Designing for Cost Reduction in CNC Machined Parts

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Designing for Cost Reduction in CNC Machined Parts



In the competitive world of custom manufacturing, costeffectiveness is not just a goal; it's a necessity for survival and growth. For businesses sourcing CNC machined parts, a significant portion of the final cost is determined not on the shop floor, but during the design phase. By embracing the principles of Design for Manufacturability (DFM), engineers can dramatically reduce machining costs without compromising part quality or performance. This approach directly benefits your bottom line and accelerates project timelines.


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One of the most impactful strategies is simplifying part geometry. Complex 3D surfaces and deep cavities with small corner radii require longer machining times, specialized tools, and often lead to higher tool wear. Designing with standard drill sizes and avoiding nonstandard features eliminates the need for custom tooling. Furthermore, reducing the number of setups by designing parts that can be machined in fewer orientations saves significant labor and machine time.

Material selection and stock size are equally critical. While highperformance alloys like titanium or 718 Inconel are sometimes necessary, they are notoriously difficult to machine, leading to high costs and long lead times. Where possible, opting for more readily machinable materials like aluminum 6061 or brass can slash costs. Additionally, designing parts that utilize standard stock sizes minimizes material waste and reduces the initial raw material expenditure.

Standardizing features such as hole sizes, thread types, and tolerances across your part portfolio brings immense cost savings. This allows machinists to use the same tools repeatedly, reducing setup time and tooling changes. It is also vital to apply tolerances judiciously. Specifying unnecessarily tight tolerances on every feature exponentially increases cost due to the need for precision machining, slower feeds and speeds, and enhanced quality control. Only critical functional surfaces should have tight tolerances, while noncritical features can be looser.

At our company, we specialize in providing a onestop CNC machining service that partners with you from the design stage. Our engineering team offers expert DFM analysis to identify costsaving opportunities before production begins. By collaborating with us early, you can leverage our expertise to design parts that are not only highquality but also optimized for costefficient manufacturing. This partnership ensures you get the best possible value, driving growth for your business through smarter, more economical production.