You might contact MSI, Inc. In Seattle, Wa. They may be able to supply you with a load-cell system that can measure minute deflection and calculate load pressures.
You might consider a glass saturated composite like Vespel, almost all wear parts for dairy processes use Vespel due to the low friction and wear properties. It also can take a tremendous load without fracture.
Kurt vise Co. has incorporated wire brush wipers in almost all their vises now. If you cannot find a wire brush wiper for your application, you might think about using a spiral type (expanding bellows) cover.
As far as the capabilities of machine manufacturing on Lathes and Mills, I've never come across a part that I couldn't make. There have seen those that were not cost effective to make! You should ask your machine shop to give you feedback on ways to cut manufacturing costs, as long as it...
