Manufacturing engineers and sourcing leaders like you need to ensure the price of a component not only meets your budget, but performs to your quality standards. We’ll cover a few…

Understanding superalloys – where they came from, what they’re used for, and the differences between them – matters when selecting materials for parts like turbine engine discs or a missile…

In this article, we’ll break down what these defense manufacturing compliance requirements mean for the person actually running the program. It all applies whether you’re manufacturing UAV components, turbine parts,…

Firstar is expanding its EDM capabilities with the addition of a new sinker EDM machine. Bringing this capability in-house allows Firstar to improve turnaround, cost, and control for customers with…

3D printing has become one of the most talked-about processes in manufacturing. But can it be treated as a replacement for CNC machining? We’ll explore both manufacturing techniques in this…

Firstar Precision Corp., a leading provider of precision CNC machining solutions, announced today that it has achieved Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) Level 2, verified by a C3PAO.

Certifications are the fastest signal you have that a supplier's processes are documented, auditable, and repeatable, which matters most when a part failure isn't an option. Here are five certifications…

Here's what ISO 9001 actually means, how hard it is to earn, and who should be pursuing it. It's the only standard in the ISO 9000 family that a company…

This article is for engineers, sourcing managers, and procurement leads who need to understand what ITAR compliance actually requires, how to recognize when it applies, and how to verify that…

Learn what CMMC Level 2 means, why it matters for flow-down risk, and how to evaluate a supplier's readiness.

High-volume environments create natural opportunities to refine a process over thousands of cycles. Low-volume precision machining work doesn’t offer that. Process discipline, setup strategy, and material knowledge all have to…

Whether you’re sourcing a contract manufacturer for the first time as a small business, on-shoring, or in need of additional capacity, here’s what you need to know.

Learn how to get a prototype made, step by step. Understand why prototyping matters, what it costs, and how to find the right manufacturing partner.

Aerospace CNC machining sits at the intersection of materials science, engineering physics, and precision machining. To understand why it matters today, it helps to look at how it evolved.

Learn about common materials for CNC plastic parts, the primary applications of each, and how to select the right engineering plastic for your application.

At its core, JIT inventory management is about balance. It’s a system designed to optimize production schedules for real demand so raw materials and components flow through the supply chain…

To ensure high-quality devices, medical device manufacturers rely on precision machining partners who can produce components with consistency, tight tolerances, and documented quality.

Firstar’s shop floor is home to horizontal and vertical CNC milling centers, alongside complementary to other capabilities in our shop like wire EDM, laser etching, OD grinding, and advanced turning.…

Here we’ll provide an overview of planetary gearboxes, their operational principles, and the pivotal factors to consider when choosing a manufacturer.

Discover how full-service contract manufacturing streamlines production, reduces risk, and accelerates time-to-market through real-world examples and proven results.

Discover how CNC machining powers today’s defense technology. Learn why precision, repeatability, and advanced material capabilities make CNC machining essential for military applications.

At Firstar, we take pride in being more than just a CNC contract manufacturer. We aim to be a true extension of our clients’ engineering team. When you work with…

Firstar Precision Corp, a leading provider of precision CNC machining solutions, announced today that it has been officially accepted into the Joint Certification Program (JCP).

You’ve seen it in the news and you’ve seen it in your business: global supply chains are facing unique challenges in 2025, and many sourcing professionals are grappling with how…

Learn how to identify a CNC machining partner that supports tight tolerances, specialty materials, and engineering collaboration from prototype to production.