3 Questions Energy and Oil & Gas Companies Should Ask Their CNC Contractor Manufacturer

The oil and gas industry is unlike any other.

High demand. High temperatures. High volume.

To keep your business growing, it often comes down to the smallest details. You want a CNC contractor manufacturer that is as reliable as you are. Before choosing, here are three questions you should ask.

Are You Experienced Machining Products for  The Oil & Gas Industry?

Not all CNC contractor manufacturers are the same. 

Levels of skill and know-how are developed over time and require a high learning curve. Before partnering with a company, you want to make sure they have the experience necessary to deliver on time.

Due to the corrosive nature of the environment, the materials used are often composed of a chemical composition high in chromium. Great examples of this are 2507 Super Duplex and 316 Stainless Steel. While these materials provide the desired performance and longevity, they can be difficult to machine. Over the last 25 years, Star Engineering has identified the key machining parameters for optimal production. We’ve developed a comfort level machining exotic alloys that is uncommon among most CNC contract manufacturers.

There’s a secret sauce that determines the effectiveness of each production part we manufacture. We refer to this as “getting the feed and speeds right.” You want a partner who understands:

• RPM
• Surface finish
• Cutter feed rate

Identifying and implementing optimal parameters for CNC machining allows Star Engineering to produce products at a competitive rate and according to engineering specifications. 

Are You Able To Procure Raw Material?

Companies coast to coast are feeling the pinch of supply chain issues. CNC contract manufacturers are no different. That’s why finding one with reliable supplier partnerships is more crucial than ever.

While low-carbon steels and aluminum may be readily available, the same can’t be said for the alloys commonly used in the oil and gas industry. Key elements like nickel and chromium may limit the suppliers and lead time needed for reasonable delivery lead times.

If the manufacturer you choose hasn’t built a network of suppliers, you risk contracting with a partner who may incur unexpected delays. In addition to impacting your bottom line, delays in production launch allow your competitors to catch up, while also putting your reputation at risk.

Are You Investing In The Future?

Companies only move in one of two directions, forward or backward.

Finding the right CNC contract manufacturer can be a time-consuming challenge. Asking questions about how your CNC contract manufacturer plans to grow in the coming years can allow you to side-step frustrations related to manufacturing bottlenecks. 

Restricted cash flow can prevent needing funding for capital equipment necessary to scale, resulting in increased lead times due to equipment capacity issues.

Here at Star Engineering & Machining, we’ve spent the last 18 months heavily investing in both CNC machinery and people.

One of the biggest advances to come from this is our increased capacity due to adding several manufacturing cells. Optimize layout and machining capabilities allow parts to move efficiently from machine to machine and into packaging for shipment.

Saved time is saved money.

In addition, our IATF 16949 and ISO 9001 certifications demonstrate our commitment to excellence.

The demands on the oil and gas industry are too complex for you to settle subpar CNC contract manufacturers. Be sure to ask tough questions and set your expectations high.