--- title: "Robotics & Automation Manufacturing | Custom Parts | OpenSpindle" description: "Find independent machine shops for robotics and automation parts. Structural brackets, end-effectors, gears, shafts, and motor mounts from prototype to production. Upload a drawing." canonical: https://openspindle.com/industries/robotics-automation --- # Robotics and automation manufacturing partners Robotics and automation projects live or die on iteration speed and precise motion parts. Find independent machine shops set up to take a bracket, gear, or end-effector from prototype to production, then talk directly to the shop making your part. **Certifications:** ISO 9001, AS9100, Prototype to production ## Robotics and automation shops on OpenSpindle Real shops that machine and fabricate robotics and automation parts. See their equipment and certifications, and talk to the person making your part. [Browse all robotics and automation shops](https://openspindle.com/manufacturers?q=Robotics) ## Certifications Robotics work is less certification-gated than aerospace or medical. The differentiator is iteration speed and precision, so weigh quick-turn capacity and inspection ability alongside the shop quality system. - **ISO 9001:** The general quality management baseline. On robotics and automation parts it is the certification most worth confirming, and it signals a documented, repeatable process from prototype through production. - **AS9100:** The aerospace quality standard, built on ISO 9001. Useful if your robotics or automation hardware also serves aerospace, defense, or other regulated programs and needs the extra traceability. - **Prototyping & quick-turn capacity:** Not a certification, but the real differentiator for robotics. Look for shops that quote single prototypes and short-lead iterations so you can revise motion parts between design cycles. - **CMM & first-article inspection:** In-house CMM and first-article (FAI) capability that verifies critical dimensions on gears, shafts, and bearing bores where fit and motion depend on tight tolerances. ## Capabilities for This Industry - [CNC Machining](https://openspindle.com/capabilities/cnc-machining.md) -- Milled brackets, mounts, housings, and fixtures in aluminum and steel. - [CNC Turning](https://openspindle.com/capabilities/cnc-turning.md) -- Turned shafts, axles, pulleys, and bushings to tight tolerances. - [5-Axis Machining](https://openspindle.com/capabilities/5-axis-machining.md) -- Complex end-effector and joint geometry in a single setup. - [Sheet Metal & Press Brake](https://openspindle.com/capabilities/sheet-metal-fabrication.md) -- Enclosures, panels, guards, and bent brackets from sheet stock. - [Welding](https://openspindle.com/capabilities/welding.md) -- Welded frames and structural weldments in aluminum and steel. - [Waterjet Cutting](https://openspindle.com/capabilities/waterjet-cutting.md) -- Flat plate brackets and gussets with no heat-affected edge. ## Common Materials - [Aluminum](https://openspindle.com/materials/aluminum.md) -- 6061 and 7075 for light structural brackets, mounts, and the general workhorse. - [Steel](https://openspindle.com/materials/carbon-steel.md) -- 1018, 4140, and A36 for high-load frames, shafts, and rigid structures. - [Stainless Steel](https://openspindle.com/materials/stainless-steel.md) -- 303 and 304 for corrosion resistance in washdown and outdoor cells. - [Delrin](https://openspindle.com/materials/delrin.md) -- Low-friction acetal for gears, cams, and bushings that run without lubrication. - [Nylon](https://openspindle.com/materials/nylon.md) -- Tough wear parts, rollers, and guides that quiet motion and absorb shock. - [PEEK](https://openspindle.com/materials/peek.md) -- High-temperature, chemical-resistant polymer for demanding wear and insulator parts. ## Typical Parts - Structural brackets - End-effector housings - Gears & pulleys - Shafts & axles - Motor mounts - Linear guides & rails - Sensor mounts - Enclosures & panels ## Why OpenSpindle - **Talk directly to the shop:** No account manager in the middle. You work with the shop actually making your part, which matters when a motion component needs a real engineering conversation about fit and tolerance. - **No sales gate:** Upload a drawing and request quotes without a sales rep or account manager in the middle. Faster than the login-walled portals when you are iterating on a design. - **Fast prototype to production:** Robotics moves in revisions. Find shops set up for quick-turn prototypes and short-lead iterations, then scale the same part to production without switching suppliers. - **Compare multiple shops:** See several independent shops with the equipment your part needs, and compare quotes and lead times rather than taking a single price. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### Can I get quick-turn prototype parts? Yes. Independent shops routinely quote single prototypes and short-lead iterations, which is the normal cadence for robotics and automation work. Note your quantity and target date in the request, and expect a setup charge on one-offs that drops on repeat orders. ### What tolerances can shops hold on motion parts? Precision shops commonly hold milled features to around plus or minus 0.002 inch and turned diameters tighter, with grinding or reaming for critical bearing bores and shaft fits. Call out the datums, critical dimensions, and any fits (for example H7/g6) on your drawing so the shop can machine and inspect to them. ### Should I use aluminum or steel for a robot frame? Aluminum (6061, 7075) is the workhorse for most robotics: light, easy to machine, and stiff enough for the majority of brackets and structures. Choose steel (1018, 4140) when the frame carries high loads, needs maximum rigidity, or takes concentrated wear. Many assemblies mix both, so note the alloy per part. ### Can I get low-volume or one-off runs? Yes. Independent shops quote single parts, small batches, and low-rate production, which suits robotics builds and pilot cells. Send the quantity you actually need and the shop will price it accordingly rather than pushing a large minimum. ### What materials work for gears and wear parts? Delrin (acetal) is a common choice for low-friction gears, cams, and bushings that run without lubrication, while nylon suits tougher wear parts, rollers, and guides. For high-temperature or chemically aggressive environments, PEEK holds up where standard plastics fail. Note the load, speed, and environment so the shop can confirm the material. ### Do shops handle both machined and fabricated parts? Many do. Robotics assemblies mix machined brackets and mounts with sheet-metal enclosures, guards, and welded frames. Shops list their equipment on their profile, so you can find one that covers the mix your project needs or split the work across a few. ### What files should I send for a quote? STEP, IGES, X_T, or a fully dimensioned PDF drawing with datums, GD&T, material and finish, quantity, and any critical fits or tolerances. For gears, include the tooth spec (module or DP, pressure angle, tooth count) and for shafts, note bearing-fit diameters. ## Related Industries - [Aerospace & Defense](https://openspindle.com/industries/aerospace-defense.md) - [Medical Devices](https://openspindle.com/industries/medical-devices.md) - [Energy / Oil & Gas](https://openspindle.com/industries/energy-oil-gas.md) - [Electronics](https://openspindle.com/industries/electronics.md) - [Automotive](https://openspindle.com/industries/automotive.md) - [Architecture & Construction](https://openspindle.com/industries/architecture-engineering-construction.md) ## Get robotics and automation quotes Upload a drawing once and compare quotes from independent shops set up for prototype-to-production robotics work.