File and design preparation
A clean vector with clear depths can move quickly into CAM. An incomplete sketch may need geometry creation, clarification and revision. That work can be valuable, but it is still part of the job.
Setup and hold-down
Every sheet must be positioned and held safely. Small parts, narrow features, bowed material and cuts that release internal stress can require tabs, an onion skin, additional workholding or slower handling.
Machining operations
Profile cutting, pockets, drilling, engraving and surface preparation may use different tools. Each tool adds programming, setup and tool-change time. Deep cuts can require several passes.
Sheet utilisation
Quantity, part shape, grain direction and spacing determine how efficiently parts fit the material. A compact rectangular part may nest far more efficiently than a curved part with required orientation.
After the machine stops
Separating tabs, removing an onion skin, sanding edges, checking dimensions, counting, grouping, labelling and protecting parts can exceed the machine time on some projects. Specify the required preparation so the quotation includes the work you expect.
Reducing cost without hiding risk
- Supply a clean, correctly scaled file.
- Use standard material and thickness where practical.
- Identify only genuinely critical dimensions.
- Test one uncertain feature before a batch.
- Group related parts into a sensible order quantity.
- Agree whether you will separate or finish the parts.