Cost-efficiency in manufacturing starts at the drawing board. As a leading CNC machining manufacturer, Loze Precision works closely with engineers to implement Design for Manufacturing (DFM) strategies that can reduce production costs by up to 30%. Here are five professional tips:
- Optimize Internal Radii: Avoid designing 90-degree internal corners. A CNC tool is round; therefore, an internal corner must have a radius. If your design requires a 3mm radius, specify 3.2mm to allow the tool to turn freely without “chattering,” which speeds up machining and improves surface finish.
- Limit Hole Depths: Blind holes should ideally not exceed a depth-to-diameter ratio of 10:1. Deep holes require specialized long-reach tools that are prone to breakage and require slower feed rates, driving up the cost per part.
- Standardize Tolerances: Don’t specify a ±0.01mm tolerance on every dimension. Tighten tolerances only where necessary (e.g., fitment points). For non-critical surfaces, use standard ISO tolerances to save hours of unnecessary inspection time.
- Avoid Thin Walls: While we can achieve walls as thin as 0.5mm, they increase the risk of vibration and warping. Aim for a minimum of 0.8mm for aluminum and 1.5mm for plastics to maintain structural integrity during milling.
- Minimize Setups: Design parts so they can be machined in as few orientations as possible. Each time a technician has to flip a part, the labor cost increases.
At Loze Precision, we provide a free DFM analysis for every quote, ensuring your design is optimized for both performance and budget.
