Guides

What general tolerances such as ISO 2768 mean, when to use GD&T, how tight tolerances affect cost, and how to tolerance a drawing sensibly.

How rapid (prototype) molds differ from production molds in material, construction, lead time, mold life and part cost, and when each makes sense.

How 3D printing, CNC machining and vacuum casting compare for prototypes and short runs: materials, accuracy, surface, quantity and cost.

Practical design rules for sheet metal parts: thickness, bend radius, flange length, hole and slot spacing, reliefs, hardware and tolerances.

What sets the price of a CNC machined part (material, machine time, setups, tolerances, finish and quantity) and practical ways to reduce it.

How CNC milling and CNC turning work, which parts suit each, when to use mill-turn or Swiss-type turning, and how the choice affects cost.