Technical Articles
Manufacturing cost, DFM and process review notes.
CNC Machining Heat Sinks and Cooling Plates: DFM Tips for Buyers
Learn what engineering buyers should specify for CNC machined heat sinks and liquid cooling plates, including material, flatness, channels, sealing, finish and inspection.
Designing Threaded Holes for CNC Machined Parts: What Buyers Should Check
Learn how to specify threaded holes, thread depth, inserts, edge distance, burr control, surface finish and inspection requirements for CNC machined parts before RFQ.
CNC Machining Inspection Reports: What Buyers Should Specify Before RFQ
Learn what overseas engineering buyers should define before RFQ when they need CNC machining inspection reports, CMM checks, FAI, material certificates and quality documentation.
CNC Prototype Machining: Prepare for a Faster Quote
Learn what files, materials, tolerances, finishes and inspection notes help suppliers quote CNC prototype parts faster and reduce avoidable rework.
How to Improve 5-Axis CNC Machining Stability for Complex Aluminum Parts
Learn how engineering buyers can improve 5-axis CNC machining stability for complex aluminum parts by reviewing design, material, fixturing, toolpath, tolerance and inspection requirements before RFQ.
When Do You Need 5-Axis CNC Machining?
Learn when 5-axis CNC machining is worth using for custom parts, how it compares with 3-axis machining, and what RFQ details help suppliers quote accurately.
CNC Milling vs Turning: Which Process Fits Your Part?
Compare CNC milling and CNC turning for custom parts, including geometry, tolerance, cost, surface finish and RFQ notes, so you can choose the right machining process.
CNC Machining Surface Finishes: Selection Guide
Compare common CNC machining surface finishes including as-machined, anodizing, bead blasting, polishing, plating, passivation and black oxide, and learn how to specify them for custom parts.
How to Choose Materials for CNC Machined Parts
Compare common CNC machining materials including aluminum, stainless steel, brass, copper, titanium and engineering plastics, and learn how to choose the right material for custom parts.
CNC Machining Tolerances: How to Specify Them for Custom Parts
Learn how to specify CNC machining tolerances for custom parts, where tight tolerances really matter, and how tolerance notes affect cost, lead time and inspection.
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