FAQ: PRECISION MACHINING

Learn how we finish and machine composite parts with precision, to help your project achieve tight tolerances, and to create reliable fits with other components.

Will my carbon fiber part need any post-processing or machining after it’s molded?

• Most parts require some trimming, drilling, or finishing after molding to meet final specifications.

What features can be added with precision machining, like holes or slots?

• Machining can add holes, slots, countersinks, edge clean-up, and other detailed features.

How do you protect the part from damage during machining?

• By using the right tools and cutting speeds, and carefully securing the part to avoid cracking or delamination.

How do you avoid issues like fraying, delamination, or cracking during machining?

• Using sharp, specialized tools and controlling the feed rate helps prevent damage during cutting.

What tools and techniques do you use for machining carbon fiber?

• Machining is typically done using diamond-coated or carbide tools with dust control systems.

Should I design features into the mold, or have them machined afterward?

• Simple features can often be molded in, but tighter or more complex ones are usually added by machining after curing.

How does machining affect cost and production time?

• Machining adds cost and time because it requires extra labor, tools, and careful handling, but it also ensures precision and a proper fit.