10 design optimisation tips for your CNC machined parts

CNC machining technology has become a core tool in modern manufacturing, used in everything from prototyping to mass production. Whether you're a mechanical engineer, designer or manufacturer, a well-designed and optimised part can significantly increase productivity, reduce machining costs and improve part quality. However, every detail in the design can affect the final machining result. In this article, we will share 10 design optimisation tips to help you get a more perfect part in CNC machining.

I. Introduction: the need for CNC design optimisation

CNC machining not only stands for precision manufacturing, it ensures high precision production, but it relies on upfront design optimisation. The goal of design optimisation is to make the part cleaner and more efficient during machining while ensuring that the part meets the expected performance standards. Design optimisation is not only about machining efficiency, it also has a direct impact on the quality, cost and maintenance of the part. Therefore, designers should pay attention to every detail of CNC machining and fully optimise the design from the early stages.

II. Overview of design optimisation recommendations

1. Understand the basic limitations and possibilities of CNC machining

Designers should understand the basic principles and technical limitations of CNC machining so that they can avoid designing overly complex or impractical shapes. Some complex geometries may require more time and cost to machine. Understand the limitations of the machine tool to ensure that the design meets realistic machining capabilities and to avoid wasting resources.

2. Selecting the right material

Material is a critical factor in CNC machining. Different materials have different machining characteristics, so designers should choose the right material according to the functional requirements, mechanical properties and budget of the part. Suitable materials not only improve machining efficiency, but also ensure the strength and durability of the parts.

III. Design Optimisation Suggestions

1. Simplify part geometry

Reduce unnecessary details and complex surfaces

The design should try to simplify the geometry as much as possible, avoiding unnecessary complex surfaces and details. This will make the machining path simpler and reduce tool changes, thus improving machining efficiency and quality.

Optimise hole positions and transition curves

In order to improve machining efficiency, the design should try to avoid complex transition curves, which can be replaced by arc transitions instead of straight line connections, making the machining path smoother.

2. Consider the amount of material removal in advance

At the design stage, consider the amount of material removal during machining to avoid excessive material removal. Reasonable control of the cutting volume can not only shorten the machining time, but also reduce deformation and unnecessary tool wear.

3. Reasonable selection of tolerances and fits

Tolerance selection is crucial in CNC machining. The designer should determine the tolerance according to the functional requirements of the part, and the tolerance requirements can be appropriately relaxed for non-critical functional parts. Overly tight tolerances will increase machining difficulty and cost.

4. Use standardised parts

The use of standardised parts can greatly reduce processing time and complexity, reduce manufacturing costs, and improve the interchangeability of parts. For example, using standard bores and threaded holes avoids the complexity and uncertainty of custom machining.

5. Ensure good support and clamping practices

Consider how the part is supported and clamped during design to avoid displacement and vibration during machining. Good support design can improve machining accuracy and avoid part deformation.

6. Appropriate chamfer and fillet design

Sharp corners will increase the burden on the tool and easily cause tool wear during machining. Appropriate chamfer and fillet design can not only improve the strength and fatigue resistance of parts, but also improve machining efficiency and reduce tool wear.

7. Use reasonable cutting path design

The design should take into account the cutting path of the tool and avoid overly complex paths. Optimised paths can reduce machining time, increase productivity and reduce tool wear.

8. Consider subsequent machining processes

Considering the subsequent surface treatment process (such as polishing, painting, etc.) can avoid defects in the part design that may affect the surface quality and ensure the efficiency of surface treatment.

9. Optimising design using additive manufacturing

In some designs, combining additive manufacturing (e.g. 3D printing) with CNC machining technology can enable the production of some complex structures and reduce material waste, thus optimising the design.

10. Considering efficiency optimisation in mass production

During the design phase, the needs of mass production should be taken into account, with a focus on increasing the repeatability of the design to ensure that the machining process is efficient and cost-effective. Proper material selection, optimisation of cutting paths and evaluation of the potential for production automation can significantly increase the efficiency of series production.

IV. the impact of design optimisation on CNC machining

Improvement of machining accuracy

Reasonable design optimisation can reduce errors and deformations, ensuring high accuracy and consistency in the machining process.

Reduce production costs

Optimised design can reduce unnecessary machining steps, reduce tool wear, reduce material waste, thus effectively reducing production costs.

Improve product quality and functionality

Design optimisation not only improves machining efficiency, but also ensures the high quality and functionality of the product, so that the final part can better meet customer needs.

V. How to choose the right CNC machining service provider

Technical ability and equipment level

When choosing a CNC machining service provider, you should consider its technical capability and equipment level. Ensure that the service provider can carry out efficient machining based on design optimisation and deliver high quality products.

Balance of price and delivery time

The service provider should offer reasonable prices and flexible lead times to meet the needs of mass production or urgent orders.

Customer Support and Communication

Quality CNC machining service providers can provide professional technical support and good customer communication channels to help customers solve problems encountered in the design and production process.

VI. About JLCCNC

JLCCNC is a leading CNC machining service provider, we provide comprehensive CNC machining solutions, from design optimisation to precision machining, each part is manufactured in strict accordance with customer requirements.

Comprehensive CNC Machining Services

JLCCNC is able to provide tailor-made design optimisation and CNC machining services for all types of projects, helping customers to achieve efficient production and meet high precision requirements.

Advanced Technology and Equipment

We have industry-leading CNC machining equipment that can handle a wide range of complex designs and ensure an efficient, high-quality machining process.

Fast Response and Flexible Delivery

JLCCNC is able to respond quickly to customer needs and provide flexible delivery schedules to ensure on-time delivery of parts that meet quality standards.

VII. Conclusion

CNC design optimisation is a key component in ensuring efficient production and high quality parts. Through reasonable design optimisation, not only can machining accuracy be improved, but also production costs can be reduced and product functionality and reliability can be enhanced. As technology continues to advance, CNC design optimisation will play an even more important role in the future of manufacturing, helping manufacturers to improve their competitiveness and satisfy their customers' needs.