Engineering decisions, organised
CNC Design & Material Selection
Resolve material grade, wall thickness, corner radii, workholding and drawing callouts before the machining route is fixed.
Updated October 11, 2026 · 31 focused articles
Find the guide for your next decision
Follow the guide that matches the feature, failure mode or project decision you are working on.
EDM for Hardened Steel: Where Milling Stops and Discharge Machining Starts
Where Milling Stops and Discharge Machining Starts
How Is Air-Sensing Changing CNC Workholding?
Read the focused guide for how is air-sensing changing cnc workholding.
How Do You Machine Titanium Grade 5 Without Excessive Tool Wear?
Read the focused guide for you machine titanium grade 5 without excessive tool wear.
How to CNC Machine PEEK Without Stress Cracking?
Read the focused guide for cnc machine peek without stress cracking.
Plastic CNC Services: Fast, Precision Prototyping and Custom Parts
Fast, Precision Prototyping and Custom Parts
Thin Wall Machining: Engineering Practical Guidance for CNC Parts Under 0.5 mm
Engineering Practical Guidance for CNC Parts Under 0.5 mm
What Is Stainless Steel Turning and When Should You Use It?
Read the focused guide for stainless steel turning and when should you use it.
What Are the Key Considerations for Brass and Copper Turning?
Read the focused guide for the key considerations for brass and copper turning.
How Can You Reduce Tool Deflection?
Read the focused guide for you reduce tool deflection.
Aluminum or Stainless Steel: Which Is Right for Your CNC Part?
Which Is Right for Your CNC Part?
Brass or Bronze for CNC Machining: Which Alloy Fits Your Part?
Which Alloy Fits Your Part?
CNC Machining Plastics: How to Select the Right Grade
How to Select the Right Grade
Machining Hardened Steel: The Heat-Treatment Route and Finish Process
The Heat-Treatment Route and Finish Process
CNC Machining Aluminum: Alloys, Machining, and Design
Alloys, Machining, and Design
CNC Milling Materials: What Mills Handle Best
What Mills Handle Best
CNC Milling Workholding and Fixturing: How Parts Are Held for Accuracy
How Parts Are Held for Accuracy
5-Axis Machining Design Rules: Geometry That Actually Benefits from Five Axes
Geometry That Actually Benefits from Five Axes
How to Specify and Machine Internal Corner Radii in CNC Parts
Read the focused guide for specify and machine internal corner radii in cnc parts.
CNC Machining Magnesium: Safety, Alloys, and Finishing
Safety, Alloys, and Finishing
CNC Milling Chatter: Causes, Prevention, and Fixes
Causes, Prevention, and Fixes
Choosing Datum Features on Machined Parts: Rules for Stable Measurement
Rules for Stable Measurement
303 vs 304 vs 316 Stainless Steel for Machined Parts
Read the focused guide for 303 vs 304 vs 316 stainless steel for machined parts.
Machining Steel: 1018 vs 4140 vs 4340 and How to Choose
1018 vs 4140 vs 4340 and How to Choose
Magnesium vs Aluminum vs Titanium for Lightweight Machined Parts
Read the focused guide for magnesium vs aluminum vs titanium for lightweight machined parts.
ESD-Safe Plastics for Machined Parts: When Static Control Matters
When Static Control Matters
Titanium Grades for Machining: Grade 2 vs Grade 5 vs Grade 23
Grade 2 vs Grade 5 vs Grade 23
Bronze Alloys for CNC Machining: C932, C954, and C863 Compared
C932, C954, and C863 Compared
Machinability Ratings of Common Alloys: What the Numbers Mean
What the Numbers Mean
Polycarbonate vs Acrylic for Machined Clear Parts
Read the focused guide for polycarbonate vs acrylic for machined clear parts.
Machining PTFE: Why Soft Material Is Hard to Hold
Why Soft Material Is Hard to Hold
Stainless Steel Processing: From Prototype To Reliable Custom Manufacturing
From Prototype To Reliable Custom Manufacturing
Before you release the project
- Define the function, environment and the question this batch must answer.
- Specify material grade, geometry, quantity, finish and the dimensions that control fit.
- Agree the inspection method and the evidence required to accept the parts.
- Record the drawing revision and approval before production begins.
Common planning questions
Which CNC process should I consider first?
Start with the geometry. Rotational parts are usually candidates for turning; pockets and planar faces suggest milling. Tool access, setups and hardened features decide whether multi-axis machining or EDM adds value.
Should every dimension have a tight tolerance?
Specify tight limits only where fit or function requires them, and define how those features will be measured. Broad tight-tolerance notes can add cost without improving the part.
What should accompany the CAD model?
Provide a controlled drawing, material grade, quantity, critical dimensions, finish and inspection requirements. Identify cosmetic and sealing surfaces before the quote.
Move from guidance to a reviewed project
Send the CAD model and drawing with material, quantity, finish and inspection requirements. Use the relevant service page to review the available manufacturing route.