for complex geometries
on milled features
available on prototypes
Ann Arbor projects
CNC Machined Composite Tooling for Aerospace Teams
Aerospace composite teams in Ann Arbor need tooling that is accurate, stable, and ready for autoclave. We machine aluminum and Invar layup molds, cure tools, and caul plates to tight surface tolerances. AS9100D-aligned documentation available.
Tooling Materials
Aluminum, Invar, and HDB with full material traceability.
Surface Accuracy
Ra 32 µin or better on mold faces. CMM inspection available.
Tooling Docs
Dimensional reports and material certs for tooling qualification.
University Research Meets Aerospace Innovation
Ann Arbor's aerospace sector is driven by the University of Michigan's top-ranked aerospace engineering department — conducting cutting-edge research in propulsion, autonomous flight, and satellite systems. Spin-off companies and defense research labs generate demand for prototype machining, while proximity to Detroit's precision manufacturing base and GE Aerospace's Ohio operations feeds a Tier 2 supply chain for engine and structural components.
RivCut gives Ann Arbor aerospace teams AS9100-quality machining with instant quoting and fixed lead times — R&D prototypes, satellite hardware, and propulsion test articles without minimum order hurdles.
University of Michigan Aerospace Engineering
Top-ranked aerospace research in propulsion, autonomy, and satellite systems
GE Aerospace (regional supply)
Engine component supply chain extending into southeast Michigan
Michigan Aerospace Manufacturers Association
Industry network connecting university research to Tier 2 production
What Ann Arbor Aerospace Teams Usually Order
| Typical quantity | 5–25 first articles · 25–100 low-rate production |
|---|---|
| Common materials | Aluminum 7075-T6 |
| Key requirement | Full cert package: material traceability, FAI report, ITAR compliance |
| Typical lead time | 7–15 business days based on material and complexity |
| Who orders | Engineers and procurement managers at defense primes and aerospace startups |
Composite Tooling for Ann Arbor Teams
Layup molds, cure tools, caul plates, and trim fixtures machined to print.
Layup Molds
Aluminum and Invar layup mold tools. Precise OML/IML surfaces, vacuum port locations, and edge dams.
Al & InvarCure Tools
Invar and aluminum autoclave cure tools with precise surface match and thermal expansion control.
Invar 36Caul Plates
Aluminum and steel caul plates for pressure application on composite laminates. Flat and contoured surfaces.
Flatness to 0.005"Trim Fixtures
Aluminum trim jigs and router templates for composite part trimming. Precise edge and hole locations.
Router guidesDrill Templates
Aluminum and carbon-reinforced drill templates for composite assembly. Bushed holes for tight location.
Drill bushingsInspection Fixtures
Aluminum CMM inspection fixtures for composite part verification. Precise datum features.
CMM fixtures2 Tools. 12 Days. Cure-Stable Surfaces.
A Ann Arbor-area composites team needed Invar layup tools with precise contour surfaces, vacuum port locations, and thermal stability for autoclave cure cycles. Teams near companies like University of Michigan Aerospace Engineering trust this kind of precision and documentation rigor.
Every tool shipped with complete documentation:
- CMM dimensional report — contour and datum features verified
- Material cert with heat lot and ASTM A658 compliance
- Surface finish verification on tool surface
- Dimensional stability verification post stress-relief
What Ann Arbor Aerospace Buyers Should Know
Ask your supplier about rapid prototype turnaround for university and R&D programs
Ann Arbor aerospace demand trends toward fast-turn, low-volume research hardware.
Verify AS9100 certification and ITAR registration
U of M defense-funded research projects frequently carry export control requirements on machined components.
Confirm your shop can handle exotic aerospace materials including titanium
Inconel, and ceramic matrix composites specified in propulsion research programs.
When Your Local Shop Can't Keep Up
When a prime surges volume, local shops push you back in the queue. We give you fixed lead times, instant quoting, and aerospace-grade documentation — every time. Ann Arbor's aerospace sector demands it.
Documentation-Ready
Dimensional reports, material certs, and process records ship with every order — no chasing paperwork after delivery.
Full Material Traceability
Every bar ships with mill certs and heat lot numbers. Full chain of custody from raw stock to finished part.
CMM Inspection, Every Part
NIST-traceable CMM verification on every critical dimension before anything ships. No sampling — we inspect every part.
5–7 Day Prototype Turnaround
Most first articles ship in under a week. Rush available for simpler geometries. Confirmed ship date at order.
Need our full quality documentation? Email us — we'll send everything your team needs.
From File to Part in 3 Steps
Simple, clear, and designed for fast-moving teams.
Upload & Quote
Upload your STEP or IGES file, select material and finish, and get an instant AI price. Every quote includes a free DFM review.
We Machine & Inspect
Parts run on our CNC mills and lathes with CMM inspection on every order. We verify every critical dimension before shipping.
Ship with Full Docs
Your order ships with dimensional reports, material certs, and full paperwork — everything your quality team needs.
Questions from Ann Arbor Aerospace Teams
Aerospace CNC Machining in Other Cities
We serve aerospace teams in cities across the US.
Upload Your CAD File
Composite Tooling, structural brackets, housings, and more — we machine them all. Most orders ship in 5 to 7 business days.
No minimums · 100% Made in USA · Never brokered · Ships anywhere in the US
Currently accepting new projects