifies Your Supply Chain

There’s a buzz in the manufacturing industry right now, and many shops expect increased demand in the months ahead. As production schedules fill up, early communication with your precision machine shop becomes especially crucial to project success.

In these high-demand periods, Vendor-Managed Inventory (VMI) is a powerful tool to ensure you’re easily meeting your timelines. At Focused on Machining, our VMI program offers a strategic approach to managing part production that optimizes your costs and simplifies delivery.

Find out how VMI operates at Focused on Machining, and learn why this is the perfect time to join our VMI program.

The Simplicity of Vendor-Managed Inventory

In our VMI program, customers share their recurring monthly quantity requirements with us, allowing us to proactively manufacture parts and maintain a stock level to meet their needs. For example, if a customer requires 20 parts every month, they may authorize us to produce and maintain two months of additional inventory on our shelf ahead of time.

This approach ensures consistent availability for our customers, especially for parts needed in steady quantities. Traditional, one-off ordering can be subject to varying production schedules and changes in lead time, but in a VMI relationship, we can plan production runs around your parts.

The Benefits of VMI: Better Pricing, Simpler Supply Chain

VMI is best for medium-volume CNC production machining—typically in the range of 10 to 100 parts per month. It’s ideal for customers who need parts regularly, but not at extremely high volumes that require continuous production. In addition, stable, repeat parts are the best fit—parts still going through frequent design changes are not well suited to VMI.

For qualified customers, there are significant benefits: 

Better pricing: Even when customers have relatively small monthly quantities, they receive better pricing by enabling us to produce parts in larger production runs. A VMI customer ordering 20 parts every month may receive pricing comparable to a one-time 40-piece order.

Consistent supply: Many times RFQs only arrive in our inbox when parts are already urgently needed. Instead, VMI creates a more predictable and reliable supply chain manufacturing relationship. 

Backup availability: When we maintain your parts in our inventory, you can access them quickly if demand unexpectedly increases. Instead of waiting for a full production cycle, parts can ship directly from our stock.

Establishing a Strong VMI Partnership

VMI relationships can differ from customer to customer—we do not have a single template, and instead carefully create a plan with every customer and agree on key terms for our precision machining services. Every successful program addresses these key factors: 

Quantities and timing: Delivery schedules and quantities are the essence of a VMI arrangement, in addition to authorized inventory levels.

Revision control: Both parties must agree on how any potential engineering changes will be handled, including what to do with existing inventory. 

Storage duration: We typically maintain inventory for 30 to 60 days, maintaining adequate stock but regularly turning these parts over. However, if inventory grows or duration increases, it’s critical to have terms agreed upon beforehand.

Communication strategy: VMI simplifies ordering and reduces POs, but it is not a “set it and forget it” program. We frequently communicate with our customers about potential changes in demand, production schedules, and requirements.

Let’s Discuss Your Upcoming Production Needs

At Focused on Machining, our commitment to customer service means we are the ideal VMI partner. We maintain clear communication throughout the relationship, and customers know how responsive we are to every phone call and every email.

Request a quote today from our Colorado machine shop if you think your project is a good candidate for VMI! No matter what your project requires, from titanium machining to production machining services, we’re ready.

A Guide to Aluminum Finishing: How Our Network Delivers Premium Chem Film and Anodizing

From medical devices to aerospace components, precision-machined aluminum parts are critical to many industries we serve at Focused on Machining. We manufacture a variety of high-performance components from 6000 and 7000 series aluminum, known for their exceptional strength-to-weight ratio and other advantageous characteristics.

Aluminum’s natural corrosion resistance makes it a versatile material, but proper surface finishing is essential to maximize performance and longevity. At Focused on Machining, nearly every aluminum part we produce undergoes one of two primary finishing processes: chemical film (commonly called “chem film” or conversion coating) or anodizing.

By collaborating with Focused on Machining for both CNC machining services as well as your finishing needs, you’ll have a one-stop shop experience for your aluminum projects. Through our extensive network of expert finishing vendors, we deliver fully finished components tailored to your exact requirements.

Learn the benefits of chem film and anodizing, and find out how our established partnerships allow us to offer both competitive pricing and reliable lead times for your finishing services. 

Chemical Film: The Simpler Finishing Choice

Chem film represents the more straightforward of these two processes. Parts are cleaned, immersed in a chemical bath for a specified time, rinsed, and dried. The treatment forms an ultra-thin protective barrier on the surface without affecting part dimensions. This coating is both corrosion-resistant and maintains electrical conductivity.

Chemical film treatments come in several formulations. Each formulation offers its own unique combination of benefits, including varying levels of corrosion protection, color options, weight specifications, and environmental impacts. Thanks to our broad network of finishing specialists, we can connect you with the perfect vendor for your specifications.

Chem film is particularly valuable for applications where electrical conductivity is essential, such as satellite components and military radio antennas. These parts rely on chem film’s ability to maintain proper grounding, reducing electrical interference and noise.

Anodizing: The Best Option for Maximum Durability

Anodizing is a more complex process than chem film, but it offers a more durable finish. During treatment, a part is immersed in acid while electrical current is passed through the acid bath. This creates a relatively thick new layer on the part, with approximately half of the layer on the exterior of the part and half growing inward into the aluminum.

Unlike chem film, anodizing changes a part's dimensions with its thick coating. This dimensional change requires careful control of multiple variables—including time, current, and temperature—to ensure final measurements remain within tolerance.

Anodizing creates an exceptionally hard surface with excellent wear resistance and superior corrosion protection compared to chem film. It also offers a wide range of color options, whereas chem film typically produces only clear or gold-tinted finishes.

How We Match You to the Ideal Vendor

While many shops offer one or both of these finishing services, their specialties vary significantly. Finding the right machine shop for your specific needs presents a challenge—while some projects demand premium anodizing with complex masking regardless of cost, others may prioritize quick turnaround with basic chem film.

At Focused on Machining, we are ready to discuss your finishing requirements and match your project to the ideal specialist from our trusted vendor network. Our strong relationships ensure competitive pricing and lead times, including rush options. When the parts are back in our shop, we conduct a thorough documentation review and final inspection to ensure every product we deliver exceeds your expectations.

A Single Partner for Your Next Manufacturing Project

Don’t spend valuable project time vetting and managing finishing providers. Simplify your next project by letting our Colorado CNC machine shop handle both in-house precision machining and finishing through our trusted network.

Request a quote today to discuss your next project! From titanium machining to electropolishing services, we offer a wide range of manufacturing solutions under one roof.

Material Spotlight: The Versatility of 6000 Series Aluminum

At Focused on Machining, we take pride in our expertise in precision CNC machining, which encompasses a diverse range of materials. Our skilled operators, paired with cutting-edge technology, enable us to produce high-quality parts from aluminum, steel, stainless steel, copper, brass, plastic, and more. 

Among these materials, 6000 series aluminum has become a favorite among our customers, with aluminum 6061 leading as the most requested material at our shop. In this spotlight, we’ll explore the properties of 6000 series aluminum and share insights from our extensive experience machining these versatile alloys.

An Overview of 6000 Series Aluminum

6000 series aluminum is renowned for its strength, corrosion resistance, and formability. Its primary alloying elements—magnesium and silicon—create a unique combination of properties that cater to a wide range of applications. 

When compared to 7000 series aluminum, which primarily uses zinc as its alloying element, 6000 series aluminum offers a different set of advantages. The 7000 series boasts a higher strength-to-weight ratio, making it particularly valuable in aerospace applications. However, this increased strength comes at a higher cost and presents greater challenges in machining. In contrast, the 6000 series provides an excellent balance of performance and affordability, making it a go-to choice for many industries.

The Benefits and Applications of 6000 Series Aluminum

6000 series aluminum alloys are not only easier to machine than many other alloys, but they also deliver an impressive strength-to-weight ratio. This combination of properties makes the 6000 series widely utilized across various industries, including automotive, construction, marine, aerospace, and beyond. These industries often demand tight tolerances and high precision, which is why selecting a machining partner who understands the nuances of these alloys is critical.

Another significant advantage of 6000 series aluminum is its compatibility with various finishing processes. This includes heat treatment, anodizing, chem film, painting, and nickel plating. At Focused on Machining, our extensive network of trusted vendors enables us to provide a range of finishing options for your parts, ensuring that they meet your specific requirements and industry standards.

Aluminum 6061: Our Most Requested Material

Among the 6000 series alloys, aluminum 6061 is particularly noteworthy and stands out as the preferred choice for many engineers and manufacturers. Its versatility makes it well-suited for a variety of projects, especially in applications where extreme conditions—such as high-temperature environments or the lightweight properties associated with titanium machining—are not a factor. Here are some key benefits of aluminum 6061:

• Strength: With high tensile and yield strength, 6061 offers structural integrity suitable for many applications.

• Lightweight: The alloy’s excellent strength-to-weight ratio is ideal for parts where reducing weight is crucial.

• Thermal Conductivity: Compared to many other aluminum alloys, 6061 has higher thermal conductivity, making it frequently used for heat sinks.

• Availability: 6061 is available in various forms, including rectangular bars, round bars, plates, and sheets, ensuring broad accessibility for manufacturing.

• Machinability: Like many other 6000 series alloys, aluminum 6061 is easy to machine, which facilitates efficient manufacturing of customer parts.

• Cost-effectiveness: It is one of the more economical metal options available, partially due to its high production volumes.

Trust Us With Your Next Aluminum Part

At Focused on Machining, our expertise with 6000 series aluminum equips us to tackle even your most challenging precision machining projects. Whether your part is in the prototype stage or moving into full-scale production, we are committed to being a trusted partner you can rely on for quality and precision.

We understand that effective communication and collaboration are key to transforming your ideas into reality. That’s why we invite you to reach out to us for a personalized discussion about your next aluminum component.

Request a quote today and discover how we can turn your vision into high-quality precision parts that meet your needs!

More Than Just Precision Parts: FOM’s Commitment to Customer Service

At Focused on Machining, customer satisfaction guides our actions every day and we’re constantly striving to elevate our performance. To measure our progress, we recently conducted a survey to gather feedback from our clients on key areas like customer service, product quality, and delivery times.

The survey results were insightful! We were thrilled to see that responses were overwhelmingly positive in every category. One area in particular stood out: our customer service. While we’ve always prided ourselves on providing excellent service, the feedback revealed that our commitment is not necessarily the standard; it's a defining quality that sets us apart in the industry.

Customer service is more than just a phrase to us—it’s ingrained in our company culture and shapes how we interact with our customers, vendors, and partners. Read on to discover how our dedication to exceptional service helps our precision machine shop stand out.

Quick Responses to Keep Your Precision Machining Projects On Schedule

Our responsiveness earned enthusiastic praise from customers. Many noted that they can expect a reply by the next business day. Swift communication is a point of emphasis for our shop, and we know that speed is essential in building trust with our customers and helping them maintain project momentum. 

Clients also highlighted our commitment to acknowledging every RFQ, even if we cannot accommodate their project. Many other industry vendors do not respond to RFQs if the project is outside their capabilities or capacity. At Focused on Machining, we make it a point to respond to every RFQ. When we're unable to take on a project, our team explains the reasons to ensure transparency and maintain trust. 

Solving Problems and Saving Lead Time With Attention to Detail

Attention to detail is another key differentiator in the feedback we received. Customers appreciate our ability to catch errors and oversights that had slipped past their team, including tolerance issues and feature callouts. 

Other shops may flag these issues only during the machining phase, leading to costly delays and revisions. Instead, we identify and discuss any problems at the RFQ stage, collaborating with our customers to address these areas of concern early. This approach not only streamlines their production process but also reinforces our commitment to their success.

Why Customers Value Our Transparency

​​In our industry, gaining insight into your project’s status can be challenging, often leading to uncertainty about deadlines. AT FOM, we prioritize quick responses, with detailed updates on project status when requested. Transparency is especially critical in the rare cases when a project may face delays, and we always proactively reach out to discuss timing and possible solutions. 

A recent experience perfectly illustrates our dedication to transparency and problem-solving. When an RFQ resulted in a price higher than we anticipated, we didn’t simply send the quote. Instead, we took time to research alternatives and double-check the calculations. 

When the customer followed up, we told him that a specialized fastener included in the part had driven up the price of the order. He appreciated our transparency and quickly sent a purchase order, reaffirming the value of open communication. 

The Best Email Addresses For Our Precision Machine Shop

Effective communication requires both attention to detail and structured processes. To meet our goal of providing timely responses, we have three dedicated inboxes at Focused on Machining, each designed for a specific aspect of your project. Multiple team members monitor these inboxes, ensuring that customer inquiries and concerns are handled promptly and efficiently:

• rfq@focusedonmachining.com to submit RFQs or discuss quotes. (Note that our online portal is another option for RFQs.)

• quality@focusedonmachining.com to submit questions on quality.

• orders@focusedonmachining.com to send purchase orders directly to our order entry team.

Experience Our Commitment to Precision and Partnership

At our Colorado Machine shop, our mission is not just to deliver exceptional precision machined parts—we aim to be a trusted partner you can rely on. We understand the importance of fast responses, attention to detail, and clear communication to keep your projects on track and within budget.

Whether it's solving challenges early in the process or providing timely updates, we’re dedicated to supporting your success at every stage. You can count on us to deliver more than just parts—we deliver reliability and partnership.

Ready to work with a partner you can trust? Request a quote today and experience the Focused on Machining difference!

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.