Our Design Guidelines
Learn how to successfully apply basic guidelines when drawing and engineering parts to be manufactured by our shop using our instant quoting process. Following these guidelines not only saves cost but can improve overall machinability and lead to a more successful part and overall product design.
Geometry and Manufacturability
Guidelines related to part shape simplicity, feature alignment, wall thickness, internal radii, hole design, chamfers, and accessibility—emphasizing ease of machining, reducing complexity, and improving tooling efficiency.
Simplify Geometry
Use basic shapes and avoid overly complex features.
Corner Radii and Fillets
Add radii to internal corners (avoid sharp corners).
Hole Design
Favor standard hole sizes and depths; prefer through-holes to blind holes.
Wall Thickness
Avoid thin walls; maintain sufficient thickness for stability.
Draft and Undercuts
Minimize or avoid undercuts; slight draft angles help in deep pockets.
Chamfers & Edge Breaks
Use chamfers or rounded edges for safer handling.
Accessibility
Design for tool access, minimizing obstructions and deep recesses.
Feature Alignment
Align holes, slots, and features along common axes or planes.
Part Size & Depth
Consider machine and tool limitations; avoid excessively deep pockets.
Material and Specification Optimization
Guidelines covering material selection, appropriate tolerance ranges, standard thread sizes, surface finishes, and avoiding over-engineering—focusing on cost reduction, consistent quality, and performance optimization.
Material Selection
Use common, machinable materials (aluminum, steel, plastics).
Tolerances
Specify standard, functionally acceptable tolerances; tighter tolerances increase cost.
Surface Finish
Specify standard surface finishes unless critical to performance.
Threads
Choose standard thread sizes; avoid custom threads when possible.
Avoid Over-Engineering
Simplify designs by removing unnecessary features or overly stringent requirements.
Communication & Documentation
Clearly detail materials, tolerances, finishes, and special instructions on engineering drawings.
70-80% of companies involved in product development currently use rapid prototyping methods during their design and development phases.
Learn more about how our services can help you in your development process.