Anco Precision Blog
CNC machining guides, RFQ tips, pricing information and resources for engineers, buyers and manufacturers.
Information Needed to Reverse Engineer a Part
Learn what to provide to reverse engineer a part, including samples, mating components, critical fits, materials, quantities, and delivery dates.
Read Article → CNC MACHININGHow to Recreate a Discontinued Replacement Part
Learn how to recreate a discontinued replacement part, from inspecting a worn sample and defining critical dimensions to preparing a machining quote request.
Read Article → CNC MACHININGWhat Is Reverse Engineering in Manufacturing?
Reverse engineering in manufacturing means documenting existing parts, recreating CAD models, and preparing replacements when original drawings are lost.
Read Article → CNC MACHININGCAD Drawing vs STEP File for CNC Machining
Learn the difference between CAD drawings and STEP files for CNC machining, what each provides, when both are needed, and how to avoid common file issues.
Read Article → CNC MACHININGHow to Turn a Physical Part Into a CAD Model
Learn how to measure an existing component, create a 3D model, verify dimensions, and prepare manufacturing-ready CAD data for CNC machining.
Read Article → CNC MACHININGHow Much Does Reverse Engineering a Part Cost?
Learn what affects reverse engineering part cost, including complexity, measurement time, documentation, tolerances, and CAD modeling requirements.
Read Article → CNC MACHININGCan a Machine Shop Reproduce a Part Without a Drawing?
Learn how CNC machine shops can reproduce parts from physical samples, measurements, and photos by creating CAD models and manufacturing drawings.
Read Article → CNC MACHININGHow to Identify Cosmetic Surfaces on CNC Machining Drawings
Learn how to mark cosmetic surfaces on machining drawings to control costs, improve quoting accuracy, and ensure visible surfaces meet appearance standards.
Read Article → CNC MACHININGChamfers, Radii and Edge Breaks on CNC Machined Parts
Learn how chamfers, radii, and edge breaks differ on CNC machined parts and why drawings should distinguish functional features from deburring.
Read Article → CNC MACHININGDesigning Slots and Narrow Features for CNC Machining
Learn how cutter diameter, depth-to-width ratios, and tool rigidity affect CNC slot machining. Practical design guidance from a machine shop.
Read Article → CNC MACHININGCNC Machining Considerations for Custom Flanges
Learn what machine shops need for custom CNC flanges: bolt patterns, bores, sealing faces, thickness, drawing requirements, and RFQ best practices.
Read Article → CNC MACHININGCNC Machining Custom Bushings and Spacers | Design Guide
Learn key CNC machining considerations for custom bushings and spacers including bore size, wall thickness, material selection, and tolerances.
Read Article → CNC MACHININGWhat to Include on a Drawing for CNC Machined Shafts
Learn what dimensions, tolerances, and specifications to include on engineering drawings for CNC machined shafts to get accurate quotes and parts.
Read Article → CNC MACHININGCNC Machined Faceplates and Instrument Panels
Learn what machine shops need for custom faceplate and panel projects: drawings, cutouts, hole patterns, engraving, finishes, and tolerances.
Read Article → CNC MACHININGCNC Machined Enclosures: Design & Manufacturing Guide
Learn key design considerations for CNC machined enclosures including wall thickness, pockets, mounting features, sealing surfaces, and materials.
Read Article → CNC MACHININGDesign Considerations for CNC Machined Manifolds
Learn key design considerations for CNC machined manifolds including intersecting passages, threaded ports, sealing surfaces, and inspection.
Read Article → CNC MACHININGWhy Packaging Requirements Matter for Precision Machined Parts
Learn how proper packaging protects finished surfaces, prevents damage, and ensures precision machined parts arrive ready for assembly or inspection.
Read Article → CNC MACHININGPart Marking Considerations for CNC Machined Components
Learn what to specify for CNC machined part marking including location, method, and content requirements to ensure proper component identification.
Read Article → CNC MACHININGWhat Makes Repeat CNC Machining Orders Easier to Produce?
Learn why repeat CNC machining orders are easier to produce with stable revisions, saved setups, and established tooling from a machine shop perspective.
Read Article → CNC MACHININGMoving CNC Parts From Prototype to Production
Learn what changes when moving a CNC machined part from prototype to production, including drawing control, fixtures, and quantity considerations.
Read Article → CNC MACHININGWhen CNC Machining Makes Sense for Low-Volume Production
Learn when low volume CNC machining is the right choice for prototypes, bridge production, and small production runs from a machine shop perspective.
Read Article → CNC MACHININGWhy CNC Machined Plastics Behave Differently Than Metals
CNC machining plastic parts requires different approaches than metals. Learn about thermal expansion, workholding, and dimensional stability.
Read Article → CNC MACHININGAcetal vs Nylon for CNC Machining: Practical Comparison
Compare acetal and nylon for CNC machined parts. Practical machining characteristics, application considerations, and material selection guidance.
Read Article → CNC MACHININGWhat Makes Copper Different to CNC Machine?
Copper CNC machining requires different tooling and speeds than aluminum or steel. Learn about thermal properties, softness, and setup considerations.
Read Article → CNC MACHININGWhy Brass Is Often Used for CNC Machined Components
Brass offers excellent machinability and corrosion resistance for CNC machined parts. Learn why engineers specify brass and what to include in your RFQ.
Read Article → CNC MACHINING304 vs 316 Stainless Steel CNC Machining
Compare 304 and 316 stainless steel for CNC machined parts. Learn about corrosion resistance, machinability, cost, and application considerations.
Read Article → CNC MACHININGCommon Stainless Steel Grades for CNC Machining
Compare common stainless steel grades for CNC machining. Learn how 303, 304, 316, and 17-4 differ and how to select material for your project.
Read Article → CNC MACHININGCNC Machining Aluminum for Anodizing: Key Considerations
Learn what to consider when CNC machining aluminum parts that will be anodized, including material selection, dimensions, and finishing requirements.
Read Article → CNC MACHININGWhat Are Secondary Operations After CNC Machining?
Learn about finishing, deburring, marking, heat treatment, and other post-machining operations that complete CNC machined parts. Essential guide for engineers.
Read Article → CNC MACHININGCNC Machining Drawing Notes: What to Include in Your RFQ
Learn which drawing notes and specifications to include with your CNC machining quote request to get accurate pricing, avoid delays, and ensure quality.
Read Article → CNC MACHININGWhy Drawing Revision Control Matters for CNC Machined Parts
Learn how proper drawing revision control prevents costly machining errors and ensures your CNC parts are manufactured to the correct specification.
Read Article → CNC MACHININGWhen to Request Material Certifications for CNC Machined Parts
Learn when material certifications matter for CNC machined parts and how to communicate documentation requirements during the quoting process.
Read Article → CNC MACHININGWhat's in a CNC Machining Inspection Report?
Learn what dimensional inspection information can be included in a CNC machining inspection report and how to specify documentation requirements.
Read Article → CNC MACHININGFlatness and Parallelism in CNC Machining
Learn how flatness and parallelism tolerances differ from basic dimensions and why they matter when quoting and inspecting CNC machined parts.
Read Article → CNC MACHININGGD&T Basics for CNC Machined Parts
Learn how geometric dimensioning and tolerancing works in CNC machining, what GD&T symbols mean, and how to communicate requirements clearly.
Read Article → CNC MACHININGWhat Are Datums on a CNC Machining Drawing?
Learn how datums on engineering drawings define part manufacturing and inspection. A practical guide to datum references, GD&T, and machining setup.
Read Article → CNC MACHININGWhy Some CNC Machined Parts Require Multiple Setups
Learn why complex CNC parts need multiple setups, how orientations affect machining, and what workholding and datum control mean for your project.
Read Article → CNC MACHININGHow Tool Access Affects CNC Part Design
Learn how inaccessible features, narrow slots, and obstructed surfaces affect CNC machining setups, tool selection, and part design decisions.
Read Article → CNC MACHININGHow Workholding and Fixturing Affect CNC Machining
Learn how CNC machining fixtures and workholding methods impact part quality, setup time, and cost based on geometry, quantity, and repeat orders.
Read Article → CNC MACHININGWhy Burrs Form During CNC Machining and How Parts Are Deburred
Learn why burrs form during CNC machining, how edge breaks are specified on engineering drawings, and common deburring methods used in machine shops.
Read Article → CNC MACHININGBlind Holes vs Through Holes in CNC Machining
Learn the machining and inspection differences between blind and through holes, plus what designers should specify for accurate CNC machining.
Read Article → CNC MACHININGThread Design Tips for CNC Machined Parts
Learn practical thread design tips for CNC machined parts including thread depth, blind vs through holes, standard sizes, and drawing requirements.
Read Article → CNC MACHININGDeep Hole Machining: Design Considerations for CNC Parts
Learn depth-to-diameter ratios, chip evacuation challenges, tool access limits, and cost factors for CNC deep hole machining in your next project.
Read Article → CNC MACHININGWhy Deep Pockets Make CNC Machining More Difficult
Deep pockets challenge CNC machinists with tool reach, rigidity, chip evacuation, and corner radius issues. Learn what makes them difficult.
Read Article → CNC MACHININGHow Thin Walls Affect CNC Machining and Part Design
Learn how thin-wall features affect CNC machining. Covers vibration, distortion, workholding, tolerances, cost factors, and design considerations.
Read Article → CNC MACHININGWhy Internal Corner Radii Matter in CNC Machined Parts
Learn why milling cutters create radiused internal corners and how practical corner radii can make your CNC machined parts easier to produce.
Read Article → CNC MACHININGHow Surface Finish Requirements Affect CNC Machining
Surface finish callouts influence tooling, feeds, cycle time, and secondary operations. Learn how finish requirements affect CNC machining costs.
Read Article → CNC MACHININGUnderstanding Surface Finish for CNC Machined Parts
Learn how surface finish callouts affect CNC machining cost and function. Practical guidance on specifying finish requirements for your parts.
Read Article → CNC MACHININGCommon CNC Machining Drawing Mistakes That Delay Quotes
Learn the most common CNC machining drawing mistakes that delay quotes, including missing dimensions, conflicting tolerances, and unclear specifications.
Read Article → CNC MACHININGDesigning Aluminum Parts for CNC Machining
Design considerations for aluminum CNC machining: material selection, wall thickness, tolerances, finishes, and cost-effective geometry for manufacturability.
Read Article → CNC MACHININGPrototype CNC Machining vs Production: Key Differences
Learn how setup, programming, fixtures, cycle-time optimization, and costs change between prototype CNC machining and production runs of 100+ parts.
Read Article → CNC MACHINING7 Ways to Reduce CNC Machining Costs Without Sacrificing Function
Learn practical design-for-manufacturing strategies to reduce CNC machining costs: tolerances, materials, setups, tooling, and part geometry optimization.
Read Article → CNC MACHININGHow CNC Machining Tolerances Affect Part Cost
Learn why unnecessarily tight tolerances increase machining costs and how to specify critical dimensions for better pricing and faster turnaround.
Read Article → CNC MACHINING6061 vs 7075 Aluminum CNC Machining: Key Differences
Compare 6061 and 7075 aluminum for CNC machining. Learn machinability, strength, cost differences, and what to include in your RFQ for accurate quotes.
Read Article → CNC MACHININGHow to Design a CNC Machined Prototype for Easier Manufacturing
Engineering-focused design guidance for CNC prototype machining. Learn how geometry, tolerances, tool access, and material choices affect cost and lead time.
Read Article → CNC MACHININGCNC Milling vs CNC Turning: Which Process for Your Part?
Learn the differences between CNC milling and turning. Understand which machining process fits your part geometry, features, and project requirements.
Read Article → CNC MACHININGWhy CNC Machined Part Pricing Changes With Quantity
Learn how setup costs, material purchasing, tooling, and production optimization affect CNC machining quantity pricing from a machine shop perspective.
Read Article → CNC MACHININGSTEP File CNC Machining Quote: Drawing vs CAD Model
Learn when you need a drawing, STEP file, or both for a CNC machining quote. Understand how machine shops use 2D drawings and 3D CAD models.
Read Article → CNC MACHININGWhat Determines CNC Machining Lead Time?
Learn what affects CNC machining lead time including material availability, part complexity, quantity, tooling, outside processes, and shop scheduling.
Read Article → CNC MACHININGHow Much Does CNC Milling Cost? Price Factors Explained
Learn what drives CNC milling cost including setup, material, quantity, tolerances, geometry, and secondary operations from a working machine shop.
Read Article → CNC MACHININGWhat to Include in a CNC Machining RFQ
Learn what to include in a CNC machining RFQ to get more accurate pricing, faster quotes, and fewer delays from Anco Precision.
Read Article → CNC MACHININGChoosing a CNC Machine Shop in Florida: Buyer's Guide
Practical checklist for evaluating CNC machine shops in Florida. Learn what to include in your RFQ and how to choose the right machining partner.
Read Article → O-RING GUIDEHow to Read an AS568 O-Ring Size Chart
Learn how AS568 O-ring dash numbers work, how to read actual O-ring size dimensions, and how to identify ID, OD and cross section.
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