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Top Design Tips for Manufacturability in Precision Engineering

When designing parts for precision manufacturing, it’s not just about how something looks on paper – it’s about how well that design translates into a final, high-quality product. At The Shearline Group, we’ve worked with countless designs and have seen firsthand how small adjustments can significantly improve manufacturability, reduce lead times, and keep costs under control.

Here are some tips and insights to help you get the most out of your designs and avoid common pitfalls.

TIP 1. Understand the Manufacturing Process

Not every designer has hands-on experience with manufacturing processes – and that’s okay! However, an understanding of how parts are made makes a world of difference. For instance, overly tight tolerances might seem like a good idea for ensuring precision, but in practice, they can add significant cost and complexity if they’re not necessary for the part’s function. Wherever possible, aim to specify tolerances only where they are critical.

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TIP 2. Provide Clear and Complete Drawings

One of the easiest ways to streamline the manufacturing and quoting process is to provide as much relevant detail as possible on your drawings. Missing or incomplete information can lead to delays as manufacturers need to clarify specifics. Including all dimensions, tolerances, material specifications, and finishes up front saves time and ensures that your design can be accurately quoted and manufactured.

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TIP 3. Choose Materials Wisely

Material selection is one of the most important decisions in any design. Selecting materials that are readily available and suitable for the manufacturing process can save a lot of headaches. For example:

 

  • Some materials, like certain grades of aircraft aluminium, may not be suitable for bending operations – we experienced this recently with a customer.
  • Specialist materials might look good on paper but can be difficult to source, particularly if they were specified to meet standards in another country.

 

Our Strategic Buyer, Rosie, is a master at tracking down hard-to-find materials, but even she has encountered cases where a particular spec simply isn’t feasible. By collaborating with your manufacturing partner early to select realistic and readily available materials, you can avoid delays and keep your project moving smoothly.

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TIP 4. Think About Manufacturability Early

Design decisions made early in the process can have a big impact down the line. A small tweak – such as aligning features to simplify machining or designing for standard tooling – can make production faster and more cost-effective. For example, minimising sharp internal corners or specifying standard hole sizes can reduce machining time and lower costs without compromising the integrity of your part.

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TIP 5. Work Collaboratively with Your Manufacturer

Precision manufacturing is most effective when designs are well prepared and aligned with production requirements. While manufacturers like Shearline have the expertise to bring designs to life, the best results come when potential challenges – such as material suitability, tolerances, or production feasibility – are addressed early in the design phase.

By refining your designs before submitting them for manufacture and maintaining clear communication throughout the process, you can avoid unnecessary delays and keep everything running smoothly.

Final Thoughts

Designing for manufacturability is all about balancing creativity with practicality. By considering the tips above – such as choosing the right materials, providing clear drawings, and aligning your designs with manufacturing processes – you can avoid common pitfalls and keep your projects on track.

At Shearline, we specialise in turning well-prepared designs into high-quality, precision-engineered products. If you’d like to explore how we can support your next project with our advanced manufacturing capabilities, get in touch with our team today.