In custom manufacturing, the difference between a cost-effective project and an over-budget one often lies in the Design for Manufacturing (DFM) phase. At Zhuoguan Metal, we believe you shouldn't have to sacrifice precision for price. Here is our expert checklist to help you optimize your next production run.
Features with a depth-to-diameter ratio greater than 6:1 require specialized tooling and slower feed rates, which drastically increase machine time.
Cost Impact: High (+20-30%)
Zhuoguan Advice: Limit hole depth to 4x the diameter whenever possible to allow for standard end mills.
Designing sharp internal corners or non-standard radii forces the machine to stop or use expensive EDM (Electrical Discharge Machining) processes.
Cost Impact: Moderate
Zhuoguan Advice: Ensure internal corner radii are at least 110% of the milling tool's radius to allow for high-speed circular interpolation.
Does every surface need a mirror polish (Ra < 0.4)? Over-specifying surface roughness on non-critical faces is a primary driver of wasted budget.
Cost Impact: Variable
Zhuoguan Advice: Specify "As-Machined" (Ra 3.2) for non-functional surfaces and only apply high-precision finishes (Ra 0.8) where strictly necessary.
Material selection isn't just about the raw cost per kilogram; it’s about Machinability.
| Material Group | Machinability Rating | Cost Optimization Strategy |
|---|---|---|
| Aluminum (6061-T6) | Excellent | Best for prototypes and light-weight parts. |
| Stainless Steel (304) | Moderate | Avoid tight tolerances on small features to prevent tool breakage. |
| Titanium (Grade 5) | Low | Use only for critical aerospace/medical components; design for minimal material removal. |
The "First Part" is always the most expensive due to CAD/CAM programming and machine setup. At Zhuoguan Metal, we offer tiered pricing to help you scale:
Prototyping (1-10 units): Focused on speed and design verification.
Bridge Production (50-500 units): Optimizing jigs and fixtures to lower per-unit costs.
Mass Production (1000+ units): Leveraging automated processes for the most competitive global pricing.
Ready to see how much you can save on your next project? Zhuoguan Metal provides more than just a quote—we provide a path to better manufacturing.
Step 1: Upload your 3D files (STEP, SolidWorks).
Step 2: Our engineers perform a "Cost-Drivers" audit.
Step 3: Receive a detailed quote with optimization suggestions.
Optimize Your Costs Now: www.zhuoguanmetal.com, E-mail: gavinlee@zhuoguanmetal.com
Phone&WhatsApp:+86 13410452313
Email：gavinlee@zhuoguanmetal.com
Address: Room 805-1, Building A, Block 1, Xingzhan Plaza, No. 446, Shajing Nanhuan Road, Shatou Community, Shajing Street, Bao'an District, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China 518104