Exotic Metals Machining FAQ

Standard capability: ±0.0005″ on most CNC milling and lathe operations

Tighter tolerances: ±0.0001″ achievable using wire EDM services for complex geometry applications where precision is critical

Our 40 years of combined experience machining exotic metals means we understand how Hastelloy, Inconel, and 316SS behave during cutting—material flexing, thermal expansion, work hardening—and can maintain tight tolerances consistently. Tighter tolerances may require EDM, extended cycle times, and specialized tooling.

Note: We always recommend validating tolerance requirements with your engineering team. Unnecessarily tight specs can increase cost and lead time without improving part performance.

Hastelloy C-276: Most corrosion-resistant against reducing acids and mixed chemical environments. Better for general chemical processing applications handling aggressive corrosive chemicals. More readily available and lower cost.

Hastelloy C-22: Superior resistance to oxidizing environments and pitting corrosion. Better choice when oxidizing chemicals (nitric acid, hypochlorite) are present. Slightly more difficult to machine but worth the material cost when oxidation is a concern.

Both are notoriously difficult to machine due to work hardening, requiring experienced machinists and proper tooling. Our Hastelloy C-276 machining services page details our approach to managing these challenges.

Yes, we regularly machine both Inconel 625 and Inconel 718 for high-temperature applications in polymer processing and industrial equipment.

Inconel 625: Most machinable of the Inconel grades. Good strength-to-weight, excellent corrosion resistance, ideal for moderate temperature applications. Easier to achieve tight tolerances and superior surface finishes compared to 718.

Inconel 718: Highest strength and hardness. For applications requiring maximum strength at elevated temperatures. More challenging to machine—requires slower feeds and speeds, harder on tooling, longer cycle times. Reserve for applications where 625 isn’t strong enough.

Learn more about our Inconel 625 machining capabilities and Inconel 718 capabilities.

Typical lead times naturally depend on various factors:

• Simple components (standard geometry, standard materials): 2-3 weeks
• Complex custom parts (5-axis, exotic materials, tight tolerances): 3-6 weeks
• Rush/emergency orders: We accommodate when schedule permits—discuss urgency when requesting quote

Lead time depends on part complexity, current shop load, and material availability. We respond to all inquiries within 24 business hours and provide realistic timelines based on your specifications and delivery deadline.

For urgent projects, include deadline information when submitting quotes. Our small shop size means we have better schedule flexibility than large manufacturers when emergency situations arise.

We manufacture new parts only. We do not provide repair or refurbishing services.

If you need a replacement part, we require either:

• Engineering drawings with full specifications
• Existing part (for reverse engineering) AND authorization to reproduce the design
• Material and tolerance specifications from your equipment manufacturer

We cannot manufacture proprietary OEM parts without customer authorization. We can manufacture replacement parts to customer-provided specifications for equipment from any manufacturer.

We offer multiple surface finish options:

Standard finish: Ra 32-125 microinches (suitable for mechanical fit and function)

Superior finishes: Ra 8-16 microinches achievable through advanced grinding and polishing

Mirror finishes: Ra 4-8 microinches for food-grade applications requiring sanitary finishes or components where surface quality is critical

Mirror finishes on exotic metals (particularly 316 stainless steel for food processing) require specialized techniques and quality control. We can achieve these finishes consistently, but they extend cycle time and cost compared to standard machining.

Yes, we accept CAD files in most standard formats. When submitting drawings:

• Include all tolerance and material specifications
• Clearly identify critical surfaces and finish requirements
• Note any special machining constraints
• Specify desired tolerances (±0.005″, ±0.001″, ±0.0001″, etc.)

While we have CAD capability, our primary strength is precision machining of exotic metals, not CAD services. For design or CAD modifications, work with your engineering team first.

No formal minimum order quantity. We quote single parts through low-volume production runs.

Because we’re a small shop without high-volume pressure, we can accommodate prototype machining and small batch orders that larger manufacturers won’t prioritize. Lead time and cost-per-piece will be higher on very small quantities, but we won’t turn away a single critical component.

Pricing depends on:

• Material selection (exotic metals cost more than commodity steels)
• Part complexity (5-axis vs. simple 3-axis shapes)
• Tolerance requirements (tighter specs require more cycle time)
• Quantity (single part vs. batch pricing)
• Finish quality (mirror finishes vs. standard finishes)

We provide detailed quotes after reviewing engineering drawings and specifications. Send your project details using our request quote form and we’ll respond within 24 business hours with timeframe and cost estimate.

Our 40 years in the extrusion equipment industry means we specialize in:

• Food extrusion equipment (sanitary 316L stainless components)
• Polymer processing equipment (high-temperature Inconel and tool steel parts)
• Chemical processing equipment (corrosion-resistant Hastelloy components)
• Industrial mixing equipment (custom blade profiles and impellers)
• Laboratory testing equipment (precision components with superior finishes)

We serve equipment manufacturers across New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut, and can ship completed components nationwide.

Yes, when schedule permits. We have capacity to prioritize urgent projects, particularly for existing clients.

Contact us immediately with deadline information if you have an emergency. Be specific about when you need the part—same day, 48 hours, next week—so we can give you a realistic answer. Our small shop size gives us schedule flexibility that larger facilities cannot match.

Simple process:

1. Gather specifications: Have engineering drawings or part specifications ready
2. Submit inquiry: Use our request quote form or call (845) 866-5869
3. We respond: Within 24 business hours with quote, lead time, and process recommendations
4. Review & authorize: Confirm specifications, timeline, and cost
5. Manufacturing: We manufacture to specs and notify you when complete

Questions about material selection or manufacturability? Our engineering consultation service helps optimize designs before production. Contact us to discuss your specific application and get technical guidance from our 40 years of exotic metals experience.

For detailed information on specific materials, visit our complete materials overview page.

For information about specific services—wire EDM, 5-axis CNC milling, or industry-specific manufacturing—explore our services section or contact us directly.

For more in depth discussion of tolerances, surfaces, and other capabilities, visit our Resources page.