CNC machining is widely employed across various industries for its high accuracy, precision, speed, and efficiency. However, it can be a more costly option when you compare it to manufacturing technologies like 3D printing.
This article highlights several tips which you can use to significantly lower the cost of your CNC machined parts. Before we begin, it’s worth keeping these points unique to the CNC process in mind:
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Now that you understand what drives costs up in CNC machining, here are several tips on how to tweak or revise your CNC designs to make it more compatible with the CNC machining process and overall, minimize the costs.
1. Eliminate deep pockets
Deep pockets designs involve the removal of more material, which translates to additional time and higher costs. Special tools may also be used to reach the specific depth you require. So, limit the depth of the pockets in the design to four times the length.
To minimize cost:
2. Round the Internal Corners
Bear in mind that the machines will stop when working on sharp 90-degree corners because the part must be rotated before continuing. This “stop-and-go” process can take time. In comparison, with rounded corner parts, the machine can keep running without stopping.
To minimize cost:
3. Use Less Expensive Materials
Although this tip seems pretty straightforward, it’s worth noting that softer metals are less expensive to machine because: (a) softer materials such as aluminium (e.g., 6061 and 7075) cuts more easily which saves machining time; (b) harder materials require more expensive tools which can add to the project’s cost.
To minimize cost:
4. Avoid Multiple Finishes
CNC projects tend to have multiple finishes – a first finish is used to remove the CNC markings and a second, to apply a coating. Every additional finish pushes up the cost further. If your sole goal is to save every penny possible, consider choosing the “as-machined” finish – no finish at all.
To minimize cost:
5. Remove All Text and Lettering
Adding text on the surface means additional machining steps which means extra machining time and overall, higher costs. If text or logos are an essential part to your design, consider silk screening or painting, which are more cost-effective ways of adding text to CNC parts. If not, avoid any form of text at all.
To minimize cost:
6. Limit Tight Tolerances
Simply put, the tighter the tolerance, the higher the cost. This is because it will require manual inspections and additional machining time.
There are many more ways to reduce the costs of your CNC projects. It’s always a great idea to get your CNC parts made from a company that reviews your design and gives suggestions on how you can optimize your parts and save costs. Send us your CAD drawings to start a free project review and get a quote.