MSI Express.
Rapid prototyping and new part introduction at Machine Specialties in Whitsett, North Carolina, from design release to first article and on into rate production, inside a qualified rate supplier.
Dedicated NPI cell
A carved-out 5-axis cell with its own programmers, machinists and quality engineers, separated from the production schedule so development work never competes with rate.
Already qualified
AS9100D, NADCAP and ITAR certified, with an established record delivering flight hardware to commercial launch customers.
Full vertical integration
Machining, NADCAP plating, assembly and inspection performed in-house, with no external processing bottlenecks.
Development cycles are compressing.
Traditional suppliers operate on nine to twelve month qualification cycles, seven to fourteen day quotes and outsourced special processing. Three demand shifts have made that model untenable.
Space launch
Flight rates moving from quarterly to monthly and beyond, with next-generation systems shifting from development into high-rate manufacturing.
Defense technology
Autonomous interceptors, counter-UAS and loyal wingman programs moving from prototype to production within 18 to 24 months.
Autonomy
Air-breathing munitions and loitering systems transitioning from niche capabilities to mass-production programs at aerospace-grade precision.
A dedicated cell inside a rate supplier.
The cell is currently operational, supporting launch vehicle regulator and poppet valve programs.
| Dedicated resources | A carved-out cell with assigned programmers, machinists and quality engineers. |
|---|---|
| No impact on rate | The cell is separated from the production floor, so new product work does not disrupt existing schedules. |
| Quote integrity | Cross-functional review across engineering, production, supply chain and quality before a price is issued. |
| Real-time tracking | Weekly status updates with photographs and an order tracker, with proactive notice of any schedule change. |
| Design change agility | Proven on rapid iteration, at five to ten parts per cycle. |
| Proven transition | The same supplier, quality system and processes carry the program into rate production. |
Seven steps to first article.
- Submit drawing packageDesign files, material specifications and required delivery date. 3D models in STEP or IGES, 2D drawings in PDF, material callouts and quantity.
- Engineering reviewThe lead programmer reviews for manufacturability and creates CAD/CAM programming, with cross-functional assessment across engineering, production, supply chain and quality.
- QuotationFirm price with full cost transparency, a committed delivery date, manufacturability feedback, material lead time and the production transition pathway.
- Material procurementCertified aerospace materials sourced with full traceability.
- Dedicated machiningThe NT4300 cell machines the parts with assigned operators and no queue jumping.
- In-house processingNADCAP plating, shot peening, non-destructive testing, paint and any required assembly.
- First article deliveryComplete parts with full documentation and inspection reports.
Comparative performance.
| ASM | Job shop | Rate supplier | New vendor | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Already qualified | Yes | No | Varies | To be determined |
| Vertical integration | Machining to plating to assembly | Machining only | Yes | Varies |
| Transition to rate | Same supplier, no requalification | Must requalify | Queue delays | Unproven |
| NPI and rate capability | Both proven | NPI only | Rate only | Unproven |
| Impact on rate production | None — dedicated cell | Not applicable | High | Not applicable |
Tell us about your part.
Every quote is returned with a manufacturability assessment, a committed delivery date and a named engineering contact. Material, machining, NADCAP special processing, inspection and assembly are covered under a single order.