Australian and International Manufacturing

If you are planning on venturing into custom product design and fabrication, consider choosing CNC manufacturing as your production approach. CNC, or computer numerical control, machining is an industrial fabrication method that uses technological tools with computerised controls. This approach ensures a high degree of accuracy in the final translation of the product design. Also, the controls offer a high degree of repeatability, ensuring the products are identical. Additionally, CNC machining is versatile and can be used in handling diverse materials, including metal, glass, wood and plastic. However, the cost of the equipment and skilled labour can make the fabrication a little expensive. Here are some design tips to help you reduce your production expenses.

Keep It Simple

When preparing a product or part design, consider how to make it as simple as possible. Intricate items are difficult to machine because of the time required for the equipment to translate the computer draft into a physical product. Therefore, use computer-aided design software to assess and edit your design. Eliminate superfluous elements and decorative features. You can improve the aesthetics after machining using secondary finishing processes where necessary.

Avoid Deep Cavities

The CNC machining process is different from other fabrication methods because it is subtractive. In simple terms, when manufacturing, the tools used remove layers from the stock raw material to realise the design. This approach is different from additive techniques, like 3D printing, where materials are added to create a shape. If a CNC design demands deep cavities, your equipment will require more time and power. Therefore, minimise deep cavities, and choose the right stock material to minimise the subtractive process for the project. You should also note that cavities with sharp internal corners are difficult to machine. Avoid the additional manufacturing time by adding a small curve or radii on the edges to avoid equipment stress and reduce total production time.

Consider Tolerance

CNC machining is a manufacturing technique with a high level of precision. The dimensions indicated in the computer-aided design program will be created with accuracy. However, you must understand the importance of tolerance before commissioning the production. Tolerance refers to the permissible error in the final product dimensions. If you demand a high tolerance, the machine will attempt to follow dimensions to the highest decimal point. This choice will increase the costs and is often unnecessary except in high-precision production of sensitive equipment parts. Therefore, you should discuss the standard tolerance with a CNC manufacturing company to avoid the additional costs of excessive machining.