Functional prototypes from your CAD for fit checks, testing and pilot runs.
- CNC machined prototypes
- 3D printed metal and plastic parts
- Short runs and bridge tooling
We make the part, and the tooling behind it.
A8 MFG builds prototypes, molds, fixtures and production parts in carbon fiber, machined metal and 3D print, for automotive, robotics, medical and drone companies. Based in Ontario, Canada.
Recent projects
Customer parts and our own builds, with photos of the real thing.
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Carbon fiber putter, from mold to finished head
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Espresso machine knobs in anodized aluminum and carbon fiber
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Camber block for the Porsche 911 GT3 and GT3 RS
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Titanium tube, TIG welded
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A laptop stand base machined from ULTEM
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The foam core inside a carbon fiber ski pole grip
- All 11 projects
One putter. Four processes.
A carbon fiber putter we are developing. We made the mold, the molded body, the printed neck and the finished head.
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Op 10
Machine the mold
The mold comes first. Its cavity gives the carbon body its outside shape.
Tooling
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Op 20
Mold the carbon body
Carbon fiber is molded hollow in that cavity, with pockets left for weights.
Carbon fiber
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Op 40
Finish the head
The body gets its metal face and the neck, and becomes a putter head.
Read the full build
Machining, tooling, 3D printing and composites.
Molds, dies, jigs and fixtures for manufacturers, including Ontario automotive suppliers.
- Injection and compression molds
- Stamping dies and checking fixtures
- Rapid and bridge tooling
Plastic and metal printed parts for one-offs and short runs.
- FDM, resin and nylon powder
- Metal powder bed printing
- Printed, then machined to size
5-axis milling and turning for single parts and production runs.
- Aluminum, steel, stainless and titanium
- Engineering plastics
- Inspection reports on request
Carbon and glass fiber parts, the tooling to make them, and advice on where carbon fiber is worth using.
- Prepreg compression molding
- Vacuum infusion and wet layup
- Filament wound tubes
Cut, bent, welded and finished metal parts, from one-off motorsport builds to production brackets and frames.
- CNC tube bending
- Laser and plasma cutting
- MIG and TIG welding, including chromoly and titanium
We build our own products, too.
Our SSD enclosures, laptop stands and ski poles use the same prepreg molding, titanium and aluminum machining, and adhesive bonding we offer customers.
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Made in CanadaSSD Enclosure 1
Prepreg carbon shell, machined backplate, Thunderbolt 4
$299.00 CAD
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Ski Pole 1 - Titanium
Hollow carbon shaft, bonded titanium hardware
$1,599.00 CAD
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V1 Titanium Laptop Stand
CNC machined titanium, built-in NVMe enclosure
$599.00 CAD
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V1 Aluminum Laptop Stand
CNC machined aluminum, built-in NVMe enclosure
$299.00 CAD
Who we build for
We supply machined, printed and carbon fiber parts, and the tooling to make them, to companies in these industries.
Automotive
Molds, dies, checking fixtures and prototypes for Ontario's automotive suppliers.
Robotics and automation
Carbon fiber links, machined housings and fixtures for robot builders and integrators.
Medical and orthopedic
Carbon fiber and machined components for prosthetic, orthotic and orthopedic device makers.
Drones and UAVs
Carbon fiber airframes, machined mounts and enclosures for drone and UAV builders.
How a project runs
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Send your files
Share CAD, drawings or a sketch, with material, quantity and timing. We'll sign your NDA first if you need one.
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Review and quote
We review the design for manufacturability and quote with any suggested changes.
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First parts
First articles are inspected against your drawing and sent to you for approval.
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Production
We run production and ship with the inspection records you require.
Manufacturing guides
Technical guides to the processes we use, covering typical tolerances, materials and cost factors.
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Composite Manufacturing Processes
How carbon fiber and composite parts are made: wet layup, infusion, RTM, prepreg, autoclave, compression molding, filament winding, pultrusion and more.
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The Seven Categories of 3D Printing
FDM, resin, SLS and MJF, metal powder bed fusion, PolyJet, binder jetting, DED and sheet lamination: how each 3D printing method works and what it's for.
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CNC Machining Processes
How CNC milling, turning, 5-axis machining, EDM and grinding work, what tolerances and finishes they hold, and what drives the cost of a machined part.
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Tooling: Molds, Dies, Jigs and Fixtures
Tooling is everything built to make a part: injection and compression molds, casting and stamping dies, jigs, fixtures and gauges. How each one works.
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Metal Fabrication Processes
How metal fabrication works: laser, plasma and waterjet cutting, press brake and tube bending, MIG and TIG welding, and finishing, with design tips.
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Surface Finishes for Metal Parts
Anodizing, hard anodizing, chem film, powder coating, plating, black oxide, passivation and PVD: what each metal finish does and when to use it.
Before you send a drawing
Short answers to what people ask first. More detail is on the quality page.
What do you need to quote a part?
CAD, a drawing or a sketch, with the material, quantity and timing. A STEP file is best. If you only have a sample part or a photo, send that and we can model it.
Will you sign an NDA?
Yes. We will sign your NDA before you share drawings.
Can you make just one part?
Yes. We make single prototypes, short runs and production parts, and the molds, dies and fixtures for production.
What materials do you work in?
Aluminum, steel, stainless steel, chromoly and titanium, engineering plastics such as ULTEM, carbon and glass fiber composites, and 3D printed plastics and metals.
How do you check the parts?
Every drawing is reviewed before it is quoted. First parts are inspected against your drawing and sent to you for approval, and inspection reports on critical dimensions are available on request.
Where are you, and where are parts made?
A8 MFG is based in Ontario, Canada. We manage each project from quote to delivery, and parts are made through our supply chain network. If your parts must be made in Canada or the US, say so with your request.
Tell us about your part
Send a few details and we'll follow up by email about drawings, materials and timing. We'll sign your NDA first if you need one.
- info@a8mfg.com
- Location
- Ontario, Canada