Retaining Ring Groove Design: Dimensions, Endplay and CNC Drawings
Retaining ring groove design starts with the selected ring, then defines the groove diameter, width, corner geometry, and axial location. A nominal shaft or bore diameter alone does not specify the groove. Use the ring manufacturer’s dimensional limits and check how the retained parts transfer axial load into the groove wall. For CNC-machined shafts, sleeves, […]
Bearing Housing Bore Tolerance: Fit Selection and CNC Drawing Requirements
Select bearing housing bore tolerance based on the bearing type, outer-ring load, housing construction, and required axial movement. H7 is a common option for certain stationary outer-ring load conditions, but it is not a universal specification for every bearing housing. A machining drawing also needs to define seat geometry and inspection conditions. A diameter reading […]
O-Ring Groove Design for CNC Face Seals: Squeeze, Fill and Tolerances
An O-ring groove can pass dimensional inspection while the assembled joint has too little seal compression. O-ring groove design must account for the distance from the groove bottom to the mating face, including any local assembly gap. Groove width also needs to leave room for the elastomer to deform and change volume in service. This […]
Dowel Pin Hole Tolerance: Preventing Two-Pin Assembly Binding
Dowel pin hole tolerance should be selected from the actual pin limits and the function of each hole. A removable plate needs clearance to slide over its locating pins; the base needs a defined method of retaining them. If each hole accepts a pin individually but the plate will not seat over both pins, check […]
Vacuum Fixture Design for CNC Machining: Holding Force, Seals and Through-Holes
Vacuum fixture design for CNC machining starts with the area that remains sealed during each operation. A plate that holds an uncut blank may lose its grip when a drill or contour cut opens a path to atmosphere. A vacuum fixture plate uses a pressure difference to hold a workpiece against a support surface. To […]
Custom Machined Bushings: Fits, Tolerances and RFQ Details
Custom machined bushings are sleeve-shaped parts manufactured to a specified drawing. They can guide a shaft or pin, provide a replaceable wear surface, or locate components. For a press-fit bearing bushing, two interfaces need separate requirements: the outside diameter in the housing and the inside diameter around the shaft. The bore may change when the […]
Custom Gripper Fingers: CNC Machining Requirements for Robot Grippers
Custom gripper fingers connect a robot gripper to the workpiece it needs to handle. When standard fingers cannot reach the part, locate it consistently or provide the required contact profile, application-specific fingers may be needed. For build-to-print CNC machining, the drawing must define both ends of the part: the mounting interface at the gripper and […]
PCB Test Fixture Machining: Custom Probe Plates and Nests
PCB test fixture machining covers the manufacture of probe plates, locating nests, hold-down plates and related mechanical tooling. For build-to-print orders, the drawing package must define how the printed circuit board assembly (PCBA) is located, where probe receptacles fit and how components clear the tooling. This guide explains what to specify when outsourcing mechanical parts […]
TIG vs MIG for Sheet Metal: How to Choose for Thin Material, Appearance, and Strength
TIG and MIG can both produce strong, reliable sheet metal welds, but they are not equally suited to every part. TIG offers precise control over the arc and filler metal. That makes it a strong starting point for thin material, visible welds, and precision joints. MIG uses continuous wire feed and generally offers higher deposition […]
Progressive Die Stamping vs. CNC Turret Punching: When to Invest in Tooling
Choosing between progressive die stamping and CNC turret punching is not simply a process decision. It is a question of where you want to place the cost and risk. CNC turret punching requires less upfront investment and offers greater flexibility. Progressive die stamping requires dedicated tooling, but it can reduce recurring production cost and cycle […]