Our top 4 Tips for Designing for Manufacturing

Designing for CNC machining requires precision and foresight to ensure components are not only manufacturable but also optimised for performance, durability, and cost-effectiveness. Key factors such as internal radii, hole design, wall thickness, and tolerance specifications play a crucial role in achieving high-quality, efficient CNC production.

In this blog, we explore four essential design strategies that enhance CNC machining efficiency, reduce production costs, and improve overall component quality.

1. Include Sufficient Radii for Internal Corners

Why It Matters
Internal radii are fundamental to CNC part design, yet they are often overlooked. Their inclusion directly impacts manufacturability, tool life, and structural integrity.

Improved Machinability
Sharp internal corners create machining difficulties, increasing tool wear and the risk of breakage. Introducing sufficient radii allows for smoother tool paths, reducing stress on cutting tools, extending their lifespan, and improving machining speed and efficiency.

Enhanced Structural Integrity
Sharp corners can create stress concentration points, weakening the part. Adequate radii help distribute stress more evenly, reducing the risk of premature failure or deformation and increasing the part’s longevity.

Better Surface Finish
Parts with well-designed radii achieve a smoother surface finish, reducing the need for post-processing. This is particularly important for visible components or those with strict aesthetic requirements.

General Guideline
For best results, maintain an internal radii-to-pocket depth ratio of 1:8. This ensures structural stability while improving manufacturability.

This blog is originally published here: https://quickparts.com/gb/optimising-cnc-machining-design-for-production-efficiency/