Frequently Asked Questions
Learn more about our machining expertise, quality systems, and what to expect when partnering with CARR.
General
Get to know who we are, what we do, and how we’ve built our reputation in precision manufacturing.
What sets CARR apart from other precision machining companies?
CARR Machine & Tool, Inc. stands apart through a powerful combination of precision, experience, and a culture of continuous improvement. As an AS9100D-certified aerospace machine shop, we leverage advanced 5-axis machining, rigorous CMM inspection, and decades of hands-on expertise to produce complex, mission-critical components. Our team takes pride in delivering consistent quality while building long-term partnerships with customers who depend on reliability and accountability in every part we produce.
How long has CARR been in operation?
CARR Machine & Tool, Inc. has been in operation since 1972. Founded by Richard Carr in Elk Grove Village, Illinois, the company has grown from a small family machine shop into a second- and third-generation precision manufacturing company serving advanced industries such as aerospace, space, semiconductor, and medical. Today, CARR combines decades of machining expertise with modern technology to produce complex, high-precision components for demanding applications.
Where is your facility located?
Our facility is located in Elk Grove Village, Illinois, about 10 minutes west of Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD). Elk Grove Village is home to the largest industrial park in the United States, giving us immediate access to an extensive network of suppliers, specialty processors, logistics providers, and manufacturing resources—all within roughly a 15-mile radius. This strategic location allows us to move quickly, collaborate with trusted partners, and support our customers with speed and efficiency.
Capabilities & Services
Learn more about our advanced machining capabilities and how we deliver precision at every scale.
What materials do you commonly machine?
We commonly machine a wide range of aerospace-grade metals, including aluminum, stainless steel, titanium, and high-performance alloys such as Inconel. These materials are frequently used in aerospace and other high-reliability industries where strength, weight, and durability are critical. Our team has extensive experience machining complex parts from these challenging materials while maintaining tight tolerances and exceptional quality.
Do you offer 5-axis and multi-axis machining?
Yes. CARR Machine & Tool offers advanced 5-axis machining capabilities, allowing us to produce highly complex parts with fewer setups and exceptional accuracy. Multi-axis machining enables tighter tolerances, improved surface finishes, and more efficient production of intricate aerospace components that would be difficult or impossible to manufacture using traditional 3-axis methods.
Can you handle prototype and production runs?
Yes. CARR Machine & Tool supports both prototype and production machining. We work with customers during the prototype phase to validate designs and refine manufacturability, with the expectation that successful prototypes transition into full production. Our focus is on building long-term programs where early development work leads to consistent, scalable production volumes.
Do you provide finishing or assembly services?
Yes. CARR Machine & Tool provides a full range of finishing and light assembly services. We coordinate complex finishing processes—including anodizing, chem film, magnetic particle inspection, and other MIL-spec treatments—through a trusted local NADCAP and AS9100D-certified finishing partner that holds approvals from many major aerospace OEMs. After finishing, we also perform light assembly operations, including installation of Heli-Coil inserts, pins, springs, bearings, rivets, and other hardware, delivering parts that are fully completed and ready for our customers’ next stage of production.
Certifications & Quality
See how our quality systems, certifications, and inspection processes drive every part we produce.
What certifications does CARR hold?
CARR Machine & Tool is certified to AS9100D and ISO 9001 quality standards and operates in full compliance with ITAR regulations. These certifications reflect our commitment to rigorous quality management, traceability, and secure handling of sensitive technical data required by the aerospace and defense industries. We are also actively preparing for full CMMC compliance, ensuring we meet the cybersecurity standards required to support Department of Defense programs.
How do you verify part accuracy and consistency?
At CARR Machine & Tool, part accuracy and consistency are verified through a rigorous inspection process using advanced CMM (Coordinate Measuring Machine) technology, precision inspection equipment, and documented quality procedures aligned with our AS9100D quality management system. Our team performs first article inspections, in-process verification, and final inspections to ensure every component meets exact specifications, tight tolerances, and full traceability requirements demanded by the aerospace and high-reliability industries.
Do you provide CMM inspection or documentation?
Yes. CARR Machine & Tool provides full CMM inspection and detailed quality documentation. Using advanced coordinate measuring machine (CMM) technology, we generate precise dimensional reports to verify that parts meet all customer specifications. We also provide supporting documentation such as First Article Inspection Reports (FAIR/AS9102), inspection reports, material certifications, and full traceability records as required by our customers in aerospace and other high-reliability industries.
How does your team maintain quality throughout production?
Yes. Quality at CARR Machine & Tool is maintained throughout the entire production process, not just at final inspection. Our machinists, programmers, and quality personnel follow documented AS9100D procedures, performing in-process inspections, tool verification, and continuous monitoring during machining. We also maintain a dedicated shop-floor quality control area equipped with a ZEISS DuraMax CMM, allowing machinists to verify in-process checks (IPCs) in real time. This proactive approach ensures every part stays within tolerance, maintains batch-to-batch consistency, and meets the strict standards required by aerospace and other high-reliability industries.
lead times & orders
Find out what to expect when requesting quotes, placing orders, or scheduling production runs.
What is your standard lead time?
Our standard lead time varies depending on several factors, including part complexity, production quantity, required post-machining finishing, and any hardware installation or assembly. Because many of the components we manufacture involve tight tolerances and specialized aerospace processes, each project is evaluated individually. Once we review the drawing and scope of work, we provide a clear and realistic delivery schedule to ensure quality and reliability are never compromised.
Can you accommodate expedited projects?
Yes. CARR Machine & Tool can accommodate expedited projects when production capacity allows. Our team works closely with customers to evaluate the urgency of the request, material availability, machining complexity, and any required finishing processes. When possible, we prioritize critical orders and coordinate closely with our local finishing partners to help meet accelerated delivery timelines without compromising quality.
What information do you need to prepare a quote?
To prepare an accurate quote, we typically require a machining print with complete GD&T along with a 3D CAD model (such as a .STEP or .STP file) at minimum. It is also helpful to include the requested quantity, the lead time you are targeting, and when you would like the quote returned. Providing this information upfront allows our team to evaluate the machining strategy, material requirements, and finishing processes to deliver a precise and timely quotation.
How do I place an order or submit a purchase request?
To place an order or submit a purchase request, simply send your purchase order along with the final machining print, CAD model, and any applicable specifications to our team via email. Once received, we will review the documentation, confirm the scope of work, and acknowledge the order with the agreed pricing, lead time, and delivery schedule. If any details need clarification, our team will reach out promptly to ensure everything is aligned before production begins.
industries served
Explore the industries we partner with and how our expertise supports critical applications worldwide.
Do you manufacture parts for the aerospace and defense sectors?
Yes. CARR Machine & Tool regularly manufactures precision components for the aerospace and defense industries. Our AS9100D-certified quality system, ITAR compliance, and rigorous inspection processes are specifically designed to meet the strict requirements of these sectors. We specialize in machining complex, high-tolerance parts used in critical applications where performance, traceability, and reliability are essential.
What types of components do you produce for the space industry?
CARR Machine & Tool produces a wide range of precision-machined components for the aerospace industry, including structural parts, housings, brackets, mounts, manifolds, and other complex high-tolerance components used in aircraft, satellites, and aerospace systems. Many of the parts we manufacture feature intricate geometries and tight tolerances, requiring advanced 5-axis machining and rigorous inspection to meet the demanding performance and reliability standards of the aerospace sector.
Are you ITAR registered and qualified for government contracts?
Yes. CARR Machine & Tool is ITAR registered and qualified to support government and defense-related programs. Our facility operates under strict controls for handling technical data, documentation, and manufacturing processes associated with regulated defense work. Combined with our AS9100D-certified quality system and preparation for CMMC cybersecurity compliance, we are well positioned to support contractors and OEMs working on government and Department of Defense programs.
Let’s Build Something Precise Together.
Work with a team trusted by leading aerospace, defense, and semiconductor manufacturers.
