Frequently Asked Questions

General Capabilities | Materials & Capabilities | Pricing & Ordering | Manufacturing & Quality | Shipping & Logistics | Technical & Design | Additional Services & Support

General Capabilities

  • PCDrilling specializes in ultra-high precision CNC machining of plastics, fiberglass, composites, and laminated metal materials. Our core services include:

    • CNC drilling and milling

    • Precision routing

    • Custom component fabrication

    • SMT carrier manufacturing

    • PCB drilling

    • Prototyping to high-volume production

    • Fast-turnaround machining services

    We serve aerospace, defense, semiconductor, medical device, telecommunications, and automotive industries with components requiring tight tolerances and fast delivery.

  • We specialize in ultra-high precision machining with capabilities including:

    • Drilling & Milling:

      • Control depth tolerance: ±0.001” (±0.025mm)

    • Routing:

      • Minimum cutter diameter: 0.010” (0.25mm)

      • Minimum inside radius: 0.005” (0.127mm)

    • Scoring:

      • Axis tolerance: ±0.001” (±0.025mm)

      • Jump scoring capability: 0.005”

    Our precision capabilities rival injection molding without the tooling costs or long lead times, making us ideal for tight-tolerance components in aerospace, semiconductor, and medical device applications.

  • PCDrilling serves high-specification industries including:

    • Aerospace & Space Exploration: Precision components for aviation and spacecraft

    • Military & Defense: Custom connectors and components

    • Semiconductor: SMT carriers, test fixtures, PCB drilling

    • Medical Devices: Biocompatible precision components

    • Telecommunications: Board-to-board connectors, BGA sockets

    • Automotive: Custom non-metal material solutions

    • Consumer Electronics: Protective components and precision parts

  • Lead times vary by project complexity and volume:

    • Quick-turn prototypes: 3-5 business days

    • Small production runs (10-10,000 parts): 5-10 business days

    • High-volume production (10,000+ parts): 10-20 business days

    Rush services are available for critical projects. Contact us with your specific requirements for an accurate timeline estimate.

  • Yes. We excel at rapid prototyping for plastics, composites, and laminates. Our CNC capabilities allow us to produce prototype parts with the same precision as production runs—without the expensive tooling required for injection molding. This makes us ideal for design validation, functional testing, and iterative development.

  • We have no minimum order quantity. Whether you need a single prototype or thousands of production parts, we can accommodate your project. Our flexible manufacturing approach makes us cost effective for both low-volume custom work and high-volume production.

  • Yes. PCDrilling is a family-owned American manufacturer based in Tempe, Arizona. We’ve served U.S. industries for over 30 years with domestically-produced precision components. Our American manufacturing base ensures quality control, fast communication, and compliance with U.S. defense and aerospace supply chain requirements.

MATERIALS & CAPABILITIES

  • We specialize in machining:

    • Engineering Plastics:

      • PEEK (Polyetheretherketone)

      • Ultem (PEI - Polyetherimide)

      • Torlon (PAI - Polyamide-Imide)

      • PPS (Polyphenylene Sulfide)

      • Vespel (Polymide)

      • Delrin/Acetal (POM)

      • PTFE (Teflon)

      • Nylon (PA6, PA66)

      • Polycarbonate

      • ABS

      • Acrylic (PMMA)

      • HDPE, UHMW-PE

    • Composites & Laminates:

      • G10/FR4 (glass-epoxy laminate)

      • G11 (high-temp glass-epoxy)

      • Fiberglass

      • Carbon fiber composites

      • Metal-laminated and thin sheet metal materials

      • Linen Phenolic

      • Delmat/Durostone

      • Diallyl Phthalate (DAP)

  • G10 and FR4 are high-pressure fiberglass-epoxy laminates with excellent mechanical, electrical, and thermal properties:

    • G10: High mechanical strength, low moisture absorption, excellent for structural and electrical components

    • FR4: Flame-retardant version of G10, widely used in PCB applications

    • 4 Key properties:

      • High dielectric strength (electrical insulation)

      • Dimensional stability across temperature ranges

      • Excellent strength-to-weight ratio

      • Resistant to chemicals and moisture

    • Ideal for semiconductor, electronics, and aerospace applications

    PCDrilling has deep expertise machining these materials for precision electrical insulators, test fixtures, SMT carriers, and structural components.

  • Yes. We regularly machine high-performance engineering plastics including:

    • PEEK: Exceptional strength, chemical resistance, heat tolerance to 480°F continuous use

    • Ultem: Flame-resistant, high rigidity, excellent dimensional stability

    • Torlon (PAI): Highest-performing thermoplastic, operates to 500°F

    • PPS: Chemical resistance, high-temperature stability

    These materials require specialized machining expertise due to their hardness and thermal properties —exactly what PCDrilling provides.

  • Yes. We have extensive experience machining laminated metal materials—composites that combine metal layers with plastic or fiberglass substrates. These materials provide electrical conductivity, EMI shielding, or thermal management while retaining lightweight properties. Common applications include shielded connectors, grounding components, and specialized aerospace/defense parts.

  • Thermoplastics (e.g., PEEK, Delrin, Nylon, Polycarbonate):

    • Can be melted and reshaped multiple times

    • More flexible for machining and post-processing

    • Better impact resistance

    • Recyclable

    Thermosets (e.g., G10, FR4, Bakelite):

    • Chemically cured; cannot be re-melted

    • Excellent dimensional stability

    • Superior heat resistance

    • Higher rigidity

    Both types require different machining approaches. PCDrilling has the expertise to handle both categories with precision.

  • Absolutely. Our team has in-house materials science capabilities. Provide your drawing with material callouts, ASTM specifications, or brand names (e.g., “Ultem 1000,” “G10/FR4”), and we’ll source and machine the exact material specified—or recommend suitable alternatives if preferred.

  • Yes. We can provide material certifications including:

    • Mill certificates

    • Material test reports (MTRs)

    • Compliance documentation (RoHS, REACH, FDA)

    • Lot traceability for aerospace and medical applications

PRICING & ORDERING

  • Requesting a quote is simple:

    1. Email your drawing/CAD file to support@pcdrilling.com

    2. Use our “Request a Free Quote” form on the website

    3. Call us at (480) 785-9127

    Include quantities, material preferences (if any), and timeline requirements. We typically respond within 24 business hours with a detailed quote.

  • We accept all standard CAD and drawing formats:

    • 2D Drawings: PDF, DWG, DXF

    • 3D Models: STEP, IGES, SolidWorks, Parasolid, STL

    • Other: JPG/PNG images of drawings (we can work from marked-up prints if needed)

    If you have a unique format, contact us—we can usually accommodate.

  • Yes. Our team brings 50+ years of combined aerospace, automotive, defense, and semiconductor expertise. We can:

    • Review designs for manufacturability

    • Suggest material alternatives to reduce cost or improve performance

    • Optimize tolerances where feasible

    • Recommend design changes to improve strength or reduce weight

    Book a Materials Science Consult with our experts to discuss your specific application requirements, material selection, and design optimization strategies. We’re here to help you get the best part at the best value.

  • We offer flexible payment terms:

    • Net 30 for established customers with approved credit and connected ACH account

    • Credit card (Visa, MasterCard, Amex) - processing fee applies

    • Wire transfer or ACH for larger orders

    • Prepayment for new customers (until credit is established)

  • Yes. Pricing improves with volume due to economies of scale in setup, programming, and material procurement. Contact us with your expected volumes for competitive pricing.

  • Yes. We encourage prototyping and sample runs to validate design, fit, and function before full production. This approach saves time and money by catching any issues early.

MANUFACTURING & QUALITY

  • PCDrilling operates well maintained, industrial CNC equipment optimized for plastics, composites, and laminates:

    Our Fleet:

    • 7 Excellon CNC machines with 3-axis capabilities

    • Precision CNC drilling, routing, scoring, and milling

    • Spindle speeds: 80,000 RPM (drilling), 30,000 RPM (routing/milling), 20,000 RPM (scoring)

    • Work envelope sizes ranging from 18” x 24” up to 30” x 42”

    • Multiple spindle configurations (1-5 spindles) for production efficiency

    • Specialized tooling for non-metallic materials

    Our equipment is maintained to aerospace standards and regularly calibrated for precision. We utilize ultra-fine drill bits down to 0.002” (0.05mm) diameter for micro-drilling applications.

  • Quality is embedded in every step:

    • First Article Inspection (FAI): First Article Inspection is required for all new parts not previously machined by PCDrilling and is included as a quoted and billable element of the job unless otherwise agreed in writing

    • In-process inspection: Dimensional checks during machining

    • Final inspection: CMM (Coordinate Measuring Machine) verification

    • Material verification: Incoming material inspection and certification

    • Process documentation: Detailed travelers and work instructions

    • Continuous improvement: Regular equipment calibration and operator training

    First Article Inspection is included in every quote to ensure your parts meet exact specifications from the first piece forward. Our leadership team’s manufacturing background ensures we understand the critical nature of precision components.

  • We are currently pursuing AS9100 and ISO 9001 certification and expect to achieve certification in 2026. While not yet certified, our quality management systems and processes are designed to meet these rigorous standards. Our team has extensive experience working within AS9100 environments and understands the traceability, documentation, and quality requirements these certifications demand.

  • Yes. PCDrilling serves military and defense customers and understands the regulatory requirements for defense work, including ITAR (International Traffic in Arms Regulations) compliance. Our U.S.-based facility and American workforce make us well-suited for defense supply chain participation.

  • Absolutely. We routinely work with confidential and proprietary designs. We’re happy to sign NDAs (Non-Disclosure Agreements) before reviewing your project details. Your intellectual property is protected with strict confidentiality protocols.

  • We maintain comprehensive traceability throughout production:

    • Material lot tracking from receipt to finished part

    • Work order documentation linking drawings to production batches

    • Inspection records with dimensional data

    • Operator and machine identification

    • Serialization or lot marking (when required)

    This level of traceability is essential for aerospace, medical, and defense applications—industries we specialize in serving.

SHIPPING & LOGISTICS

  • We ship nationwide across the United States and can accommodate international shipping to Canada, Europe, Asia, and other regions. Shipping costs and lead times vary by destination. We work with major carriers (FedEx, UPS, freight) to ensure safe, timely delivery.

  • We use protective packaging appropriate for each component:

    • Anti-static bags for electronics and semiconductor parts

    • Foam padding or custom inserts for delicate or high-precision components

    • Rigid boxes or crates for larger parts

    • Labeling and documentation per customer requirements

    Special packaging requirements? Let us know and we’ll accommodate.

  • Yes. For urgent projects, we can expedite production and arrange overnight or 2-day shipping. Rush fees may apply depending on project complexity and current workload. Contact us to discuss your timeline.

TECHNICAL & DESIGN

  • Minimum wall thickness depends on material and part geometry:

    • Rigid plastics (G10, FR4, Delrin, PEEK): Down to 0.010” (0.25mm) walls

    • Softer plastics (Nylon, PTFE): Minimum ~0.020-0.030” to prevent flexing

    For ultra-thin features, consult with our engineering team during the quoting process.

  • Thread machining capabilities are material-dependent:

    • External threads: Can be machined on suitable materials using specialized cutters

    • Internal threads: Best achieved through tapping as a secondary operation (consult with our team for your specific application)

    Thread quality depends on material hardness and brittleness:

    • Best for threading: Delrin, PEEK, Nylon, UHMW (low coefficient of friction, good dimensional stability)

    • More challenging: Brittle materials like acrylic or G10/FR4 (prone to chipping or cracking)

    For critical threaded features, we recommend discussing your requirements during the quoting process to ensure the optimal manufacturing approach. Thread relief, chamfers, and clearance holes can be machined as needed.

  • In addition to our core CNC drilling, routing, scoring, and milling capabilities, we offer select secondary operations:

    In-House Capabilities:

    • Precision Drilling: Ultra-fine holes down to 0.002” (0.05mm) diameter

    • Deburring: Edge finishing and cleanup

    • Basic finishing: Surface smoothing

    Available on Request:

    • Tapping for threaded holes

    • Hardware insertion

    • Custom marking or labeling

    • Specialized surface treatments

    For projects requiring extensive secondary operations or assembly, contact us to discuss your requirements. We’ll work with you to deliver parts ready for your application.

  • Yes. With our ±0.001” machining tolerances and precision fixturing, we can control key geometric tolerances (GD&T) including:

    • Flatness: Achievable through precision milling and proper work-holding

    • Perpendicularity & Parallelism: Maintained through accurate setup and machine calibration

    • Position tolerances: For hole patterns and feature locations

    • Concentricity: For circular features For parts with critical GD&T requirements, include complete callouts on your engineering drawings.

    Our team will review feasibility during the quoting process and manufacture to your specifications. Complex geometric requirements may require multiple setups to achieve all features within tolerance.

  • Surface finish depends on material and machining process:

    • As-machined: Typical Ra 32-64 microinches (light tool marks visible)

    • Fine machined: Ra 16-32 microinches (smooth, minimal tool marks)

    • Polished: High-gloss finish for acrylics and polycarbonates

    For specific Ra (roughness average) requirements, note them on your drawings.

  • Our 3-axis CNC capabilities enable a wide range of geometries: What We Can Machine:

    • Complex 2D and 2.5D geometries (pockets, contours, profiles)

    • Precision hole patterns and arrays

    • Curved profiles and radiused features

    • Angled features accessible from the top surface

    • Chamfers, countersinks, and counterbores

    • Multi-depth pocketing and stepped features

    Multi-Sided Parts: Parts requiring features on multiple sides can be accommodated through multiple setups and re-fixturing. Setup accuracy is maintained through precision tooling and careful work-holding.

    Design Considerations:

    • True undercuts are not accessible with 3-axis machining

    • Features requiring 4 or 5-axis machining may need design modifications or alternative approaches

    • For complex parts, provide 3D models (STEP, IGES, or SolidWorks files) to ensure accurate quoting and programming

    Our engineering team will review your part geometry during quoting and recommend the most efficient manufacturing approach.

ADDITIONAL SERVICES & SUPPORT

  • Yes. For high-volume or repeat customers, we can establish:

    • Kanban/Just-in-Time (JIT) delivery: Parts delivered as needed

    • Stocking programs: We hold inventory and release per your schedule

    • Blanket purchase orders: Lock in pricing and schedule releases over time

    This reduces your inventory carrying costs and ensures on-time delivery.

  • Absolutely. With in-house materials science expertise and decades of experience, we can recommend materials based on:

    • Mechanical requirements (strength, flexibility)

    • Environmental factors (temperature, chemicals, UV exposure)

    • Electrical properties (insulation, conductivity)

    • Regulatory needs (FDA, UL, aerospace specs)

    • Cost constraints

    Contact us with your application requirements and we’ll guide you to the optimal material.

YOU DESIGN IT. WE BUILD IT.

Whether you’re exploring options or ready for high volume production, our team is happy to answer your questions. Request your free quote today and see how we can support your project.

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