CNC machining - Reducing Costs (14 tips)

[@tjvanderloop1686]

This is an Outstanding Video on Machining with CNC Operations. Thanks for the Great Video! T J (Tom) Vanderloop, Author, Mechanical Designer, & Consultant: ATEA, AWS & SME-Life Memberships; Leader

[@ProtolabsMFG]

Thanks Tom!

[@shova213]

@@ProtolabsMFG what method and material would you recommend for re-creating a detachable motherboard tray on the Thermaltake core w200 www.tweaktown.com/image.php?image=static.tweaktown.com/content/7/6/7657_26_thermaltake-core-w200-super-tower-chassis-review_full.jpg.

[@tkzsfen]

I wish all the videos in the world were just as straight to the point and not overly detailed, as this one. Also, nice graphs. They reduce misunderstanding costs...exponentially ;)

[@ProtolabsMFG]

Thanks a lot!

[@basilkurien5603]

Informative bro. Keep it up

[@schalkerasmus7952]

Nice one Nico!

[@steamingspud]

“Specify tolerances only when necessary…” If it’s on the print it needs a tolerance…

[@maxhax367]

If not cut 5% more or 0.2 mm. Whichever is smaller

[@tomtang2639]

what do you mean by define on single datum? "cross section of 2 edges as a reference for all dimensional reference," what does that mean ? Can you elaborate on that and make some diagrams to aid this perhaps? thanks a lot.

[@PerSjoborg]

Thanks for a great video, I have another blank related question. I presume it's not required to machine all surfaces of the blank, if the blank surface finish and tolerances are OK for the application. This of course depends on many things like the blanks surface finish and tolerance and the method used to divide it up. What can you say about the surfaces on blanks, their tolerances and how larger blanks are divided and what surface finishes and tolerances are possible in that step? Thanks for great content and your help.

[@arildedvardbasmo490]

Thanks for that, it was a great video! You mentioned blank sizes - presumably you mean that if you design exactly 3mm smaller than standard blank sizes there is a minimal amount of material to remove. However, you don't mention what the standard blank sizes are. Do you have a rough outline for that? I'm sure there is variation.

[@ProtolabsMFG]

Hey Arild, Thanks for the compliment and this page should help you find an answer to your question: www.3dhubs.com/knowledge-base/standard-blank-sizes-cnc-machining-sheets-rods/ Hope it helps!

[@arildedvardbasmo490]

@@ProtolabsMFG Thank you!

[@samgong1366]

@@ProtolabsMFG Thanks for the video and link. The page says "Stock plates come pre-cut to size or as large sheet (typically, 2 m by 1 m - 6 ft. by 3 ft.) that are cut to blanks by the machine shop. So, the limiting dimension for a plate when it comes to design is its thickness." Does it mean I do not need to care about x and y dimensions since it will be cut to size by the machine shop anyway?

[@ProtolabsMFG]

@@samgong1366 Hey Sam! There is always a size limitation on plates. It depends on the supplier.

[@gsaghdsahdgsa]

Nice info :)

[@harrisons1576]

I really appreciate the content of the videos and the way you explain them, but the constant inflections and emphasis on words in the middle of sentences is excessive and hard to listen to for very long. Just a suggestion, not trying to be unnecessarily critical. Thanks for the videos.

[@tristanlongangue5671]

Is 0,5 mm a normal drill bit

[@ProtolabsMFG]

Hi, 0,5 mm is considered a normal drill bit.

[@tristanlongangue5671]

@@ProtolabsMFG thanks you but i if i have a fusion 360 design how do i share it to a machining company and do i need to put measures or the cnc program know all measures?except for the threads ?

[@tristanlongangue5671]

I dont know if you will see my last question because i just edited my reply

[@ProtolabsMFG]

@@tristanlongangue5671 You should share the 3D files ideally in step or iges format with the required radii designed in the part. If the part has specific tolerances requirements or needs threads these specifications should be included in the technical drawing (PDF).