Engineering blog

Design-for-manufacturing guides, tolerance references and material selection notes from our process engineers.

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Cropped wide-angle photograph of the Xenos coordinate measuring machine at NIST, with its central probe head and illuminated side structure.

Small-Batch Inspection Fixtures: An RFQ Guide

Define locating contacts, clamp areas, probe access and acceptance before quoting a small-batch inspection fixture. Includes an RFQ checklist.

2026-11-06·7 min read

CNC milling spindle and cutter above a metal workpiece, with a blue and orange coolant nozzle; external illustrative photograph.

engineering·7 min read

Machined Electronics Enclosures: An RFQ Guide

Specify pockets, threads, connector interfaces and cosmetic faces before quoting a machined aluminum enclosure. Includes an RFQ checklist.

Coordinate measuring machine with a probe above a granite table and a rotary table at the right; external illustrative equipment.

engineering·6 min read

First Article vs Batch Inspection for CNC Orders

Define first-article approval, batch inspection coverage, sampling rules and report contents before placing a CNC order. Includes a purchasing checklist.

Cropped photograph of a green Trak CNC knee mill, showing the spindle, control panel and vise; external illustrative equipment.

engineering·7 min read

Drawing Revision Control for Repeat CNC Orders

Match drawing and CAD revisions, define the released file package, handle old stock and confirm changes before repeating a low-volume CNC order.

Spiral-flute threading tap on a display stand, with flutes and cutting teeth visible; external illustrative photograph.

engineering·7 min read

Threaded Stainless Parts: Drawing Details for a Clear Quote

Define stainless thread callouts, usable length, blind-hole depth, material condition and inspection before quoting. Includes two practical checklists.

CNC lathe with an open work area, tool turret and control panel; external illustrative photograph.

materials·7 min read

304 or 316L Stainless Parts: Material and Inspection Requirements

Specify 304 or 316L CNC parts with clear material records, heat traceability, PMI limits and dimensional acceptance. Includes two RFQ checklists.

finishing·7 min read

Anodizing and Close Fits: Dimensions to Agree Before Machining

Agree finished bores, shafts, threads and masking before anodizing. Includes a clearance calculation, feature checklist and inspection questions.

Roughing endmill cutting a clamped aluminum workpiece, with chips around the tool.

materials·6 min read

6061, 6082 or 7075 Aluminum: What to Specify in a Machining RFQ

Specify alloy, temper, stock form and material records for 6061, 6082 or 7075 CNC parts. Includes an RFQ checklist and a material-substitution review.

CNC milling spindle and cutting tool above a metal workpiece, with a coolant nozzle beside the tool.

cost·6 min read

Why Small CNC Batches Cost More per Part: Setup, Inspection and Repeats

Understand small-batch CNC costs: setup allocation, inspection and repeat orders. Compare batch sizes and delivery releases with a practical RFQ checklist.

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