Design for manufacturing for CNC machining

Learn design for manufacturing for CNC machining, from machine types and tolerances to part optimisation, for designers and engineers with 3D modelling skills.

<h2>About this course</h2>In this course, you learn how design for manufacturing (DFM) principles apply to CNC machining, one of the cornerstones of modern manufacturing. You start with an introduction to DFM for CNC machining, then explore the different types of CNC machining and how to decide whether CNC machining is the best choice for your project.The core of the first section covers practical DFM decisions. You learn how tolerances and surface finishes affect a machined part, and how to optimise your designs for machining so the parts you model in CAD are practical and manufacturable. These lessons connect the choices you make at the design stage with what happens when a part is actually produced on a CNC machine.A quiz closes the first section so you can check your understanding before moving on. The second section puts everything into practice through a case study of an electronics enclosure, where you see the DFM principles from earlier lessons applied to a real machined part. The course then wraps up with a conclusion that brings the key DFM points together, so you can carry the same thinking into your own CNC projects.<h2>Who should take this course</h2>This course is for you if you already have some 3D modelling knowledge and want to improve your manufacturing skills. It suits product designers, mechanical engineers, engineering students, and hobbyists who design parts in CAD and want them to be machinable. It is especially useful if you are sending parts out for CNC machining and want to understand how machine types, tolerances, and surface finishes should shape your design decisions.<h2>Prerequisites</h2>You should have some 3D modelling knowledge before starting. SolidWorks 2022 or later is recommended, and earlier versions can be used, but access to SolidWorks is optional. The course is rated intermediate.