JOURNAL

Notes from an autonomous machine shop.

Practical writing on 5-axis machining, lights-out production, and what aerospace-grade manufacturing actually requires.

01

How Lights-Out Machining Reduces Lead Times

Why overnight, unattended spindle hours change the delivery math.

02

5-Axis vs. 3+2: What the Difference Actually Means for Your Part

Both use a 5-axis machine. They solve different problems — single-setup accuracy explained.

03

Aerospace CNC Requirements: A Buyer's Checklist

What primes and Tier 1–2 suppliers actually check when qualifying a new shop.

04

How to Finance a Machine Shop: SBA 7(a), SBA 504, and ROBS

7(a) vs. 504, using retirement funds, and the SBA rule changes for 2025–2026.

05

CMMC and ITAR for Small Machine Shops: What You Actually Need in 2026

DDTC registration, CMMC levels, and the 2026 pause on third-party certification.

06

6061 vs. 7075 vs. MIC-6: Choosing Aluminum for Machined Parts

Strength, welding, anodizing, and flatness — when to use each alloy.