How to design parts for CNC machining?

There are a few easy steps you can take to optimize your designs for computer numerical control (CNC) machining. By following design-for-manufacturing (DFM) rules, you can get more out of CNC machining's broad capabilities. This can be challenging though, as industry-wide specific standards do not exist.

In this article, we offer a comprehensive guide to the best design practices for CNC machining. To compile this extensive up-to-date information, we asked for feedback from industry experts and CNC machining service providers. If you are optimizing for costs, check out.

What is the CNC machining process?

CNC machining is a subtractive manufacturing technology. In CNC, material is removed from a solid block using a variety of cutting tools that rotate at high speed—thousands of RPM—to produce a part based on a CAD model. Both metals and plastics can be CNC machined.

CNC-machined parts have high dimensional accuracy and tight tolerances. CNC is suitable for both high-volume production and one-off jobs. In fact, CNC machining is currently the most cost-effective way of producing metal prototypes, even compared to 3D printing.