Test Fixtures
Hardware for validation, metrology, and production support.
Industries
Aerospace and Defense Manufacturing
Support prototype, production, and repeat-order programs with CNC machining, additive manufacturing, sheet metal fabrication, inspection planning, and supplier continuity.
Program Needs
Precision, traceability, repeatability, documentation
- Typical Work
- Machined parts, fixtures, enclosures, test hardware
- Documentation
- Material certs, inspection reports, revision control
- Users
- Engineering, procurement, supply chain, quality
Overview
Manufacturing support for demanding programs
Aerospace and defense teams often need speed, documentation, supplier reliability, and repeatable execution in the same workflow. This page separates prototype work from production programs so engineering and purchasing teams can route requests correctly.
Prototype Builds
Fast parts for design reviews, functional tests, tooling trials, and engineering builds.
Production Support
Repeat orders, controlled revisions, and supplier continuity for known part families.
Supplier Network
Route work to qualified shops based on process capability and documentation needs.
Quality Planning
Capture material, finish, inspection, and revision requirements before quote review.
Capabilities
Common manufacturing routes
| Capability | Use Case | RFQ Notes |
|---|---|---|
| CNC Machining | Brackets, housings, precision structures, test hardware | Include critical dimensions, material, finish, and drawing revision. |
| 3D Printing | Ducting, lightweight prototypes, fit-check parts, tooling aids | Ideal for quick validation and complex geometry. |
| Sheet Metal | Panels, enclosures, ground equipment, brackets | Include flat pattern, bend notes, hardware, and coating requirements. |
| Assembly and Finishing | Marked components, coated parts, multi-part hardware | Add packaging, labeling, inspection, and documentation needs. |
Quality
Quality and documentation control
For regulated or high-risk programs, the RFQ should identify critical dimensions, revision level, material requirements, reporting needs, and supplier restrictions before pricing begins.
Revision-controlled file handling and repeat order notes
Material, finish, and inspection requirements captured at intake
Dimension report options and key feature tracking
Supplier continuity notes for repeat production
Applications
Example part categories
Structural Brackets
Machined or formed components with controlled interfaces.
Enclosures and Panels
Sheet metal parts with coatings, hardware, and marking.
Replacement Parts
Repeatable orders with revision history and documentation notes.
Repeat Orders
Keep repeat work organized
When a part has already been quoted or manufactured, include the prior RFQ number, latest revision, supplier preference, and any changes to the material, finish, or inspection package. Use the help center repeat-order article for a complete checklist.
FAQ
Common questions
Can prototype and production work be separated?
Yes. Choose the appropriate business line in the RFQ form so prototype requests and production programs are routed differently.
Can the same supplier be used for repeat orders?
Include the previous RFQ number and supplier preference. Same-supplier routing is recorded, but availability and capability still need review.
What should I upload?
Upload 3D CAD, 2D drawings, revision notes, material requirements, finish specs, and inspection requirements.