Drawing-led guidance for machining, materials, tolerances, quality and production decisions, written for engineers and procurement teams.
Use the categories above to move between machining fundamentals, drawing preparation, material choices and inspection strategy.
CNC machining China NDA and IP protection is a file-handling system, not a PDF you never read. Sign a mutual NDA (or the shop's) before you send STEP solids of unreleased 6061 housings or…
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Aluminum CNC vs die casting is a volume, tooling, and property choice. CNC from 6061-T6 or 7075-T6 wrought stock needs no die, holds tighter fits, and matches mill-cert mechanicals (typical 6061-T6 tensile about 45…
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Aluminum CNC thin wall machining is a stiffness problem: wall thickness, unsupported height, tool stick-out, and how you fixture 6061 or 7075. Treat 1.5 mm walls as routine on moderate-height 6061 housings, 1.0 mm…
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Aluminum CNC design guidelines are a DFM checklist, not a slogan. Start with alloy and temper (6061-T6 for most housings, 7075-T6 when strength wins), then size internal radii to a real end mill, keep…
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Choose 5-axis simultaneous vs 3+2 machining by asking whether the cutter must tilt while it is still in the cut. Simultaneous 5-axis moves X, Y, and Z together with two rotary axes, which is…
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5-axis indexed machining explained in shop terms: the rotary axes move the part to a pose, lock, then the mill cuts with X, Y, and Z only. That is 3+2, not simultaneous 5-axis. Use…
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Compare 5-axis CNC machining cost vs 3-axis as a stack of hours, not as a higher machine sticker. 3-axis usually wins on prismatic plates, two-vise boxes, and lots large enough to amortize a fixture.…
Read guideA 5-axis CNC quote checklist is the RFQ packet that lets a shop choose 3+2 versus simultaneous paths without guessing. Minimum files: STEP (or IGES / X_T) plus a PDF with revision, ASME Y14.5…
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When to use 5-axis CNC for housings is a datum, stickout, and port-access test, not a part-name test. Use 5-axis when assembly datums span several faces, when deep pockets need a short tool that…
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A 2D drawing vs 3D CAD for CNC quote is not a style choice. Send both: a solid (STEP is the usual exchange) for CAM, and a PDF for tolerances, threads, GD&T, Ra, coating,…
Read guideSend the material, quantity and critical features you already know. YXT will help identify the next practical review step.
