Precision Machining Australia
High-precision CNC machined components to ±0.005mm. Aerospace, medical, defence, and scientific instrument applications. Send us your drawing — we source, manage, inspect and deliver complete finished precision parts. Quote in 2 business days.
Tolerance Capabilities
Precision machining spans a wide range of achievable tolerances depending on process, material, and part geometry.
| Tolerance Class | Achievable | Process | Typical Application |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard | ±0.05mm | CNC machining | General engineering, brackets, housings |
| Precision | ±0.01mm | CNC machining (precision setup) | Bearing fits, gearbox components |
| High Precision | ±0.005mm | CNC + grinding | Aerospace, medical, instrument |
| Ultra Precision | ±0.002mm | Grinding + lapping | Gauges, metrology, optical mounts |
| Surface Finish | Ra 0.1µm | Diamond turning, superfinishing | Optical surfaces, sealing faces |
What Makes Precision Machining Different
Achieving tolerances below ±0.01mm requires more than a good CNC machine. Every step of the process is controlled.
Toolpath Strategy
Climb milling, fine pitch, and multiple finish passes with controlled depth of cut to minimise tool deflection and maintain tolerance.
Workholding
Precision fixtures, soft jaws, and zero-point systems hold parts rigidly and repeatably across multiple setups.
Inspection
CMM verification, laser tracker for large parts, and SPC analysis on production runs. Reports provided with every precision order.
Thermal Management
Controlled environment machining and coolant temperature management prevent thermal expansion errors on tight-tolerance features.
Industries Served
Precision machined components supplied to Australia's most demanding industries.
Aerospace & Defence
Structural components to AS9100, flight-critical parts with full material traceability and CMM inspection reports.
Medical Devices
Implants and instruments to ISO 13485. Critical features to ±0.01mm. Material certification and full lot traceability.
Scientific Instruments
Custom laboratory apparatus, optical mounts, and vacuum components for CSIRO and university research programs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is precision machining and how does it differ from standard CNC machining?
Precision machining refers to CNC machining processes achieving tighter dimensional tolerances than standard production machining. Standard CNC machining typically holds ±0.05–0.1mm on general features. Precision machining holds ±0.01–0.02mm. High-precision machining with grinding and lapping achieves ±0.005mm or better. The difference lies in: machine quality (precision machines have higher spindle accuracy, thermal stability, and vibration damping), tooling (precision ground tooling, tighter runout), workholding (rigid, repeatable fixtures), process planning (minimum passes, finish cuts with controlled depth), and inspection (100% CMM verification on critical features).
What tolerances can be achieved on precision machined components?
±0.05mm on general features with standard CNC machining. ±0.01mm on critical dimensions with precision machining setup. ±0.005mm with finish grinding after rough machining. ±0.002mm with cylindrical grinding on shafts and bores. Ra 0.4µm surface finish achievable with CNC turning using fine-grained insert. Ra 0.1µm achievable with superfinishing and honing. Specify all critical tolerances on your 2D drawing using appropriate geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T) symbols — our DFM review will assess feasibility.
What inspection methods are used for precision machined parts?
Inspection methods for precision components: CMM (Coordinate Measuring Machine — the standard for 3D dimensional verification, capable of measuring to 0.001mm resolution), air gauging (fastest bore measurement, 0.0001mm resolution), bench micrometers and digital gauges, surface roughness measurement (profilometer), thread gauges and plug gauges for threaded features, and optical comparators for complex 2D profiles. Inspection reports (dimensional reports or First Article Inspection reports) are provided with all precision orders. CMM programs can be retained for repeat order inspection consistency.
What industries require precision machined components in Australia?
Industries requiring precision machining in Australia: aerospace (RAAF, Airbus, Boeing Australia — flight-critical components to ±0.01mm, AS9100), defence (ASC submarine program, BAE Systems, Thales — precision hydraulic and mechanical components), medical devices (implants, surgical robots, diagnostic equipment to ISO 13485), scientific research (CSIRO, university accelerators, synchrotron components), oil and gas (downhole tools requiring tight bore tolerances for seal performance), semiconductor (precision stages and fixtures for chip manufacturing equipment), and advanced manufacturing (industrial metrology, precision gauges, calibration standards).
Can you supply precision machined components with CMM inspection reports?
Yes. CMM inspection reports are included with precision orders where specified. The report documents measured vs nominal dimensions for all toleranced features, date of measurement, operator, CMM model, and calibration status. For aerospace and defence orders, First Article Inspection (FAI) reports to AS9102 format are available. Specify your inspection documentation requirements in the quote request — they are included in the quoted price.
How do I specify precision requirements on my drawing?
Specify precision requirements using standard engineering drawing conventions: ISO tolerance codes (e.g., H7/h6 for shaft-in-bore fits), GD&T symbols (circularity, cylindricity, perpendicularity, true position), explicit tolerance callouts (±0.01mm on dimensions where standard ±0.05mm is insufficient), surface finish callouts (Ra value in µm), and inspection requirements (e.g., "CMM report required", "100% inspection of bore diameter"). Our DFM review will flag any tolerance conflicts, features that cannot achieve the specified tolerance with available processes, or drawing ambiguities before quoting.
Get a Quote in 2 Business Days
Upload your precision component drawing. We source, manage, inspect and deliver finished precision parts to ±0.005mm. CMM reports included.
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