There are a lot of great tips for designing your parts so that they are easy to machine. In addition to the fact that CNC machining is one of the most popular manufacturing processes offered by Solartech, a part design that is ready to be machined will cost less than a part design that is not ready or not so ready.

At Saga, we refer to a part that is easy to machine as a "DFM". Design for Manufacturing (DFM) is a part design philosophy that reduces machining errors, lowers part costs, and ensures that parts are produced in a timely and efficient manner. In short, it is a design methodology that allows engineers to always get the parts they want at the lowest possible price.

While an entire book could be written on this topic, we have a few tips to at least get you started.

Clear 2D

DFM starts with a clear 2D three-view drawing. What makes it clear? It needs to provide all the details and information needed to manufacture the part, including:

Material type

Tolerance ranges

Surface finish requirements

Plain and threaded hole sizes

Clear dimensions

Sometimes, designs are particularly complex and require more detail. Ultra-tight tolerances, specific features - whatever it is, take note and explain it.

Clear and easy to understand

Clear dimensioning doesn't happen by accident. All features of a part should be measured from a common point to ensure that each of its critical features is correctly placed. If a 3D part file is not measured from a common point - for example, one feature is measured from the top left corner and another from the top right corner - tolerance "buildup" can occur, so that the parts that make up the entire part no longer fit together.

Reasonable Tolerances

Tight tolerances exist for a reason, but engineers often specify tolerances that are tighter than those required for a particular part application. It is important to loosen tolerances as much as possible while still getting the part you need. Any high precision measure will increase the price of the part almost exponentially. Therefore, if you don't need it, don't ask for it. You will save time and cost and increase the likelihood that the part will be delivered to you in high quality.

Designing parts that are easy to machine saves time and money and increases the likelihood that your parts will be delivered to you in high quality.

Stock Preparation

Whenever possible, design parts using stock sizes. Not only does this reduce the amount of wasted material, but stock sizes also reduce the machining time required to make the part because there is no need for batch disassembly. Anything about CNC machined part design that reduces waste and saves time will also save you money.