How Do You Design Parts for CNC Milling?

Creating parts for CNC milling involves careful design considerations.

Our team of mechanical engineers recommends the following essential guidelines:

1. Minimize Set-ups: Reducing the number of setups required for a part streamlines the milling process, enhancing efficiency.

2. Internal Corner Radii: Include internal corner radii in your designs, preferably at least 1/4 the depth of the cut, or ideally around 1/2 the depth (if feasible) for cost-effectiveness. Whenever possible, opt for drilling holes instead of milling shapes to save time and resources.

3. Avoid Thin Walls: Thin sections of a part can warp and deflect due to machining forces, even with soft metals. If a section doesn't need to be thin, avoid making it so to improve production speed, reduce costs, and enhance surface finish.

4. Consider Part Size: Smaller features require smaller, more delicate tools that run slower and increase costs. If a feature doesn't need to be small for functionality, make it larger.

5. Standardize Everything: Utilize standard thread sizes, corner radii, materials, and tolerances to save money and ensure timely part production, regardless of the manufacturer.