Airframe structural. Gimbal precision. Weight critical.

Yes — drone customers are extremely weight-sensitive. Every gram affects flight time, payload, and performance. Techniques: 7075-T6 over 6061 (40% stronger, allows thinner walls), pocketing all non-load-bearing material, topology optimization review (we suggest weight reductions during DFM), Ti Gr.5 when aluminum isn't light enough, avoiding overspecified tolerances that would force thicker sections.

Consumer drones often 10,000+ units per month at production. CNC cost-effective up to 5,000-10,000 units per year; above that, consider alternative processes (die casting with CNC finishing). For prototype-to-production journey: CNC for first 100-500 units, transition to die casting + CNC finishing for production 5,000+. We consult on DFM-for-production transitions.

Gimbal motors require: bearing-seat tolerance ±0.01 mm (for motor bearing press-fit), concentric axis alignment ±0.02 mm across multi-joint gimbal, balanced mass distribution around rotation axis (gimbal vibration = unusable camera). We CMM-verify gimbal critical dimensions. For highest-precision cinema gimbal work, individual component matching by serial number.

Yes, PifyC is ITAR-registered. US military UAV customers can share ITAR technical data. Finished parts exported back to US — customer remains responsible for ITAR re-export compliance. For specific military UAV programs, additional customer-specific requirements (security clearance for files, facility visits) handled case-by-case.

Many drone airframes combine CNC-machined aluminum end caps with pultruded carbon fiber tubes. We machine the aluminum components with precision for press-fit into CF tubes. For CF machining (end cap holes, cable pass-through), we machine CF plate directly. Assembly of CF + Al + fasteners available as assembly service.

Drone prototypes: 5-10 days. Pilot production (50-500 parts): 2-3 weeks. Production orders (1,000+ parts): ongoing monthly production typically 2-4 week deliveries. For racing and competition drones with critical race deadlines, 3-day rush service available at premium.