Defense Electronics & Avionics Manufacturing

Ruggedized precision components — fulfilled in-house or through certified Canadian partners.

ISO 9001:2015 Certified

ISO 9001:2015

Made in Canada

Made in Canada

40+

Years of Experience

5K+

Satisfied Customers

Overview

Pearson Manufacturing connects OEMs and defense contractors with precision electronic housings, chassis, and enclosures designed for harsh environments. We fulfill orders through our in-house shop or a network of certified Canadian partners — managing sourcing, ruggedization details, and inspection so your assemblies are deployment-ready.

Avionics assembly and rugged enclosure machining

Quick Specs

Standards
MIL-STD-810 / DO-160 (env.), IPC-A-610/620 (assemblies), ISO 9001:2015; AS9100 via partners
Documentation
CoC, material certs, FAI, FAIRs, test reports, serialization/lot traceability
Typical Tolerance
Metals ±0.001–0.002″; Plastics ±0.002–0.005″; tighter by review
Materials
6061-T6/7075, 304/316/17-4 SS, Cu C110/C145, brass, PEEK/Acetal/PC
EMC Options
Conductive chem film, selective plating, EMI gaskets, shield can design support
Finishes
Chem film (MIL-DTL-5541), Type II/III anodize, passivation, powder/e-coat
Packaging
ESD control, clean handling, labeled trays/bags; moisture/barrier packaging as req.
Files Accepted
STEP/IGES + PDF with GD&T; BOM/AVL; NDA available
WorkstreamBest ForSpeedNotes
Prototype / EVTFit/thermal/EMI explorationFastQuick-turn enclosures, heatsinks, and fixtures with DFM feedback
DVT / Pre-QualDesign verification & test jigsMediumTightened tolerances, gasket features, selective finishing
Qualification / QTPFormal environmental/EMI qualMediumTraceable docs, special processes, witness samples
Production / SustainmentRate builds & sparesMediumKanban/VMI, serialization, inspection packs, packaging specs

Capabilities We Provide Access To

  • Precision CNC machining of rugged enclosures, heat sinks, and backplanes
  • Shielded sheet-metal fabrication (laser/brake) with captive hardware
  • RF/EMI features: gasket grooves, labyrinth joints, shield cans, grounding bosses
  • PCB test jigs/fixtures, connector panel machining, press-fit prep
  • Conformal coating/potting coordination; thermal interface prep (TIM pockets, flatness)
  • Cable harness integration, light electromechanical assembly, and kitting
  • Environmental & functional testing coordination with accredited labs

DFM & Compliance Guidance

  • Define a clear A-B-C datum scheme; apply GD&T only to CTQs (EMI seals, mating faces, connector positions).
  • Add gasket groove standards (width/depth/compression) and fastener spacing to meet shielding targets.
  • Prefer chem film on mating/grounding faces for conductivity; use selective anodize or mask critical areas.
  • Provide flatness targets for heat-spreading bases; specify TIM thickness/area and screw torque specs.
  • Call out thread classes/gauging (e.g., 2B/3B; go/no-go); consider helicoils in soft alloys for repeat service.
  • Include labeling/marking, serialization, and packaging requirements (ESD, humidity indicators, foam density).

We’ll review your model/drawing, sealing and EMI requirements, finish/masking notes, and packaging to confirm the right routing (in-house or partner) and achievable tolerances before kickoff.

Why Partner with Pearson?

  • Hybrid fulfillment: in-house machining plus certified Canadian partners for scale and specialties
  • Ruggedization know-how: thermal, EMI/EMC, vibration, and sealing features baked into DFM
  • Documentation ready: FAI/FAIRs, traceability, and test coordination under one QA umbrella
  • Prototype-to-production continuity: fixtures, programs, and process controls carried forward
  • Single point of contact from RFQ through inspection and logistics

Equipment Used In-House or By Our Partners

  • 5-axis & multi-axis CNC mills; small-tool capability for fine fins/slots
  • High-precision press brakes; laser/waterjet cutting (by routing)
  • Conformal coating & potting systems (by routing) with masking fixtures
  • Cable harness crimping/labeling tools; light assembly cells
  • Environmental chambers (thermal/vibe) and EMI test coordination
  • CMMs, optical inspection, and laser scanning for geometry & flatness

Typical Applications

  • Avionics LRUs: ruggedized enclosures, bezels, and connector panels
  • Thermal management: heat-sink plates, spreaders, and cold plates
  • Shielded backplanes, RF cans, and conductive gasket interfaces
  • Sensor/antenna modules and sealed electronics chassis
  • Ground vehicle power distribution & bus bar assemblies
  • Test fixtures, docking plates, and cable/harness panels

Defense Electronics FAQs

Are assemblies built in-house or through partners?

Both. We operate a hybrid model. Some machining and light assembly occur at our Ontario facility; other steps (e.g., coating, larger runs, specialized testing) are fulfilled through certified Canadian partners under Pearson QA.

Do you support MIL-STD or DO-160 testing?

Yes. We coordinate environmental and EMI/EMC testing through accredited labs and provide the documentation package (test reports, FAIRs, CoCs, photos) with your shipment.

Can you support ITAR/CGP-restricted programs?

We comply with applicable export controls and can route ITAR/CGP-restricted work via qualified partners. Share your compliance needs with the RFQ for correct routing.

What tolerances and flatness are typical for enclosures?

As a baseline, ±0.001–0.002″ on CTQs for metals; flatness targets for heat-spreader faces commonly 0.001–0.003″ depending on size and process. We’ll confirm after review.

What should I include with my RFQ?

CAD + PDF with GD&T, BOM/AVL, finish/masking notes, gasket spec, serialization/packaging needs, expected test/qualification scope, target quantities, and schedule. Start your defense/avionics quote — include finish/masking, gasket spec, serialization, test scope, and schedule.

Need Rugged Electronics Built Right?

Let us help you fulfill your defense and avionics builds — in-house or through trusted partners.

Request a Defense Quote