It is essential to know how to reduce machining cost. This is because CNC machining and machined aluminum are still advancing year in and out and thus become more complicated every year. For that reason, it may be a daunting task for manufacturers to keep up with the production pace, including the dos and don’ts of the parts of the design.
Other than that, lowering the production costs of these machines should be one of the significant strategies of accomplishing success. It is also one of the best ways to enhance efficiency. In several protolabs, experts use automation software in quoting parts as well as highlighting the features that require design consideration. This is often based on a viable process appended to the rapid production of different components. The software will then catch various features that are technically un-manufacturable.
The tips below will help you reduce significant production cost:
Evade Deep Pockets By All Means
Deep pockets will always have an extremely negative effect on the total cost of CNC machining since this would mean ejecting a significant volume of material. In this case, removing the material would be time-consuming. It can also demand the application of a special tool to arrive at the depth you aspire to.
How about trying to limit the depth of your pockets in the design?
All too often, most CNC tools have a limit when cutting pockets. In the real sense, you could cut it to a depth of about three times the actual diameter. While this is possible, it might cost you four times the initial amount it would have cost you.
Go Ahead And Deburr The Edges By Yourself
Another impactful cost-cutting measure is avoiding the corner breaks of the CNC machining process. To remove burrs as well as break sharp corners, as a designer, you will find it necessary to smoothen the externals of the machine using chamfers. This is understandable. It is also essential at some point.
However, it may be pretty costly. With most metal parts, experts in protolabs offer an automated deburring option coupled with plastic, which is often delivered as machined according to the illustration below. Supposing the part design needs an edge break, then the manufacturers and designers would have to incorporate additional tools using a 3D motion.
You Can Always Explore Other Materials
This is one of the most effective strategies when it comes to cost-cutting in CNC machining. If you want to stay within your budget, you should invest in a machine-friendly material. The material selection should range from plastic to metal. According to most engineers, aesthetics and cost are some of the elements that have been advocated for. You can go for copper, which is less susceptible to corrosion.
Final Thoughts
When you are done with applying every tip for cost reduction in the CNC machining processes to your design, then you can rest assured that you have optimized the significant parts for CNC machining. And when you get to such a point, you can rest assured that you are about to locate the best CNC machining company.
