Salisbury, NC
Precision 5-axis machining, mill-turn, EDM, and inspection support for complex components that demand accuracy, consistency, and controlled execution.
Facilities
Advanced Machining & Tooling
Founded in 1985 and one of the three founding companies of the Compass Precision platform, Advanced Machining & Tooling has built four decades of experience around complex precision manufacturing work. Located in Salisbury, North Carolina, the company supports customers in aerospace and defense, medical, power generation, telecommunications, and automotive markets where dimensional accuracy, documentation, and delivery performance are critical.
Advanced is known for taking on challenging components that require more than standard machining capacity.
The shop combines simultaneous 5-axis CNC milling, advanced mill-turn machining, wire EDM, sinker EDM, CAD/CAM programming, and CMM inspection under one roof. That integrated approach helps reduce handoffs, protect dimensional consistency, and keep documentation aligned from programming through final inspection.
As part of the Compass Precision platform, Advanced Machining & Tooling gives customers the focused technical expertise of a specialized precision manufacturer backed by the broader capacity, shared systems, and coordinated support of a multi-site manufacturing operation.
Capabilities
Where They Excel
Precision Machining with Lights-Out Capabilities
Advanced Machining & Tooling combines 5-axis milling, EDM, and specialized toolmaking capabilities to produce complex components and tooling for demanding applications. Shop-wide palletization and common tooling extend that work into lights-out production, so long-cycle programs keep running past staffed hours. The team works across challenging materials and geometries, supporting projects ranging from precision components for nuclear technology, defense, and fiber-optic applications to complex molds, dies, and specialized tooling. Hard milling capabilities up to 65 Rc, EDM, and advanced cutting tools enable the team to machine fully hardened tool steels and tackle work that demands tight tolerances and specialized manufacturing expertise.
Core Capabilities
Shared Platform Capabilities
3- to 5-Axis
CNC Milling
Automated 3 to 5-axis machining centers handle complex 3D geometries, compound angles, and critical multi-face features in a single setup, with high spindle speeds delivering the fine surface finish these parts demand. Laser tool measurement and robotic machine tending keep tolerances tight and accuracy repeatable across advanced alloys, ceramics, and polymers.
Multi-Tasking
Mill-Turn Machining
Multi-tasking mill/turn on the DMG NTX reaches complex part geometries without repositioning, using one of the shortest tool spindles in its class. A second spindle enables 6-face machining in a single setup, while thermal controls built into the spindle motors and ball screws hold accuracy across extended runs.
Palletized
Production
Shop-wide use of common tooling and palletization supports extended run times, including lights-out manufacturing. That means a fast, flexible response when schedules change, plus economical small-batch runs, with automation carrying jobs through unattended shifts.
Wire and
Sinker EDM
In-house wire and sinker EDM produces intricate profiles, internal features, and fine detail in hardened, difficult-to-machine conductive materials. Swiss-built 5-axis wire EDM systems and 4-axis sinker EDM systems capable of helical geometry hold high accuracy across steels, carbide, nickel alloys, refractory metals, and other conductive materials.
CAD/CAM Programming
Advanced CAD/CAM programming handles complex part geometries for CNC milling, turning, and EDM. Compatibility with major CAD file formats, including IGES, DXF, Parasolid, VDA, STEP, DWG, and SAT, means engineering moves faster and programs get into production sooner.
CMM Inspection and Documentation
AS9100D and ISO 9001:2015 certified systems run on two CMM platforms: one holding linear accuracy to 0.00008″ and volumetric accuracy to 0.000022″ with automated probing, the other scanning larger parts at 5 inches per second. Calibrated, traceable inspection equipment supports dimensional verification throughout production.
Precision Grinding
In-house grinding on our Okamoto surface grinder finishes hardened tool steel and wear-critical surfaces after machining closes, holding a surface finish and flatness that milling and turning alone can’t accomplish. It’s the step that keeps a hardened component in Salisbury instead of shipping it out to a second shop and losing days waiting on outside processing.
Material Experience
All steel alloys, fully hardened steels, high-nickel alloys, titanium, aluminum, ultra-hard ceramic composites, non-ferrous alloys, and polymers.
Certifications
Certifications
- AS9100D
- ISO 9001:2015
- ITAR
Complex Work, Controlled In-House
Advanced Machining & Tooling brings 5-axis machining, multi-tasking mill-turn, wire EDM, sinker EDM, CAD/CAM programming, and CMM inspection together within one facility. For complex components, that means fewer outside handoffs, stronger dimensional control, and better continuity from programming through final inspection.
The parts were complex to manufacture,
but strong collaboration ensured smooth execution and the customer was satisfied with the result.”
Lama M.
Advanced Machining
Learn More
Explore Advanced Machining & Tooling
Visit the Advanced Machining & Tooling website to learn more about the shop, or see every Compass Precision facility.