market
tolerances
optical interfaces
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Precision CNC Machining for Defense Optics
Defense optics and sensor systems require micron-level precision, thermally stable materials, and optical-grade surface finishes. A lens cell bore that is off by 0.001 inches can decenter an optical element and degrade image quality. We machine 6061-T6 aluminum, Invar 36, titanium 6Al-4V, and 17-4 PH stainless to tolerances as tight as ±0.0005 inches with surface finishes to 16 Ra.
Optical-Grade Materials
We source and machine 6061-T6 aluminum, Invar 36 for thermal stability, titanium for strength, and 17-4 PH stainless — all with DFARS-compliant mill certs.
Sub-Thousandth Tolerances
We hold ±0.0005" on critical lens bores, mirror datum surfaces, and gimbal bearing journals. CMM verified with full GD&T reporting.
First Article Inspection
Full FAI reports with CMM data, surface finish measurements, and material certs. Everything your optics program needs for acceptance.
Parts for Optics & Sensor Programs
Lens cells, mirror mounts, sensor housings, and more.
Lens Cells
Precision lens cell barrels, retaining ring seats, and multi-element spacers machined from 6061-T6 aluminum. Bore concentricity within 0.0003", thread class fits, and black anodize for stray light control.
±0.0003" concentricityMirror Mounts
Kinematic mirror mounts, flexure mounts, and mirror cell assemblies machined from 6061-T6 aluminum and Invar 36. Precise datum surfaces, adjustment screw bosses, and thermally matched interfaces.
Invar 36 availableSensor Housings
EO/IR sensor housings, detector dewar enclosures, and focal plane array mounting platforms machined from 6061 and 7075 aluminum. Hermetic seal interfaces and thermal management features.
Hermetic interfacesGimbal Yokes
Two-axis gimbal yokes, trunnion blocks, and elevation cradles machined from 7075-T6 aluminum and titanium 6Al-4V. Precise bearing journal fits, angular alignment, and balanced mass distribution.
±0.01° angularThermal Imaging Frames
LWIR and MWIR optical bench frames, cooler mounting brackets, and detector interface plates machined from 6061 aluminum and Invar. Thermal stability and precise optical datum alignment.
Thermally stableFLIR Enclosures
Forward-looking infrared system enclosures, turret housings, and window mounting frames machined from 7075-T6 aluminum. Environmental sealing, optical window interfaces, and MIL-STD-810 readiness.
MIL-STD-810Serving the US Defense Optics Industry
The US military relies on advanced EO/IR sensors, targeting systems, and surveillance platforms across every domain. Every thermal imager, laser designator, and reconnaissance sensor requires precision-machined optical and structural components.
Programs like IVAS, FLIR upgrades, and next-generation targeting pods drive constant demand for machine shops that understand optical tolerances, thermal management, and stray light control.
Whether your team is prototyping a new sensor assembly or manufacturing production optics housings, we machine the parts you need with the precision your optical design requires.
L3Harris — EO/IR Systems
WESCAM turrets, FLIR systems, and targeting pods requiring precision-machined gimbal components, lens cells, and sensor housings.
Raytheon — Sensors & Effects
Advanced targeting systems, missile seekers, and EW sensors driving demand for precision optical and thermal management components.
Northrop Grumman — ISR Systems
LITENING pods, distributed aperture systems, and space-based sensors requiring optical-grade machined components with sub-thousandth tolerances.
Leonardo DRS — Infrared Technologies
Cooled and uncooled IR detectors, thermal weapon sights, and vehicle-mounted sensor systems requiring precision detector mounting hardware.
Built for Optics & Sensor Programs
Optical components need a shop that understands sub-thousandth tolerances and stray light control.
Optical-Grade Tolerances
We hold ±0.0005" on lens cell bores, mirror datum surfaces, and gimbal bearing journals. Concentricity, true position, and runout verified by CMM on every optical component.
DFARS-Compliant Materials
We source aluminum, Invar, titanium, and stainless from DFARS-compliant domestic mills. Full mill certs and heat numbers on every order.
CMM with Full GD&T
We verify every critical feature — datum alignment, true position, concentricity, and surface finish — with CMM reports that include full GD&T callouts.
Stray Light Control
Black anodize Type III per MIL-A-8625 for stray light control. We machine light baffle features, thread reliefs for retaining rings, and surface textures that reduce reflections.
Questions about our defense optics quality setup? Email us — we'll send our documentation package.
From File to Part in 3 Steps
Simple, clear, and designed for defense optics teams.
Upload & Quote
Send your STEP or IGES file. Pick your material, quantity, and finish. Our AI gives you a real price right away. We also run a free DFM check and flag anything that could add cost.
We Machine & Inspect
Your parts run on our CNC mills and lathes. Every order gets CMM inspection with optical-grade verification. We check every critical feature against your drawing before anything ships.
Ship with Full Docs
Parts ship with dimensional inspection reports, material certs, surface finish data, and all MIL-STD documentation. Everything your quality team needs for optics program acceptance.
Other Defense Sub-Industries
We machine parts across the full defense spectrum.
Weapons Systems
fire control housings, trigger groups, receivers
Armored Vehicles
turret components, hull brackets, suspension mounts
Communications Equipment
antenna housings, radio chassis, waveguide flanges
Missile Components
guidance housings, fin brackets, nozzle throats
Ground Support Equipment
test stands, maintenance fixtures, alignment tools
Questions from Optics & Sensor Teams
Defense CNC Machining by City
We serve defense optics teams in cities across the US.
Upload Your Optics CAD File
Lens cells, mirror mounts, sensor housings, gimbal yokes — we machine them all. Get instant AI pricing now. Prototypes ship in as few as 5 days.
No minimums · 100% Made in USA · Never brokered · Ships anywhere in the US
AI price estimates are usually within ±20% of final price. Complex parts may get a human review within one business day before pricing is confirmed.