All CNC machined parts and components possess a certain degree of intrinsic variation. However, tolerances help manage these variations, ensuring consistency and optimal performance of machined parts.
Improve Part’s Fit and Function
CNC tolerances are crucial to ensuring that a part interacts with another perfectly in an assembly. Clearly defining your tolerances helps to guarantee that CNC parts are compatible with other components. Similarly, some features of a part ensure it functions well in the intended application. Hence, any deviation from the permissible limits will render them defective and unusable.
Rule a Margin of Error
Any manufacturing process possesses a certain degree of variation. However, machining tolerances account for this deviation by determining the margins within which a part can function. As a result, there is a reduced chance that a part will fail or need to be reproduced if tolerances are specified from the start.
Control Machining Cost
Generally, tighter tolerances increase the cost of CNC machining. Machined parts with tighter tolerances require further processing, like grinding and superfinishing. However, you can complete a product with fundamental machining processes for looser tolerances.
Defining tolerances helps prevent unnecessary increases in costs when handling parts requiring tighter tolerances. Meanwhile, defining tolerances in parts with looser tolerances helps avoid paying for extreme precision.
Ensure the Product’s Final Look
High precision tolerance enhances the final appearance of machined parts. For instance, if two parts flush together without obvious gaps, tight tolerances must be defined for both parts from the start to ensure perfect assembly.