Welcome to Ellis Design and Fabrication
About Us
🏭 About EDF LLC
Ellis Design and Fabrication (EDF LLC) is a small, family-owned CNC machine shop based in San Tan Valley, Arizona. We specialize in high-precision machining for industries that demand accuracy, repeatability, and efficiency — from robotics and aerospace to custom prototyping and industrial components.
At the heart of our operation is a Haas VF-2SS 3-axis mill, upgraded with a TRT-165 5th-axis rotary table to support true 5-axis machining. This advanced setup enables us to tackle complex geometries and multi-sided parts in a single setup, reducing lead times and increasing precision.
To ensure every part meets spec, we use an integrated Renishaw probing system for stock location and in-process inspection. This boosts part-to-part repeatability across long production runs and eliminates setup errors.
We further enhance machining efficiency and consistency with 5th Axis modular fixturing and a Pearson Workholding pallet system, allowing for quick changeovers and precise alignment across multiple setups. Whether it’s a single prototype or a multi-part assembly, we maintain tight tolerances and outstanding repeatability with every job.
If you're looking for a reliable partner who combines cutting-edge capability with small-shop flexibility, EDF LLC is ready to deliver.
Site Content
CAD Parts and Asemblies
CAD Parts and Asemblies
CAD Parts and Asemblies
🧩 CAD/CAM Services: From Concept to Machine-Ready
At Ellis Design and Fabrication (EDF LLC), we offer full-service CAD and CAM support to turn your ideas into high-precision, machine-ready parts. Whether you’re an engineer, startup, or product developer, we’re here to help streamline your design-to-manufacturing pipeline using industry-leading tools and techniques.
🔧 What We Offer:
- 3D CAD Modeling
We convert your sketches, prints, or ideas into fully dimensioned 3D models using Fusion 360. Formats delivered include STEP, IGES, STL, and native Fusion files. - CAM Programming & Toolpath Optimization
With the Fusion 360 Machining Extension, we generate highly efficient toolpaths for 3-, 4-, and 5-axis operations. We simulate for material engagement, rest machining, and collision avoidance. - Design for Manufacturability (DFM)
We review your part geometry and callouts to reduce cost and simplify setup without compromising function or tolerance. - Setup Sheets & Post-Processing
We provide complete setup documentation and G-code ready for Haas controllers and other common CNC platforms. - Custom Fixture & Pallet Design
Need reliable workholding? We can design custom fixtures to pair with Pearson pallets, 5th Axis modular systems, or vise setups.
🎯 Why Our CAD/CAM Workflow Delivers Results:
- Seamless design-to-production transition with minimized revisions
- Built-in knowledge of tolerance stacking, probing workflows, and real-world shop conditions
- Designs created with efficiency and inspection in mind
- We speak machinist, engineer, and entrepreneur — bridging the gap between concept and execution
Whether you need a one-off prototype, CAM support for a complex 5-axis part, or help redesigning a legacy part for modern CNC, EDF LLC has the experience and tools to get you there quickly and accurately.
Tolerance Stacking
CAD Parts and Asemblies
CAD Parts and Asemblies
🎯 Precision Without Compromise: Tolerance Stacking You Can Trust
At Ellis Design and Fabrication, precision isn’t just about hitting a single dimension — it’s about understanding how tolerances stack across your entire part or assembly.
We specialize in tolerance stack-up control, ensuring that your components fit and function exactly as intended, no matter how complex the geometry or how tight the spec.
✅ Our Process:
- Critical Dimension Strategy: We identify tolerance-critical features early and plan operations to minimize variation chain effects.
- Probing-Based Setups: With our Renishaw probing system, we locate from real part geometry — not from theoretical offsets.
- Repeatable Fixturing: Our Pearson pallet system and 5th Axis modular tooling ensure consistent setups across multi-part runs and reorders.
- Smart CAM Programming: Using Fusion 360 with the machining extension, we simulate stack behavior and optimize toolpaths around it.
🧩 Why It Matters:
- Fewer tolerance-related assembly issues
- Higher part-to-part consistency in short and long runs
- Better yield on critical fit and function parts
- Reduced downstream rework and testing costs
Whether you need a tight-tolerance housing, a multi-part prototype, or a production-ready run with zero room for error — EDF LLC is built to manage precision, from setup to final inspection.
GD&T and Drawings
CAD Parts and Asemblies
GD&T and Drawings
📐 GD&T Expertise: Machining to the Intent Behind the Drawing
At Ellis Design and Fabrication, we don’t just read your GD&T callouts — we understand what they mean in the context of your design intent and functional requirements.
With experience in precision CNC machining, 5-axis setups, and real-world application of GD&T principles, we’re equipped to turn your complex engineering drawings into parts that function exactly as designed.
🔧 How We Work with GD&T:
- True Position, Flatness, Parallelism, Profile — No Problem
We interpret and apply your feature control frames correctly in setup, probing, and inspection. - Datum Strategy That Makes Sense
We plan machining sequences around your functional datums — not just for ease of machining, but for accuracy where it matters. - Renishaw Probing + Feature-Based Setup
Features are located relative to functional datums using in-machine probing. No guesswork, no stack error from fixture zero. - Fusion 360 CAM + GD&T Knowledge = Parts That Fit
We simulate manufacturing steps and apply best practices for maintaining tolerances across all features — even in multi-op, multi-fixture parts.
🎯 Why It Matters:
- GD&T lets you define intent — we make sure it survives the machine shop
- You get functionally accurate parts, not just “in-spec” dimensions
- Lower rejection rates and better performance in fit, assembly, and test
- Full alignment with engineering design intent
Whether your print includes a basic true position callout or a full GD&T control scheme across multiple datums, EDF LLC has the knowledge, tools, and mindset to bring your design to life with accuracy and confidence.