faq's

professional programming services

If you would like more information on any aspect of Peak NC’s services and capabilities please don’t hesitate to contact us.

One of our programmers will be happy to answer your questions.

1. How does the service work?

It's simple. You provide us with a component design, tell us how you want to manufacture it i.e. which machine tool, fixtures, cutters etc. (we can help with this planning process if you need us to) and we will give you a fixed price quotation for all the programming work. If you accept our quote we will work with your engineering staff to make sure we have a fully detailed project specification. We then use our state-of-the-art CAM systems to produce a part program for each component, which is fully checked before being sent out to you. You then test the program on your machine (with our on site support if you need it) and report back to us any changes you require. We will make alterations and re-issue the programs until you are 100% satisfied with the manufacturing process.

2. How much do you charge?

Because each project is unique, you need to contact us for a quotation, which will include all programming, documentation and support. We work out a fixed price for each component based on the complexity of the work involved.

3. Do you provide on site support?

Of course! We know that sometimes it's the easiest and most efficient way to understand what you need from us. All our programming is done from our own offices where we have the facilities to work most effectively. However, we will always be happy to visit you to discuss the progress of your project, particularly during testing. We will discuss the level of on-site support you are likely to require when we’re drawing up your project specification.

4. Do you provide shop floor documentation for each job?

Yes, we will provide you with everything you need to set up and run the job on the machine. This can include set up sketches, tooling lists and work schedules. We can provide these in our own standard format or using your own templates if you prefer.

5. What software packages do you use?

For programming we use the latest, high specification software: NCL from NCCS. With its unique combination of automated and user-controlled tool-path generation techniques, NCL is designed to provide the maximum degree of flexibility in creating programs to produce machined parts of any complexity. Each and every motion is fully under the programmer’s control, ensuring pinpoint accuracy and absolute control over tool axis vectors during continuous five axis motion. The tool-paths produced are highly efficient.

Throughout production each program undergoes detailed checking in Vericut from CGTech. This powerful, independent software can fully simulate the machining process and allows both machining and geometrical issues to be addressed before delivery. This increases confidence in the safety, accuracy and efficiency of the first test.

Postworks, also by NCCS, is used to produce a bespoke post processor specifically for your machine tool. This will convert the CAM system output to the native G&M codes your machine will recognise.

6. What information do I need to provide you with?

To provide you with a quotation for your project, we need information about the component designs, your machine tool, fixtures, cutters and any preferred machining techniques. We will then give you a fixed price quotation which includes all programming, documentation and support. Once programming has started we will work closely with your engineers to ensure we have the detailed information we need to complete your project successfully.

7. What data formats can you accept?

Component designs can be supplied on paper, as 2D CAD drawings, or as 3D CAD/CAM models. Models output from most software packages can be accommodated. Please contact us with your specific requirements; our list of supported technologies is always growing.

8. Who will be responsible for my project?

Overall control of your project will be assigned to a senior member of staff. This gives you a single point of contact for any questions you might have, although you are still free to discuss individual components with the programmer working on them. Your project coordinator will keep in regular contact, keeping you updated on the progress of your work.

9. How do I know that the programs you produce will be right?

Quite simply, we guarantee that they will be! We promise to deliver programs that are fit-for-purpose and to the high standards you would expect. Each program is checked extensively throughout production to ensure the safety, accuracy and productivity of the machining process. After testing we will correct any machining or geometrical defect caused by programming errors or machining techniques for which we are responsible, entirely free of charge. In order to give you the service you deserve we need your active cooperation; therefore this guarantee is given on the basis that you use an effective prove-out and feedback reporting process.

10. Can you provide references from previous customers?

Yes! Many of our customers have kindly provided us with references. Please ask and we will provide a reference from a client who most closely matches your industry or type of work. In exceptional circumstances it may be possible to arrange for you to speak to another client if you so wish.

11. What types of industries do you work for?

Most of our clients work within the aerospace industries, making airframes and aero engines. However we also have experience in many other manufacturing industries, including oil exploration, hydraulics, auto sport, medical devices and satellite technology.

12. What types of companies do you work for?

Our customers range from small, very specialised firms of precision engineers to the household names of international aerospace production, such as Airbus and Rolls Royce. Large or small, we value each and every one of our clients and will tailor our services to meet your particular requirements.

13. Can you program for High Speed Machines / five axis components?

We actively seek out the technical challenge of complex, high specification projects. Five axis programming and High Speed Machining are our speciality. Over the years we have developed numerous techniques particularly suited to High Speed Machining and five axis components which now make up the majority of our workload.

14. Can you program for my particular machine tool?

Yes, we can write programs for any machine which accepts standard ISO G&M codes. Our in house kinematics experts will build a bespoke post-processor configuration for your machine tool. This will convert the output from our CAM system into the G&M codes your machine recognises. We already have an extensive library of 3, 4 and 5 axis machines built.

15. Can you provide contractors to work at my site?

Sorry, no. We don't believe contractors always offer clients good value for money. Working from our own offices gives our programmers access to all our company’s resources (both in terms of technology and expertise), without the distraction of a busy 'shop floor' environment. In addition, you have the security of knowing that the whole of Peak NC is available to support your project.

16. Do you use programming subcontractors?

Never. We train all our own staff in-house to ensure a consistently high quality standard and the use of proven methods. It would be impossible to maintain the same level of excellence using contractors. This approach also allows each of our clients direct access to every programmer involved with their projects, making for fast and efficient communications.

17. What machining facilities do you have?

None at all. We offer programming services for clients with their own machine tools. If you are looking for both programming and machining facilities then we may be able to put you in touch with one of our clients.

18. Can you help me design fixtures for my project?

While we are happy to help you specify basic fixture information, we do not provide a full fixture design service. We feel this is a job for the fixture design experts, so we can put you in touch with designers who we know to provide a quality service.

19. How do I know my data will be kept safe and confidential?

Almost all the projects we work on are either commercially or militarily sensitive. We take every care to ensure that your data is kept safe and secure. All our staff have confidentiality agreements built into their contracts and we are happy to sign individual agreements with our clients.

20. Do you provide CNC training courses?

Sorry, no. We are not a training provider. If you are interested in learning about CNC programming and machining in general, we suggest you contact your local technical college. If you want to learn to use a particular software package, try contacting the software vendors. If you are interested in working for Peak NC, please read the information here before contacting us.