Why does that custom metal part cost so much? (And how to fix it.)
We often see designs with unnecessarily tight tolerances or fine finishes driving up costs. The good news? Smarter planning can change that.
In precision manufacturing, knowledge isn't just power—it’s profit. Every line on an engineering drawing, from a surface finish callout to a geometric tolerance, is a direct input into the final cost of a part.
Yet, many teams leave money on the table by overlooking a critical truth: how you specify a part is just as important as the part itself.
We are excited to announce the publication of our comprehensive new guide, "Reducing Costs in Metal Machining Services: A Guide to Smarter Planning." Designed for engineers, procurement specialists, and product owners, this resource pulls back the curtain on the economics of the machine shop.
What’s Inside the Guide?
The article uses a powerful, real-world example to set the stage: the difference between a rough hole (Ra 1.6) and a smooth hole (Ra 0.8) often costs just one dollar per part. While seemingly insignificant, that dollar—multiplied across a production run—represents thousands in unnecessary spending if the finish isn't functionally required.
The guide goes on to dissect the "why" behind these costs, helping you make smarter decisions from the prototype phase to full-scale production. Key insights include:
The Language of Precision: A practical look at how surface roughness (Ra) and GD&T tolerances directly impact machine time, tooling wear, and secondary operations.
Choosing the Right Process: A breakdown of the cost drivers behind CNC milling, turning, and Electrical Discharge Machining (EDM), helping you select the most efficient path for your part's geometry.
The Prototype Advantage: Why investing in metal prototype machining is the ultimate de-risking strategy, allowing you to validate Design for Manufacturability (DFM) before committing to expensive production tooling.
The Five Pillars of Cost: A transparent look at what you're really paying for—from setup and programming to material waste and inspection—so you can ask better questions when requesting a quote.
A Practical DFM Checklist: An easy-to-reference guide on how design choices like material selection, feature accessibility, and standardization impact your bottom line.
Knowledge is the Best Tool
Whether you are developing a new product or optimizing an existing one, this guide provides the framework to collaborate more effectively with your machine shop. It’s about shifting the conversation from simply asking "How much?" to understanding "Why?"
By applying the principles in this guide, you can achieve the perfect balance of precision, performance, and price—without compromising on quality.
Ready to start planning smarter?
Read the full guide here: Reducing Costs in Metal Machining Services
