CNC Machining Knowledge Center
Engineering resources for materials, tolerances, design guidelines, finishes, quality, and FAQ — every link maps to a published Registry page.
Why these guides matter
Unexpected delays and cost overruns often start as small design oversights — tool access, wall thickness, unspecified finishes, or tolerances tighter than the function needs. These guides bridge CAD intent and shop-floor reality using the same baselines we quote against: ISO 2768 for general features, ASME Y14.5 / ISO 1101 for GD&T when called out, and material specs such as ASTM grades when the drawing requires them.
Across the library you will see consistent delivery framing: metals commonly default to ±0.10 mm when unspecified; plastics are typically about ±0.05 mm; tighter ±0.01 mm / ±0.005 mm claims apply only on designated features when material and geometry allow and DFM confirms them. Prefer ISO 2768-m for non-critical features. Secondary finishes are available and coordinated when ordered with machining — state them on the RFQ rather than assuming an unverified in-house process list.
Use this hub to pick the right deep dive, then upload CAD for a free DFM review. MOQ is 1. With a complete RFQ package we typically respond within one business day. Typical machining lead times run 3–10 business days depending on complexity, stock, finish, and capacity — confirm at quote time.
Explore by topic
CNC overview
Subtractive process, CAD-to-delivery workflow, and when to choose milling, turning, multi-axis, or EDM.
Design guidelines
Wall thickness, holes, fillets, sharp corners, drawing formats, and practical DFM checks.
Materials guide
Metals and engineering plastics — strength, machinability, cost, and landing pages for aluminum, steel, copper, and plastic.
Precision & tolerance standards
ISO 2768, GD&T notes, process capability vs project delivery limits, and surface roughness.
Surface finishes
Anodizing, blast, passivation, powder coat, plating, and dimensional impact on fits.
Quality control & inspection
In-house inspection scope, CMM and metrology, FAI / MTR / CoC when specified, and NDA handling.
CNC machining FAQ
MOQ, lead-time ranges, quoting inputs, accepted files, and value-added services.
Capabilities overview
Equipment envelope, processes, and industries we support — robotics, medical, aerospace, and automotive applications.
Choose a guide by question
I’m designing a part for the first time
Start with Design Guidelines, then Materials Guide. Confirm wall, hole, and fillet rules before locking CAD.
I have a drawing and need a quote
Check the FAQ on files and quote inputs, then upload STEP plus a marked 2D drawing.
I need to specify tolerances
Prefer ISO 2768-m for general features; call out critical dimensions and datums on the drawing.
I need inspection or finish clarity
Quality Control covers metrology scope; Surface Finishes covers coating growth, masking, and material fit.
Need a DFM review with your quote?
Upload CAD and call out material, quantity, finish, and critical tolerances. We typically respond within one business day.