Resources
Design & Manufacturing Resources
The practical knowledge we apply every day — design rules, tolerance references and guides that make your next machining project smoother.
DFM quick rules
Design for manufacturing: the rules that save money
Most cost overruns are designed in before the first cut. These are the rules our engineers check first on every quote.
| Process | Key design rules |
|---|---|
| 5-axis CNC | Keep deep pockets wider than 4× tool diameter; internal corner radii ≥ 1/3 of pocket depth; plan tool clearance for undercuts and compound surfaces. |
| CNC milling | Corner radii ≥ 1 mm on small features; thread depth ≤ 3× diameter; call out true position for mating hole patterns rather than chained dimensions. |
| CNC turning | Keep length-to-diameter ratio ≤ 10:1 where possible; add relief grooves at thread ends; define datums for runout and concentricity. |
| Sheet metal | Bend radii ≥ material thickness; hole edges ≥ 1.2× thickness from bends; keep bend directions consistent to reduce tooling changes. |
| Die casting | Draft angles of 1–3°; uniform wall thickness; support bosses with ribs instead of thick walls; design the parting line before the tool is quoted. |
| Metal 3D printing | Walls ≥ 0.4 mm; plan powder-escape holes for internal channels; orient critical faces toward the laser for better finish. |
Tolerance reference
How tight is tight?
| Grade | Typical tolerance | Where it fits |
|---|---|---|
| General | ±0.1 mm | Brackets, covers, non-critical interfaces |
| Precision | ±0.01 mm | Mating parts, sensor mounts, most machined features |
| High precision | ±0.005 mm | Bearing seats, sealing faces, spigot fits |
| Ultra precision | ±0.001 mm | Critical features on suited geometry — confirmed per part at quoting |
Achievable values depend on material, geometry and feature access. We confirm what is realistic for your part before you commit — and we say so in writing.
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Popular guides & references
5-Axis Machining Guide
When 5-axis pays off, how simultaneous machining works, and what it costs compared with 3-axis.
Read moreEquipment & Tolerances
The machine fleet, material library and tolerance table behind every quote we issue.
Read more5-Axis vs 3-Axis
A practical decision guide: setups, tolerances, surface finish and the cost math most buyers miss.
Read moreBuyer FAQ
MOQs, lead times, tolerances, certifications, payment and shipping — answered straight.
Read moreGet the full DFM checklist
Send us a note and we will email our complete design-for-manufacturing checklist for your process — plus feedback on the part you are working on right now.