CNC Machining Documentation
Comprehensive reference for CNC machining tolerances, surface finishes, material machinability, thread standards, and design guidelines — everything you need to design parts for precision machining.
1. General Tolerances — ISO 2768
ISO 2768 is the international standard for general tolerances on linear and angular dimensions. Use these tables as a quick reference for your designs.
2. Surface Roughness Standards
Surface roughness (Ra) is measured in micrometers (µm). The achievable finish depends on the material, tooling, and machining parameters.
Ra 3.2 μm
Rough Machining
Non-critical surfaces, clearance faces, weld prep
Ra 1.6 μm
Standard Machining
General-purpose parts, moderate load surfaces
Ra 0.8 μm
Fine Machining
Bearing seats, sealing surfaces, fits & clearances
Ra 0.4 μm
Precision Finish
Sliding surfaces, hydraulic components, cosmetic faces
Ra 0.2 μm
Ultra-Precision
Optical surfaces, high-pressure seals, precision bearings
Ra 0.05 μm
Mirror Finish
Decorative, optical reflectors, medical implants
3. Material Machinability Reference
Machinability ratings help predict how easily a material can be cut. Ratings are relative to steel 1212 (100%).
4. Thread Standards & Tapped Hole Design
Standard thread specifications and design guidelines for CNC-machined tapped holes. Thread milling is recommended over tapping for tight-tolerance applications.
Hướng Dẫn Độ Sâu Ren
Độ sâu ren không được vượt quá 3× đường kính danh nghĩa đối với lỗ mù. Đối với lỗ thông, đảm bảo ít nhất 1,5× đường kính ăn khớp ren hoàn toàn. Phay ren được ưu tiên hơn taro đối với các chi tiết giá trị cao — một mũi taro gãy có thể làm hỏng toàn bộ chi tiết.
5. Design for CNC Machining — Quick Reference
Minimum Wall Thickness
0.5 mm for metals (aluminum). Increase to 0.8 mm for plastics. Walls thinner than 0.5 mm risk vibration and deflection.
Internal Corner Radii
Minimum R = tool radius (typically 0.5-3 mm). Sharp internal corners are impossible - always add a radius matching standard end mill sizes.
Cavity Depth
Max depth <= 4x tool diameter for standard end mills. Deeper cavities require extended-reach tooling and reduced feed rates.
Hole Diameter
Standard drill sizes recommended. Avoid non-standard diameters where possible. Minimum hole size: 0.5 mm for metals.
Undercuts
Standard undercuts require T-slot or dovetail cutters. Width limited to tool diameter. Design reliefs where possible.
Text & Engraving
Minimum text height: 1.5 mm for legible engraving. Use stick fonts (single-line). Avoid serif fonts at small sizes.
Thin Floor Sections
Minimum 0.5 mm floor thickness in metals. Thinner sections risk warping from machining stress or clamping force.
Setups & Orientations
Design parts to minimize setups. Each additional setup adds cost and datum error. Plan locating features.