3 Design Changes That Can Reduce CNC Cost
Cut CNC costs using Design for Manufacturability (DFM) by keeping pockets shallow, using standard corner radii, and applying tight tolerances only where essential.
3 Design Changes That Can Reduce CNC Cost
Small design changes can create big savings. When it comes to custom manufacturing, the vast majority of production costs are determined long before the first block of metal reaches the machine shop. By optimizing your CAD models for Design for Manufacturability (DFM), you can drastically reduce cycle times, tool wear, and overall project budgets.
Here are 3 practical design modifications that deliver immediate cost reductions:
1. Replace Deep Pockets with Simpler Features
Deep cavities and pockets are common culprits behind skyrocketing CNC costs. Deep milling requires long, slender cutting tools that are prone to deflection and chatter. To maintain structural integrity and allow faster feed rates:
Keep pocket depths shallow relative to the tool diameter.
Avoid aspect ratios that force high tool overhang.
2. Use Standard Corner Radii
Internal sharp corners cannot be machined by standard rotating end-mills, often requiring expensive secondary operations like wire EDM or fragile micro-tooling.
By incorporating standard corner radii that match available tooling sizes, you allow end-mills to move smoothly around corners at high speeds, significantly reducing machining time.
3. Avoid Unnecessary Tight Tolerances
While tight tolerances are crucial for high-precision mating surfaces, applying them universally across an entire part drives up inspection time, setup complexity, and scrap rates.
Review your drawings and reserve strict tolerances (+/-0.001mm or tighter) only where functional fit and performance strictly demand them.
Conclusion: Better Design, Better Results
Manufacturing cost is decided before production starts. A thoughtful approach to CAD design not only cuts expenses but also accelerates time-to-market.
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