CNC machining - Reducing Costs (14 tips)

In this video, you’ll learn how to reduce CNC machining costs when designing for CNC machining.
FREE guide on CNC machining (pdf) 3dhu.bs/G-besD
Download our free CNC machining cost reduction checklist: 3dhu.bs/Ufeicq
00:00 Introduction. We'll briefly mention what this video covers.
0:52 Aspects affecting the cost of CNC machined parts. Before we dive into the tips it's important to note the aspects that affect the cost of your design.
1:44 Tip 1: Add a radius in internal vertical edges. You'll learn how to add a radius to internal vertical edges and why that's important.
2:13 Tip 2: Limit the depth of cavities. We'll teach you how to limit the depths of cavities to save costs.
2:58 Tip 3: Increase the thickness of thin walls. You'll learn to increase wall thickness and why that's important.
3:30 Tip 4: Limit the length of threads. We'll discuss why the length of threads is important to consider in your design and what an optimal design is in relation to saving costs.
3:53 Tip 5: Design holes with a standard size. Here you'll learn why standard drill bits are preferred.
4:36 Tip 6: Specify tolerances only when necessary. We'll tell you why specifying tolerances can be costly.
5:06 Tip 6: Keep the number of machine setups to a minimum. Learn that designing parts in as few setups as possible is preferred.
5:40 Tip 8: Avoid small features with a high aspect ratio. Here, we'll discuss why these features can be difficult to machine.
6:05 Tip 9: Remove all text and lettering. Adding text and lettering to a part adds costs and time to the machining process.
6:31 Tip 10: Consider the machinability of the material. Here we'll discuss why some materials are better to machine than others.
7:52 Tip 11: Consider the cost of the bulk material. Considering bulk costs can be a handy way to save costs.
9:02 Tip 12: Avoid multiple surface finishes. Adding multiple surface finishes ads to the costs of the machining process.
9:18 Tip 13: Blank size. Here, we'll discuss how the blank size may have an impact on costs.
9:50 Tip 14: Economies of scale. In this final section, we'll go over how taking advantage of economies of scale and greatly reduce CNC machining costs.
Check out more videos from our series “What is CNC machining?”
CNC machining - What is it and How Does it Work? 3dhu.bs/p6DXzA
CNC machines - The Types of CNC machines Explained (3 and 5 axis) 3dhu.bs/45YSFO
CNC machining - Designing Quality Parts (tips and tricks) 3dhu.bs/9ydBQI
CNC machining - Reducing Costs (14 tips) 3dhu.bs/MIgwMY
FREE guide on CNC machining (pdf) 3dhu.bs/G-besD
Download our free CNC machining cost reduction checklist: 3dhu.bs/Ufeicq
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[@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!

[@schalkerasmus7952]

Nice one Nico!

[@basilkurien5603]

Informative bro. Keep it up

[@gsaghdsahdgsa]

Nice info :)

[@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.

[@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

[@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.

[@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).

[@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.