for complex geometries
on milled features
available on prototypes
San Jose projects
CNC Machined Composite Tooling for Aerospace Teams
Aerospace composite teams in San Jose 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.
Silicon Valley's Aerospace Innovation Hub
San Jose anchors Silicon Valley's aerospace corridor — Lockheed Martin Space operates its satellite and deep-space exploration programs from nearby Sunnyvale, Northrop Grumman's mission systems division builds space sensors in San Jose, and dozens of startups develop autonomous flight systems, satellite components, and electric propulsion across the South Bay.
RivCut delivers AS9100D-aligned machining to Silicon Valley aerospace teams with instant quoting and fixed lead times — tight-tolerance parts for satellite buses, launch vehicle fittings, and avionics housings without the supplier backlog.
Lockheed Martin Space
Satellite and deep-space exploration systems from Sunnyvale campus
Northrop Grumman Mission Systems
Space sensors, payloads, and mission systems in San Jose
Moog Inc.
Precision motion control and actuation for spacecraft and satellites
What San Jose Aerospace Teams Usually Order
| Typical quantity | 3–25 parts per order, often prototype or low-rate initial production |
|---|---|
| Common materials | Titanium 6Al-4V, Aluminum 7075-T651, Invar 36 |
| Key requirement | AS9100-aligned quality documentation with full dimensional reports and material certs traceable to heat or lot number |
| Typical lead time | 7-15 business days depending on material availability and tolerance complexity |
| Who orders | Mechanical engineer or procurement specialist at a space or defense contractor, often managing multiple concurrent programs |
Composite Tooling for San Jose 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 South Bay composites team needed Invar layup tools with precise contour surfaces, vacuum port locations, and thermal stability for autoclave cure cycles. Teams near companies like Lockheed Martin Space 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 San Jose Aerospace Buyers Should Know
Ask your supplier for AS9100 certification and Nadcap special process accreditations
Lockheed Martin Space and Northrop Grumman in the South Bay require both on purchase orders.
Confirm ITAR registration if your parts touch satellite or launch vehicle programs
most South Bay aerospace contracts carry export control requirements.
Request first-article inspection reports (FAIR) per AS9102
Silicon Valley primes reject shipments without compliant documentation.
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. San Jose'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 San Jose 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