Typical tolerance ranges by process.
Tolerance capability is feature-, material-, and inspection-dependent. The ranges below are general engineering references for our in-house processes. Project tolerances are confirmed at quote review.
| Process | Standard | Precision | |
|---|---|---|---|
| CNC Milling (3-axis) | ± 0.005" | ± 0.001" | Standard linear feature tolerance |
| 5-Axis Milling | ± 0.005" | ± 0.0005" | Multi-sided features with reduced stack-up |
| CNC Turning | ± 0.005" | ± 0.0005" | Diameter and length |
| Swiss Turning | ± 0.002" | ± 0.0002" | Small-diameter turned features |
| Wire EDM | ± 0.0005" | ± 0.0001" | Profiles and internal features |
| Surface Grinding | ± 0.0002" | ± 0.00005" | Flatness, parallelism, and finish |
Note: Values are typical process capability for general engineering planning. Achievable tolerance on a specific feature depends on geometry, material, fixturing, and inspection method, and is confirmed during quote review.
FAQ
Tolerance FAQs
The questions engineering and procurement teams ask most often before a first quote.
How do I spec tolerances on my drawing?
Apply tolerances only where the function requires them. Over-tolerancing increases cost and inspection time without improving the part. Use general tolerance blocks for non-critical features.
What if my drawing doesn't list a tolerance?
We'll default to a general tolerance block or industry-standard machining tolerance, and flag it at quoting if a feature looks ambiguous. Confirming general tolerances during DFM avoids surprises.
Can you support GD&T callouts?
Yes. CMM inspection plans are built from GD&T callouts. Complex GD&T may require additional inspection time — discuss at quoting.
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