Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about our CNC machining services, capabilities, quality standards, and ordering process. Can't find your answer? Contact our engineering team directly.
Capabilities
What CNC machining services does LOM offer?
LOM offers a full spectrum of precision manufacturing services under one roof, eliminating the need for multiple suppliers:
- CNC Milling -- 3, 4, and 5-axis multi-axis milling with 100+ units
- Swiss-type CNC Turning -- 350+ units for Ø0.5mm-32mm precision parts
- EDM -- Wire and sinker EDM for hardened materials and intricate cavities
- 3D Printing -- Metal DMLS/SLM and industrial SLA/SLS for rapid prototyping
- Sheet Metal Fabrication -- Laser cutting, bending, welding
- Surface Finishing -- 20+ in-house options including anodizing and powder coating
What is your tightest achievable tolerance?
Our standard precision capability is ±0.005mm, verified by CMM (Coordinate Measuring Machine) on every qualifying order. For Swiss-type turning applications in medical and optical sectors, we routinely hold tolerances in this range across high-volume production runs.
Standard tolerances for general CNC machining are typically ±0.01mm-±0.05mm depending on geometry, material, and feature type. Our DFM engineers will advise the optimal tolerance strategy during the quoting phase to balance precision requirements with cost efficiency.
Can you handle both prototyping and mass production?
Yes -- this is one of our core competitive advantages. With 600+ production units across a 50,000 sqm facility, we scale seamlessly from 1-piece prototypes to 1,000,000+ volume production runs, often with the same engineering team managing both phases.
Prototype turnaround is typically 1-3 business days for standard geometries. As your product matures, our DFM engineers help optimize designs for volume production cost reduction -- so there's no need to re-qualify a new supplier when you scale.
What surface finishing options are available?
We operate 20+ surface finishing processes entirely in-house, including our self-owned anodizing and copper blackening lines. This eliminates outsourcing delays and gives us complete quality control over every finish.
Aluminum Finishes
- Type II Anodizing (clear, color)
- Type III Hard Anodizing
- Bead Blasting
- Powder Coating
Steel & Other
- Passivation (stainless)
- Electroless Nickel Plating
- Copper Blackening
- Zinc Plating
What industries do you specialize in?
With 20+ years of international manufacturing experience and 800+ global clients, we serve demanding industries where precision and compliance are non-negotiable:
Materials
What materials can you machine?
We work with a broad range of metals and engineering plastics. Our material expertise spans:
Aluminum Alloys
- 6061-T6
- 7075-T6 (aerospace)
- 2024, 5052
Stainless & Steel
- 304, 316L (medical)
- 17-4 PH, 416
- Brass, Copper
Specialty & Plastics
- Titanium Ti-6Al-4V
- Inconel
- PEEK, POM, PTFE
Can you verify material certifications and composition?
Yes. We use an in-house XRF (X-Ray Fluorescence) analyzer to verify material composition at incoming inspection. This is a standard step in our IQC (Incoming Quality Control) process for all regulated industry orders.
Material certifications (mill certs, certificates of conformance) are available upon request and are included as standard for aerospace, medical, and automotive orders. Full material traceability is maintained throughout production.
Do you offer material selection guidance?
Absolutely. Our team of 80+ DFM (Design for Manufacturability) engineers routinely advises clients on material selection as part of the quoting process. We evaluate your application requirements -- mechanical properties, weight, corrosion resistance, thermal performance, and budget -- and recommend the most suitable option.
For example, if you're considering titanium for a structural component, we might suggest 7075-T6 aluminum as a cost-effective alternative if load requirements allow. This kind of engineering partnership is what sets us apart from transactional suppliers.
Quality & Certifications
What quality certifications does LOM hold?
LOM holds the following internationally recognized quality management certifications:
ISO 9001:2015
General quality management system
IATF 16949:2016
Automotive industry quality standard
ISO 13485
Medical device quality management
ISO 14001:2015
Environmental management system
Certificates are available for download upon request or during the supplier qualification process.
What does your quality control process look like?
Our quality control follows a rigorous four-stage process with full traceability at every step:
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IQC -- Incoming Quality Control
Material verification via XRF, dimensional checks on raw stock, certificate validation
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IPQC -- In-Process Quality Control
First-article inspection, in-process dimensional checks, operator sign-off at key stages
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FQC -- Final Quality Control
CMM measurement, surface finish verification, visual inspection, full dimensional report
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OQC -- Outgoing Quality Control
Pre-shipment inspection, packaging verification, documentation package assembly
Do you support PPAP documentation for automotive orders?
Yes. As an IATF 16949:2016 certified manufacturer, we provide full PPAP Level 3 documentation support as standard for automotive customers. This includes design records, PFMEA, control plans, MSA, initial sample inspection reports, and part submission warrants.
Our quality team has extensive experience working with Tier 1 and Tier 2 automotive suppliers globally and understands the documentation requirements of OEM customer-specific requirements (CSRs).
What inspection equipment do you use?
Our metrology lab is equipped with 20+ inspection tools, including:
- CMM (Coordinate Measuring Machine) -- 3D dimensional verification to sub-micron accuracy
- XRF Analyzer -- Non-destructive material composition verification
- Surface Roughness Testers -- Ra/Rz measurement per ISO standards
- Optical Comparators & Vision Systems -- 2D profile measurement for complex geometries
- Hardness Testers, Thread Gauges, Pin Gauges -- Comprehensive attribute inspection
Lead Times
How quickly can I get a quote?
Our standard engineering quote turnaround is within 4 business hours of receiving your files. This includes a DFM (Design for Manufacturability) review by our engineering team -- not just an automated price estimate.
For complex assemblies or multi-part projects requiring detailed process planning, quotes are typically returned within 24 hours. To get started, simply upload your STEP, IGES, DWG, or PDF files through our RFQ form.
What are your typical production lead times?
Lead times depend on complexity, quantity, and finish requirements. Typical ranges:
Lead times are confirmed at quoting stage. Rush production is available -- please indicate your deadline in the RFQ form.
Can you accommodate urgent or rush orders?
Yes. With 600+ production units and a dedicated capacity planning team, we can often accommodate expedited production schedules. Rush orders are evaluated case-by-case based on current capacity and part complexity.
Please clearly indicate your required delivery date in the RFQ form or contact our team directly. Rush fees may apply depending on the acceleration required. We will always confirm feasibility before accepting an expedited order.
Ordering Process
How do I place an order or request a quote?
Getting started is straightforward. Our process is designed to minimize friction and get you answers fast:
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Submit Your RFQ
Upload your 3D files (STEP/IGES) and 2D drawings (DWG/PDF). Include material, quantity, tolerance notes, and deadline.
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DFM Review & Quote
Our engineers review your design for manufacturability and return a detailed quote within 4 hours.
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Approve & Confirm
Review the quote, confirm specifications, and issue a purchase order. Production begins upon PO confirmation.
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Production & Delivery
Parts are manufactured, inspected, and shipped with full documentation. Tracking provided at every stage.
What file formats do you accept?
We accept all standard CAD and drawing formats. For the most accurate quote, provide both a 3D model and a 2D drawing with GD&T annotations.
3D Model Files
STEP (.stp, .step), IGES (.igs, .iges), Parasolid (.x_t), CATIA, SolidWorks (.sldprt), Pro/E, STL
2D Drawing Files
PDF, DWG, DXF, AutoCAD. Include tolerances, surface finish callouts, and material specifications.
Don't have a 3D model? Send us your 2D drawings or even a sketch -- our engineering team can assist with CAD modeling.
Do you offer first article inspection reports (FAIR)?
Yes. First Article Inspection Reports (FAIR) with full dimensional results are available upon request. For regulated industries (automotive, medical, aerospace), FAIRs are provided as standard practice before mass production commences.
Reports include CMM measurement data for all critical dimensions, surface finish readings, material certificates, and process records. Customer approval of the first article is required before production authorization is issued.
Pricing & MOQ
Is there a minimum order quantity (MOQ)?
There is no minimum order quantity at LOM. We accept orders from a single prototype piece to multi-million-unit production runs. This flexibility is a deliberate strategic choice -- we want to be your manufacturing partner from day one, not just when you've reached scale.
Note that unit pricing naturally improves with volume due to setup cost amortization. Our quotes always show per-unit pricing at your requested quantity, and we're happy to provide tiered pricing across multiple volume breaks.
How is pricing determined for CNC machined parts?
CNC machining pricing is based on several factors, all of which are transparently itemized in our quotes:
- Material cost -- raw material type, grade, and stock size required
- Machining time -- complexity, number of setups, and cycle time per part
- Tolerances -- tighter tolerances require slower feeds, more inspection, higher cost
- Surface finishing -- type of finish and number of operations required
- Quantity -- setup costs amortized across higher volumes reduce unit price
Our DFM review often identifies design modifications that can significantly reduce cost without compromising function -- this is included at no charge with every quote.
What payment terms do you offer?
Standard payment terms for new customers are typically 50% deposit upon order confirmation, 50% balance before shipment. For established long-term clients, net payment terms (Net 30/60) can be arranged based on order history and credit assessment.
We accept T/T (bank wire transfer), L/C (Letter of Credit) for larger orders, and major international payment methods. Contact our sales team to discuss terms suitable for your procurement process.
Shipping & IP Protection
Do you ship internationally? What countries do you serve?
Yes. With 10+ years of international logistics experience, we ship to clients across North America, Europe, and Asia-Pacific. Our logistics team handles export documentation, customs clearance, and freight coordination as part of our end-to-end service.
We work with major international freight carriers (DHL, FedEx, UPS for express; sea freight for large volumes) and can ship DDP (Delivered Duty Paid), DAP, or EXW depending on your preference. Tracking information is provided upon dispatch.
How do you protect my intellectual property and design files?
We take IP protection seriously and have robust processes in place. NDAs (Non-Disclosure Agreements) are available and encouraged -- simply request one before sharing any files and we will execute it promptly.
Additional IP safeguards include:
- Design files are stored in access-controlled systems, shared only with production personnel on a need-to-know basis
- No subcontracting of your parts to third parties without explicit written consent
- Files are never shared with competitors or used for any purpose other than fulfilling your order
- Tooling and fixtures made for your parts remain your property
What if parts arrive damaged or don't meet specifications?
We stand behind our work. Our zero-defect quality philosophy and four-stage inspection process are designed to prevent non-conforming parts from reaching you. However, in the rare event of an issue:
- Contact your account manager immediately with photos and a description of the non-conformance
- We will initiate an 8D corrective action investigation within 24 hours
- Non-conforming parts will be replaced or credited at no cost to you
- Root cause analysis and preventive action report provided upon request
Talk to an
Engineer
Directly
Our team of 80+ DFM engineers is ready to answer your technical questions, review your designs, and provide an honest assessment of your project requirements -- no sales pressure, just engineering expertise.