{"id":1397,"date":"2021-06-29T09:48:49","date_gmt":"2021-06-29T09:48:49","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.fictiv.com\/?page_id=1397"},"modified":"2021-08-24T12:54:23","modified_gmt":"2021-08-24T19:54:23","slug":"fictiv-cnc-machining-design-guide","status":"publish","type":"cpt_blog","link":"https:\/\/www.fictiv.com\/articles\/fictiv-cnc-machining-design-guide","title":{"rendered":"CNC Machining Design Guide"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

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CNC machining<\/a> is one of the most widely used prototyping and manufacturing methods today, especially for metal parts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Most of the details, such as tooling, spindle speed, cutter type, and depth of cut, are taken care of at the machine shop, but there are some things you can do while designing your product to not only make sure it can be made, but also to create a lean product that doesn\u2019t break the bank.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When designing a part that is going to be CNC machined, it is useful to think about manufacturing effort. How much effort will it take to source the material, tooling, set up the part, and machine it to its final form? By making smart decisions in your design, you can reduce the necessary effort, which in turn reduces the cost and lead time of the part. Learn more about manufacturing effort in our DFM for CNC Masterclass<\/a>!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We\u2019ve gathered some best practices for you to keep in mind while designing your product, separated into 4 sections: drilling, milling, turning, and advanced tips.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For additional questions, you can always reach a Fictiv support representative at help@fictiv.com or using the in-app chat system on our digital platform.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Drilling<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Drilling refers to the operation of creating holes in a piece of material. Drilling tools are designed for vertical cutting and have a conical tip, allowing them to plunge deep into a material.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, drill too deep and you start running into problems. The maximum depth of drilling should be 12 times the nearest bit diameter. Drill bits at this length or longer decrease the stiffness and ability to keep to a tight tolerance, as well as increasing the chance of the bit breaking. If you do need to go deeper, consider increasing the hole diameter. Another option is to drill from both sides of the part if it is completely necessary to have such a deep hole. Keep in mind that this will add time and cost to the manufacturing process due to the need for an additional machining setup.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Through Holes vs Blind Holes<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

A through hole goes through the entire part, whereas a blind hole does not. Through holes have the benefit of being easier to clean out and are better for cooling. Reaming and threading are also easier to do with through holes. However, through holes can conflict with functional requirements, for instance on the external shell of a vacuum-sealed chamber.<\/p>\n\n\n\n