There are many machine shops available that would CNC machine your custom part design, whether it’s a one-off sample, or a series production run. Machining a part from a 3D model maybe the easiest part of the equation.
Let’s say you have a 3D CAD model of a metallic part that you’d like to machine, you call up, email, and submit Request for Quote (RFQ) from a few shops. Some shops would welcome a 3D model by itself, other shops may welcome a 2D Drawing of the part without a 3D model. On the contrary, there are some machinists that will ask for a detailed 3D drawing in addition to the 3D CAD model that you may already have.
Engineering drawings, aka CAD drawings are a way to communicate what you want done without ambiguity or room for interpretation. Think of it as a contract between you, the design owner and the machine shop or the factory. (Click here to get us started on your models and drawings)
Reasons for creating a drawing
A technical drawing, which can be in any 2D format ( pdf, dxf, dwg, SLDRW, CATDrawing, etc) is the simplest and clearest way to communicate certain specifications, such as:
- Material
- Heat treatment (for metallic parts)
- Thread Type and Size
- Tolerances
- Interface with other parts
- Surface finishes
- Material
- Etc..
There are cases where some companies will only deal with model-based definition, where the 3D CAD model contains all of the dimensions and notes that would normally be on a 2D drawing or print. Model-based definition was something we’ve dealt with in the aerospace industry, where the OEM communicates with 3D model-based definition. In return, the supplier shows models and prints to communicate back to the OEM what they will actually produce, in a non-model based definition 3D model, with the addition of a 2D drawing. This shows how important 2D drawings are. (Click here to get us started on your models and drawings).
Still Not Convinced?
Another reason to communicate with drawings is to reduce the possibility of errors when placing orders. Additionally, you can hold the machine shop accountable for quality issues and deviations from the drawing.
A drawing can include a parts list for assemblies as well as a materials list. It is always a good idea to specify the starting stock size for a material if that would save you machining time. If you’re not familiar with sourcing such stock material, then work with the machine shop or just specify the material grade itself. Material can be specified by stating make from 316 SS, make from 3 inch carbon steel RCS, make from PTFE or Nylon etc. Material properties can be further expanded on and specified as well, such as heat treatment for metals. The starting material shape can also be specified such as round, block, plate, tube, rod, and extrusions.
For solid results, always accompany the 3D model with a 2D drawing detailing every aspect of the part you’re trying to source. (Click here to get us started on your models and drawings)
Don’t re-invent the wheel!
Engineers and product developers do not design and manufacture every single component on a product. There are thousands, if not millions of components that already exist out in the market which can be utilized into your product design. Don’t re-invent the wheel when you can source an existing one.
For instance, after going through your normal design process and component selection, as part of your Design For Manufacturing effort. You can specify an existing part number and instruct a machinist to use XY Catalog, ABC part number, to machine two thru holes at each end with a 10mm center slot perpendicularly to the holes to fit your robotic arm.
In most cases, using existing mass-produced components will help you save design time, machining time, saving you money, and helping your get your product to market than much faster. Just remember to always try to get supplier to guarantee available quantities and require them to give you heads up notice prior to discontinuing a product. That will give you enough time to source a replacement. At the end of the day, the key is to provide as much information to ensure accuracy of your CNC machined parts.
We take care of all of these details for you, giving you less to worry about, and help you focus on selling your product. Contact us now for your design and manufacturing needs. (Click here to get us started on your models and drawings or Call 1-424-206-3909)
Results driven degreed Engineer from the University of Michigan with 16 years professional experience split between Design, Stress Analysis, Testing, Project Engineering, Project Management, Product Launch, and Production Support in a variety of Industries such as Aerospace, Automotive, Consumer Products, Electronic Products, and Off-Highway Machinery. Worked at major companies like Dow Chemical, General Motor, Delphi, Kubota Corporation, Zodiac Aerospace, and others. Have since worked on hundreds of independent projects from conception to launch.
Project involvement from concept, design, patenting, prototyping, testing, tooling, production, and timely customer delivery. Over 15000 hours combined design experience in surface and solid modeling in CATIA, Solid Works, Autodesk Inventor, Fusion 360, Pro E and more. As an inventor and multiple patent holder, my goal is to help customers design, test, and produce the highest quality products, and successfully launch them to market. Contact me here.
