What Production CNC Machining Means at DEK
Production machining reproduces a validated design under a documented, quality-gated process: every unit is traceable to inspection records, not a machinist’s memory. Most programs start after moving from prototype to production, with fixturing and inspection plans locked before the first lot runs.
DEK brings 20+ years in precision machining to these programs, from 3-axis CNC machining to 5-axis CNC machining. For single parts or very small batches, low volume CNC machining is the better starting point.
Why OEMs Choose DEK for Production
Certifications, documented process control and a large OEM base keep a specification consistent as volume grows.
Dedicated Account Management
Each program gets dedicated account management, so a specification stays consistent as volume grows, without the re-qualification risk of switching shops between prototype and production.
Production CNC Machining Capabilities
Quality gates, traceability, tolerances, qualified processes and scale-up rules that govern every DEK production run.
Production CNC Machining vs. Other Order Types
Choose production machining once a design has cleared prototype sign-off and must repeat the same tolerance and finish across a full run.
| Criteria | This ProcessProduction CNC Machining | Low Volume CNC | CNC Prototyping |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best for | Full release runs | Single parts, small batches | Design validation |
| Design status | Validated, signed off | Small quantities | Before sign-off |
| Tooling | Fixturing locked pre-lot | No MOQ | Prototype tooling |
| Lead time | Quoted per program | Quoted per job | 3 days |
Production Programs by Industry
Aerospace (non-flight-critical), medical devices, robotics and semiconductor equipment programs all run through the same stage-gated QMS.
Part Sizes and Features We Produce
Production runs cover micro parts, large parts and fit-critical features, each held to a documented capability tolerance.
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Micro Parts Under 10 mm
Sub-10 mm parts held to ±0.003 mm through micro machining, inspected on in-house CMM.
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Large Parts to ~1000 mm
Part sizes up to ~1000 mm through large part CNC machining, under the same QMS.
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Fit-Critical Assemblies
Shaft-bore fits and coaxiality held to ±0.005 mm, as on custom shafts run in lots.
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5-Axis Profiles
Profile control to ±0.01 mm on complex geometry through 5-axis CNC machining.
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Gears in Production Lots
Gear machining and cutting is qualified for production runs alongside milling and turning.
Production Risks We Control
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Mid-Run Machinability
Material grade and lot traceability are locked at kickoff, which avoids machinability surprises once the production run has started.
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Re-Qualification Risk
Running prototype and production in one shop under one QMS removes the re-qualification risk of switching suppliers as volume grows.
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Tooling Cost on Small Lots
With no MOQ, a pilot lot runs on prototype tooling, and fixturing and tooling costs are amortized across the confirmed release lot.
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Batch Consistency
SPC monitoring and IPQC checks during the run keep tolerance and finish consistent from the first unit to the last of each lot.
Certified Production Quality
Every run follows IQC, IPQC, FAI, OQC, SPC and CAPA stage-gates, certified by TUV.
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AS9100D
Aerospace Quality Management System
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ISO 9001:2015
Quality Management Standard
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ISO 13485
Medical Devices Quality Management
How a Production Program Runs
Production Machining FAQ
Short answers on what production CNC work means and how it is priced.
Request a Production CNC Machining Quote
Send your drawing, target tolerances, material spec and expected lot size for a manufacturability review before pricing comes back.
- STEP or native CAD plus a dimensioned PDF
- Engineer-reviewed quote within 6 hours
- No MOQ: start with a pilot lot
- 98.6%+ on-time delivery rate
- See typical CNC machining costs
