How to Get Custom Machine Parts Manufactured From an Engineering Drawing

Have a drawing of the component that you want to get manufactured but you don’t know whom to approach for the best results? Getting custom machine parts manufactured involves more than just providing the drawing for quotation purposes. The manufacturer needs to evaluate the design, materials, tolerances, geometry, surface finishes, volume, and manufacturing considerations.

In the case where businesses require custom made parts, selecting a manufacturing company at an earlier stage may be beneficial in minimizing errors such as design changes and unnecessary costs and delays in production. Whether your requirement is a prototype, replacement parts, or production parts, knowledge about the process may simplify the process of sourcing. 

Quick Answer: How Do You Get Custom Machine Parts Manufactured?

To get custom machine parts manufactured from an engineering drawing: 

• The engineering drawing along with the 3D CAD should be created, wherever necessary.

• Determine the material, size, tolerance, surface finish, quantity of the parts to be created, and finish specification.

• Send the engineering drawing to the respective manufacturing unit for evaluation.

• Select the best fabrication process based on shape, material, number of parts, and performance requirement.

• Review the quotation, lead time, quality requirements, and production details.

• Approve the design and manufacturing process.

• Manufacture and inspect the parts against the engineering drawing.

What Should You Send a Manufacturer With Your Engineering Drawing?

The inclusion of all the necessary details right from the start will speed up the quotation and manufacturing process. The ideal composition of a manufacturing package is:

• 2D drawing with dimensions and tolerances

• 3D CAD model for complex parts

• Grade and specifications of the material

• Quantity required or the estimated volume

• Required surface finish

• Details about holes, threads and critical dimensions

• Coatings and plating requirements

• Quality inspection requirements

• Drawing revision and approved changes

How Manufacturers Review an Engineering Drawing

Before manufacturing begins, an experienced supplier should check the drawing for manufacturability, technical considerations, and possible manufacturing risks.

This review can reveal unnecessarily close tolerances, complex geometry, difficult to reach features, thin walls, unique material needs, or specifications that may add to manufacturing time and costs.

Some minor modifications prior to manufacture can sometimes enhance manufacturability without altering the functionality of the component.

Which Manufacturing Process Is Right for Your Part?

The manufacturing process selection should depend on the component’s geometry, material, tolerances, quantity, and application.

Based on the design, manufacturers may offer one of the following process options:

• Machining by CNC machines for precise metal and plastic components

• Sheet metal fabrication for cut, bent, and formed parts

• 3D printing for complex prototypes and some selected low-volume applications

• Injection molding for higher-volume plastic components

Not only should it be possible to make the component using certain technology. The process should also give the required quality, repeatability, production volumes, and cost efficiency.

How Material Selection Affects Custom Machine Parts

The given material could influence performance, manufacturing process, cost, and lead time. Some common parameters to consider are:

• Strength and hardness

• Corrosion resistance

• Wear resistance

• Heat resistance

• Weight

• Machinability

• Operating environment 

For instance, aluminum could be used in case lightweight and corrosion resistance are key factors, while stainless steel could be used if durability and corrosion resistance are key factors. In addition, engineering plastic materials could be used in cases where lightweight, electrical insulation, or chemical resistance is required.

Why Tolerances Matter When Ordering Custom Parts

Tolerances indicate the permissible deviation in the dimensions of the components. Setting too tight tolerances on all dimensions is an expensive process.

It is better to choose those dimensions which are important for proper fitment, functionality, alignment, or assembly purposes. Some other dimensions do not have to be so accurate.

How Quantity and Finishing Requirements Affect the Quote

A one-off prototype, batch production, and repetitive large volume order will all call for a different process or mode of production. While making your inquiry, remember to state the amount expected to be produced and any future expectations on your part.

Common secondary operations include:

• Anodizing

• Plating

• Heat treatment

• Deburring

This way, you will enable the manufacturer to consider the total cost of production as opposed to just quoting you.

How to Compare Custom Parts Manufacturers

Price is an important factor, but price should not be the sole determinant when choosing a manufacturer for your custom machine parts. Consider manufacturers who have the following qualities:

• Manufacturing capabilities

• Engineering and DFM capabilities

• Tolerance capability

• Quality control

• Production capability

• Communication and technical support

• Capability to ramp up from prototyping to production

How to Avoid Delays and Costly Design Changes

There are several typical factors that may cause delays in custom parts production:

• Supplying an obsolete revision of the drawing

• Lack of material specification

• Unnecessarily tight tolerances

• Incomplete CAD information

• Unspecified quantity

• Process selection without manufacturability analysis

Provision of comprehensive documentation and manufacturer’s participation in the engineering analysis can decrease the number of such delays.

Get Custom Machine Parts Manufactured by Norck

With Norck, it is possible to get engineering drawings and CAD designs made into production parts via engineering support and several manufacturing processes. Be it a prototype, small lot, replacement part, or production parts, the process of manufacture can be selected according to your geometry, materials, tolerances, quantity, and application.

Do you have an engineering drawing prepared? Reach out to Norck to talk about your needs and get a quotation for custom machined parts.

FAQs About Custom Machine Parts

Can you produce custom machine parts from 2D engineering drawings?

Yes a full 2D drawing can give all the info needed like dimensions, tolerances, materials, surface finishes, etc. Complex geometry is more appropriate for a 3D CAD model.

What details are required for a custom part quotation?

The manufacturer will require the engineering drawing, the CAD model if possible, the material, quantity, tolerances, surface finish, secondary machining, and inspection criteria.

How do I minimize the cost of manufacturing custom parts?

Utilize realistic tolerances, do not over-design, utilize appropriate amounts of material, utilize appropriate materials, and involve the manufacturer in your design for manufacturing analysis before manufacturing begins.

Is it possible for the same manufacturer to manufacture prototypes and production parts?

It is most likely that most manufacturers will be capable of manufacturing both prototypes and production parts. Make sure when you choose a supplier that it is capable of handling your volume of production and manufacturing process needs.