Satellite Structure Panels
Tolerance±0.005mm flatness
MaterialAL 7075, Ti-6Al-4V inserts
FinishHard anodize / black anodize
Commercial Space Hardware Only — No ITAR. Factorem manufactures commercial space hardware under EAR99 and equivalent regulations. We do not manufacture ITAR-controlled hardware or space articles listed on the US Munitions List (USML).
Commercial Space Hardware
Precision Manufacturing for Commercial Space Hardware
Satellite structure panels, optical payload housings, attitude control hardware, and thermal management components — with AMS materials, full traceability, and engineering review on every order.
±0.005mm
Precision tolerance
12 days
Standard lead time
98%
On-time delivery
ISO 9001
Certified
What We Make
Space Hardware, Built to Spec
From satellite structure panels to precision optical payload housings — space-grade hardware with full material traceability and engineering review on every order.
Optical Payload Housings
Tolerance±0.005mm bore
MaterialAL 6061, Invar 36
FinishBlack anodize / electroless Ni
Attitude Control Hardware
Tolerance±0.005mm
MaterialAL 7075, Ti-6Al-4V
FinishHard anodize Type III
Thermal Control Components
Tolerance±0.01mm
MaterialAL 6061, CuW
FinishElectroless nickel plate
RF & Microwave Payload Housings
Tolerance±0.005mm
MaterialAL 6061, AL 7075
FinishElectroless nickel / chromate
Solar Array Deployment Hardware
Tolerance±0.01mm
MaterialAL 7075, SS 17-4 PH
FinishHard anodize / passivation
Separation & Release Hardware
Tolerance±0.005mm
MaterialSS 17-4 PH, Ti-6Al-4V
FinishPassivation / electroless Ni
Custom geometry
Custom Space Hardware
Bus brackets, antenna mounts, star tracker housings, CubeSat chassis, custom deployment mechanisms — upload a STEP file and our engineering team reviews and quotes within 24–48 hours.
Upload for reviewWhy Space Orders Fail
The Problems We're Built to Prevent
Most machine shops have no frame of reference for space-grade requirements. These are the failure modes that result when hardware reaches integration — or worse, orbit.
Lightweighting pushes wall thickness to the edge of machinability.
Space hardware optimised for mass budget routinely has 0.3–0.8mm walls. Shops without experience in thin-wall fixturing deliver parts that are dimensionally correct on the machine and out-of-spec in the assembly — with no recovery path at integration.
DFM review flags thin-wall geometry, recommends fixturing strategy, and sequences operations to minimise distortion.
Mismatched CTE causes dimensional drift across orbital thermal cycles.
Orbital hardware experiences temperature swings from −180°C to +120°C per cycle. Multi-material assemblies with mismatched coefficients of thermal expansion develop stress concentrations and alignment drift that undermine optical and mechanical performance over mission life.
We flag CTE mismatches during DFM and recommend low-CTE materials — Invar 36, Ti-6Al-4V — where dimensional stability across thermal cycles is critical.
Launch qualification requires full traceability from raw material to finished part.
Space qualification programs require material traceability, dimensional inspection records, and surface finish documentation traceable to each part serial number. Suppliers who don't maintain this chain create gaps that either delay qualification or require full rework at programme cost.
Every order ships with MTR to AMS spec, Certificate of Conformance, CMM inspection report, and finish documentation — traceable to the part, not the batch.
Our Process
How a Space Hardware Order Works at Factorem
From STEP file to delivered part — with space-specific engineering review and full qualification documentation at every stage.
1
Upload STEP File + Drawing
STEP, IGES, or 2D drawing accepted. Include material specification (AMS grade), surface finish callouts, and any assembly or qualification context. Quote returned within 24–48 hours. NDA available on request.
2
Engineering DFM — Space-Specific Review
Your engineer reviews AMS material specification, CTE compatibility, thin-wall fixturing strategy, surface finish outgassing suitability, and tolerance achievability — before a single chip is cut. Issues are flagged and resolved upfront.
CTE mismatch reviewMaterial cert (AMS / ASTM)Thin-wall fixturing strategy
3
Material + Finish Selection Confirmed
We confirm AMS alloy grade, surface finish type (and outgassing suitability where relevant), and any special requirements before order confirmation. All specifications documented in the work order — no assumptions passed to the shop floor.
4
Manufacture + In-Process QC
3-axis and 5-axis CNC machining with in-process dimensional checks. CMM inspection on critical features. Surface finish verified at source — coating type and thickness confirmed before shipment.
5
Delivered with Full Qualification Documentation
Material Test Report (MTR to AMS spec), Certificate of Conformance, dimensional inspection report, and surface finish certification ship with every order. 12-day standard lead time. First Article Inspection reports on request.
Material Test Report (MTR)Certificate of ConformanceCMM inspection report
"Factorem flagged a CTE mismatch in our optical payload housing design before we went to production — saving us a qualification failure and a full design iteration. Every part shipped with the documentation our integration team needed on day one."
300+
Engineering teams served
150+
Vetted SEA suppliers
98%
On-time delivery rate
0
Critical rejections at QC
Certifications & Standards
ISO 9001:2015 Quality Management (TÜV SÜD)
AS9100-capable suppliers available in network
MTRs & CoCs to AMS spec on every order
FAQ
Common Questions from Space Hardware Teams
Do you manufacture ITAR-controlled space hardware?
No. Factorem manufactures commercial space hardware under EAR99 and equivalent regulations only. We do not manufacture ITAR-controlled hardware or space articles listed on the US Munitions List (USML).
What materials do you work with for space applications?
We work with AL 6061, AL 7075, Ti-6Al-4V, SS 17-4 PH, Invar 36, and engineering polymers. All materials are sourced to AMS specifications with full traceability documentation. We also work with CuW for thermal management applications.
Can you provide material certifications for space-grade hardware?
Yes. Every space hardware order ships with a Material Test Report (MTR) to AMS specification, a Certificate of Conformance, and a dimensional inspection report. First Article Inspection reports are available on request.
What surface finishes work for space environments?
We supply black anodize, electroless nickel, MIL-A-8625 Type II and Type III hard anodize, chromate conversion coating, and passivation. For space-exposed surfaces we specify finishes based on outgassing and thermal control requirements during DFM review.
What tolerances can you hold on structural space components?
We hold tolerances to ±0.005mm on critical bore and flatness features for optical payload housings, interface plates, and reaction wheel mounts. Structural panels are typically ±0.01mm. Tighter tolerances for precision pointing mechanisms are reviewed case-by-case during DFM.
Do you have AS9100 certification?
Factorem holds ISO 9001:2015 certification (TÜV SÜD). Our vetted supplier network includes AS9100-capable facilities for space-grade quality requirements. Documentation of supplier certification is available on request.
Get Started
Ready to Source Your Next Space Component?
Upload a part file for a quote, or talk to our engineering team about your satellite structure, optical payload, or thermal control hardware. AMS materials, full traceability documentation. Most quotes returned within 24–48 hours.
Commercial parts only · No ITAR · Files encrypted · NDA available on request
