Choosing the right machine shop in Calgary can be difficult. Before making a decision on a machining company, you should consider its quality and the level of customer service they provide.
Luckily for you, we’ve already spared you the trouble by listing our top recommendations. Learn more about them below!
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Average Cost of Machine Shop Services in Calgary
The cost of machine shop services in Calgary can vary greatly depending on the project’s complexity and size. Some shops even charge for labor.
However, to give you an idea of how much you might spend, the following are the average costs when hiring a CNC programmer on a per-project basis.
This rate only includes labor and does not include the cost of operating the machine.
When inquiring about your machining requirements, don’t forget to request a quote so you know exactly how much it will cost you.
How We Picked the Best Machine Shops in Calgary
But first, here are the factors we considered when evaluating our entries:
1. MIR Machining Inc.
| Quality services | 5/5 |
| Capabilities | 4/5 |
| Quality control | 5/5 |
| Client support and communication | 4/5 |
| Affordability | 4/5 |
MIR Machining Inc. manufactures machining parts, making them a go-to business in Calgary. They have quite a solid experience in both commercial and industrial industries, with over 22 years of history.
MIR is able to produce orders from scratch or procure parts for assembly. With this level of capacity, we recognize how versatile this business is, regardless of the product you need and the necessary materials it requires.
Bulk orders also seem to come easily for MIR, able to produce parts on a large scale without sacrificing quality. Thanks to the excellent quality control, their orders are consistently reliable and the customers are constantly satisfied.
Beyond this, we’re impressed that they use eco-friendly solutions and practices. For instance, they recycle 100% of their shavings, scrap, and used tooling – an effort we see as effective to promote a greener approach to machining.
They may be the right choice for you if your business is relatively close to or in the oil industry since they specialize in down-hole completion and fracturing oil tools. In fact, the oil industry is their biggest niche, proving that they’re a good fit in that area/
The only downside with MIR, or so their previous clients have mentioned, is their slow turnaround time. Perhaps it’s because the majority of their projects are bulk orders, requiring a significant amount of time to finish.
Other than that though, all things are alright with MIR and we have no issues so far.
Pros
- 22 years of industry experience
- Specializes machining and manufacturing parts and tools
- Concentrated on servicing oil industry needs
- Specializes in down-hole completion and fracturing oil tools
- Eco-friendly procedures and practices
- Accepts bulk orders
Cons
- Slow turnaround time
- Doesn’t provide quotations
2. Solid Industries & Machine Shop
| Quality services | 5/5 |
| Capabilities | 5/5 |
| Quality control | 4/5 |
| Client support and communication | 4/5 |
| Affordability | 4/5 |
Solid Industries and Machine Shop has been in business since 1990. With this experience, they’ve become a reputable machine shop in Calgary, as well as a provider for companies in the United States.
They specialize in CNC machining and have experience designing and manufacturing parts for the oil and gas industry. They also accept precision part fabrication and tooling with tighter tolerances at quick turnaround times.
Although Solid does not limit its services to the said industries, they also provide parts for electronics, medicine, telecommunications, and construction business. They produce or assemble parts depending on the scale of the job.
Having said that, it’s important to note that the shop employs a wide range of equipment, all of which can be viewed on their website. It’s a fun thing to browse if that’s something that concerns you during the production.
Aside from its equipment, the shop’s success can be attributed to its highly skilled employees. They’re certified with many experiences up their sleeves – plus they’re very welcoming to clients, keeping them in the loop at all times.
All things considered, the shop can accommodate various demands with solid outcomes. Their five-star rating on Google Reviews pretty much reflects that.
Pros
- Over 20 years of industry experience
- Specializes in precision CNC machining
- Manufactures and assembles parts for a wide range of industries
- Uses state-of-the-art equipment
- Delivers on-time
- Can request a quote online
Cons
- Can be slow in providing quotes
- Closed on Sundays
Solids an amazing machine shop. For years I’ve gone to them. – Richard Johnson
Good guys, great work. On time and at quoted price. – Laser Source
3. Nexxa Industries Ltd
| Quality services | 4/5 |
| Capabilities | 5/5 |
| Quality control | 4/5 |
| Client support and communication | 5/5 |
| Affordability | 4/5 |
For CNC machining, Nexxa Industries is a strong choice, given the range of services they offer. They do precision turning, milling, waterjet cutting, and prototyping for industrial and commercial customers.
They also do high-end custom work for individuals and businesses, which we find valuable for businesses of all scales. So, anyone, regardless of affiliation, is welcome to work with them.
In fact, what we think sets them apart is that they accommodate customization, something other shops fail to prioritize. From material selection to design tweaks and finishes, they collaborate closely with their clients every step of the way.
Based on their portfolio, they’ve handled projects involving oil and gas, instrumentation, and automotive. Working with private and public groups also provided them with the experience of producing premium, custom pieces.
To give you an idea, some of the lifestyle pieces they’ve created are statues, signs, keychains, and other trinkets. These are all made from a variety of materials and finishes that they are capable of handling.
We’re happy that they have a good spectrum of materials to meet various machining demands. With that said, it’s a reputable shop that’s ideal for any type of customer who needs relatively simple machining services.
Pros
- Combined experience of more than 65 years
- Machining for both industrial and commercial customers
- Accommodates customization
- Versatile capabilities across products and materials
- Works closely with clients
- Team of skilled, trained, and experienced CNC machinists
- Competitive pricing
Cons
- Doesn’t do online quotations
- Can be difficult to set up appointment
- Closed on weekends
Great finish, does customization
Great Machining Shop. Provided custom drawings to Nexxa for medical device prototyping and Kevin handled them exceptionally. Great finish all around within the tolerances. Recommend! – Easton Martel
The best machine shop in Calgary! hands down. – Adam Aci
4. Hillburn Machine Shop Inc.
| Quality services | 4/5 |
| Capabilities | 5/5 |
| Quality control | 5/5 |
| Client support and communication | 3/5 |
| Affordability | 4/5 |
Hillburn Machine Shop Inc. is a full-service CNC machine shop, so they offer a wide range of complex machining services. This includes manufacturing machines for the oilfield, natural gas, construction, agricultural, medical supply, and mining industries.
They have a few ideal characteristics, making them one of the best shops for the job. For instance, they provide accurate, on-time, and budget-friendly solutions for all of their clients – already hitting the bull’s eye of what we’re looking for.
In particular, Hillburn can manufacture, assemble, and complete a wide range of downhole tools, flow control products, and all other needs of the oil and gas industry. It’s safe to say that they specialize in this niche more than the others.
Quality control is also something that meets our standards. All machining processes are inspected and tested to ensure they meet the client’s acceptance criteria – documents are then reviewed for accuracy.
Knowing this, we’re not surprised to learn they have a solid reputation, and not just in Calgary. For over two decades, the shop has served businesses in Alberta, Canada, North America, and many clients worldwide.
Lastly, it’s a plus that Hillburn Machine Shop Inc. is open 24 hours to accommodate inquiries from current and interested clients. And they deliver work at very competitive prices, so they’re a good option in terms of affordability and availability.
Pros
- Over 20 years of experience
- Provides machining services for a wide range of industries
- Offers custom machining
- Deliver accurate and on-time solutions
- Reviews documents for accuracy
- Solid quality control process
- Competitive rates
- Also offers welding and milling services
Cons
- Doesn’t provide quotations
Fast turnaround and very responsive. Would recommend this shop. – Eric Padgham
5. Fidelity Machine & Mould Solutions Inc
| Quality services | 4/5 |
| Capabilities | 5/5 |
| Quality control | 5/5 |
| Client support and communication | 4/5 |
| Affordability | 3/5 |
Fidelity Machine & Mould Solutions Inc. is impressive when it comes to intricate CNC machine job. Thanks to over 40 years of experience, they can do detailed precision pieces no matter how tough the project is.
Looking at their profile, they have an impressive list of capabilities, including complex 3D surface CNC machining milling. This is perhaps why they’re a sought-after source for machining needs by various industries.
However, we believe they’re the best fit for the medical industry, considering their specialized services. It’s because they produce medical containers and provide specialty equipment parts and diagnostic tools.
Of course, given their breadth of expertise, it’s no surprise that this shop caters to industries as diverse as oil and gas, aerospace, military, and even automotive and clean technology. In fact, they have partnerships with leading brands in these industries.
That said, they’re still a versatile option regardless of your type of business. They do custom machining too, so as long as you have all the templates for your needs, the process is expected to go smoothly.
Finally, we like their facility, where all the machining processes take place. They actually take their clients to tour it (something other machine shops don’t do) which is a nice touch for a great customer experience.
Pros
- More than 40 years of experience
- Capable of complex CNC machine jobs
- Specializes in parts for the medical industry
- Partnered with leading industry brands
- Provides quotations online
- Product deliveries available
- Take clients to tour their facility
Cons
- Minor complaints about products being delivered to the wrong address
- Closed on weekends
Quality is second to none
I have worked with Jeff and his team for 10+ years and customer service just comes naturally to them. The quality of work both in design and fabrication is second to none. – Adam Amos
Phenomenal, incredible shop
Fidelity’s Machine and Mold is an incredible shop. They can produce products that other shops I have dealt with cannot. The quality is absolutely phenomenal. – Jason Gruhs
6. Metro Machine Works Ltd
| Quality services | 4/5 |
| Capabilities | 4/5 |
| Quality control | 4/5 |
| Client support and communication | 5/5 |
| Affordability | 4/5 |
Metro Machine Works won our hearts with its versatility, allowing them to work with a wide range of industries. They manufacture and repair all types of equipment and offer service in materials such as aluminum, steel, plastics, sheet metal, and cast.
While versatile, we found that they’re in high demand for construction and oil field equipment. So, if you’re looking for machining needs for such industries, this machine shop is highly recommended.
Their client feedback is also positive, with the majority highlighting how easy Metro Machine is to work with. It’s easy to overlook customer service in a quality-centric type of service, so we’re glad for their client care.
In line with this, their open communication is something we liked. They even have an open-door policy for employees and customers to ensure that everyone is kept up to date on product changes and amendments.
Speaking of quality checks, several are performed, recorded, and completed with inspections led by their team of experts. Their team has extensive experience in machining and heavy-duty repair so quality control is well-performed.
The only issue we have with this machine shop is that they’re not very upfront about their pricing, not even accommodating quotation requests. But, prices aside, Metro Machine Works is a solid service with great care for clients.
Pros
- Manufacture and repair almost all types of equipment
- Specializes in construction machining and oil field tools machining
- Good quality assurance and management
- Updated equipment and technology
- Safe working environment
- Open communication process
Cons
- Doesn’t accommodate quotation requests
- Closed on weekends
Fair pricing, straightforward service
Marvin and his team have been doing work for me at my shop for years. Fair pricing and no BS, he gives it to you straight. Will always be my preferred machine shop, great job boys! – Andrew Prince
Great people to work with and great quality service. Angie, Lawrence and Marvin are stellar people. – S P
7. Fine Machine Works Inc.
| Quality services | 4/5 |
| Capabilities | 5/5 |
| Quality control | 4/5 |
| Client support and communication | 5/5 |
| Affordability | 3/5 |
The facility of Fine Machine Works Inc. can provide customers with a wide range of CNC and conventional machining capabilities. Devoted to delivering cost-efficient, first-class services, we reckon this machine shop will attract any type of customer in the city.
For your information, they primarily serve the oil and gas industries’ machining demands. They can, however, cater to other industries such as construction, agriculture, and industrial, given the relevant experience and expertise
The machine shop is even the go-to place for people and businesses in the city to produce fine gym equipment. So, keep that in mind if your business interest is fitness-related.
Another thing we like about Fine Machine Works is its commitment to using cutting-edge technology, tooling, and software. It’s naturally a plus in our book, as it can result in the highest level of manufacturing.
About that, the shop takes pride in being equipped with everything from basic machine tools to a wide range of CNC machine equipment. This, we believe, is why they can handle multiple projects of varying sizes at the same time.
Client support wise, Fine Machine Works doesn’t disappoint, as evidenced by their five-star reviews online. Customers can request a quote on their website, though we recommend calling them directly for a faster, real-time response.
Pros
- Offers a variety of CNC and conventional machining capabilities
- Uses latest technology and tools
- Complete range of CNC machine equipment
- High standard of manufacturing
- Works with a wide range of industries
- Provides quotes online
Cons
- Slow quotation response
- Closed on weekends
Can take care projects of all size
Great and friendly service. Small or big project, they can take care of it! Will definitely recommend these guys for any machining work! Thanks! – Valentin Malov
Product turned out to be amazing
Wow! Impressive. I brought a difficult project to these guys that required very specific design. I had no drawings at all. The product they turned out was more than amazing and the fitment of their equipment was almost unbelievable. Fine machine works will be my fist call from now on. – Trent Price
8. Sullivan Machine Works Inc.
| Quality services | 4/5 |
| Capabilities | 3/5 |
| Quality control | 4/5 |
| Client support and communication | 4/5 |
| Affordability | 3/5 |
Sullivan Machine Works Inc. has one of the best quality management systems in the city. Well, as a shop specializing in manual machining, we’re not expecting anything less than top-notch quality and workmanship.
This is all thanks to their professional team who have a thorough understanding of the craft – from raw materials to proper techniques to actual machining. Skills like these make them far more capable of manual machining.
Plus, their attention to detail enables them to avoid pitfalls that, if we’re being honest, are overlooked by other machine shops. Through this, the outcomes of their work are always satisfactory by all standards.
We believe their staff’s capabilities position the shop to provide complex jobs. However, they’re best for small operations and parts fabrication, as well as producing simple metal shapes (due to their greater expertise in manual machining).
Their quick turnaround time is also a positive feature as most of their productions are completed on time. We’ve yet to hear any issues of delay so we’re taking this as a sign of consistent speedy work.
Overall, Sullivan Machine Works Inc. embodies a true quality machine shop, given its ability to service almost every establishment in Calgary. They’re fast at their jobs too with rates that won’t leave you heartbroken in the long run.
Pros
- Excels in aerospace machining
- Specializes in manual machining
- Specializes in small operations and parts fabrication
- Knowledgeable and professional staff
- Quick turnaround time
- Competitive rates
Cons
- Can be difficult to reach at times
- Closed on weekends
Very well equipped, incredibly capable
Aaron was kind enough to help me out with some hydraulic press work recently. Despite the small space, the shop is very well equipped and looks incredibly capable of jobs spanning from the simple job shop work to high end tooling and complicated one-off parts. Aaron and his partner clearly take pride in their work and their shop. I look forward to working with them in the future. – Liam O’Sullivan
Goes the extra mile
Great partner for building complex prototypes. We also received some good advice on modifying our designs for better fabrication. Goes the extra mile to meet our deadlines when we are stuck. Thanks Aaron. – Gord Paynter
