So you designed a part and are ready to turn your design into reality via CNC Machining. Whether you are looking for a single rapid prototype or a low-volume production run, here are a couple of CNC tips to review against your design before you submit for quote. If you can save your manufacturer machining time then you will get a better price.
Thin Walls – For metals 0.8 mm minimum thickness is recommended while 0.5 mm is possible. For plastics 1.5 mm is recommended while 1.0 mm is possible. Thinner walls increase vibration during machining making achieving the tolerance of the thinner walls more difficult. Thicker walls are recommended for plastics when your design allows to help reduce the risk of warping.
Threads – External threads are cut with dies, while internal threads are cut with taps. Minimum thread size is M2 while it is recommended to use M6 or larger if you design will allow. CNC threaded tools limit the risk of breakage and can be used to cut down to M6. M6 and up will help your price.
Small Features & Holes – Holes and cavities down to 2.5mm in diameter are pretty standard across machine shop capabilities. Below this diameter is referred to as micro-machining and will increase your cost. Avoid features smaller than this when possible to help your part price.
About Start Prototyping 
Start Prototyping mainly supply our rapid prototyping service and plastic injection manufacturing for many 3D print companies in the world. Start Prototyping has been engaged in rapid prototyping about 10 years, helping too many designers to turn their ideas into reality. Most of the conceptual prototype of the design has been successfully put into the market and has achieved good benefits. Among them, the most representative metal prototype machining, plastic prototype machining, CNC aluminum machining, Low-Volume Manufacturing, processing technology including CNC machining, vacuum casting, rapid tooling, 3D printing and so on. We have the standard quality inspection process, which is completely in line with the customer’s industrial design. It’s a great honor to be a partner with you. Contact Info Contact：James Yuan Company:Start Prototyping Add：LongGang Village, LongXi Town, BoLuo County, HuiZhou City,GuangDong Province, China Tel：+86-13352636504 Email：[email protected] Web：http://www.startprototyping.com