Design for Manufacturability

Our Design for Manufacturability (DFM) Philosophy

At Micron Manufacturing, we believe the most successful CNC machined parts are born from a collaboration between design intent and manufacturing reality. We integrate design for manufacturability (DFM) into our quotation process — ensuring cost-saving opportunities are incorporated at the earliest stage possible.

What is DFM and Why Does it Matter?

Design for Manufacturability is the practice of designing components to optimize them for the manufacturing process. A part that looks perfect in a CAD model can sometimes include features that are unnecessarily complex, time-consuming, or costly to produce. By identifying these areas early, we can suggest subtle modifications that maintain your part’s integrity and function while significantly reducing lead time and cost. This proactive approach prevents costly revisions and execution delays, ensuring your project stays on time and budget friendly.

Our Machining Experience Informs DFM

• Machine & Tooling Expertise: We understand the precise capabilities of our CNC mills and lathes, from optimal tool pathways and programming strategies to the standard dimensions of our tooling. This allows us to spot features that require non-standard tools or inefficient machining sequences.
• Tolerance Stack-Up Analysis: We meticulously analyze how the tolerances on individual features interact. By understanding tolerance stacking, we can advise on which dimensions are critical to your assembly and where looser, more manufacturable tolerances can be applied without compromising function.
• Proven Capability Records: We maintain meticulous records on the limits of our own equipment and processes. This means we don’t guess what we can achieve — we know. We can confidently tell you if a specific wall thickness, internal radius, or surface finish is within our reliable capability, ensuring quality and consistency in every production run.

Your Design, Optimized by Our Experience

We never make changes without your approval. If our analysis reveals a cost-saving opportunity — such as adjusting a corner radius to match a standard tool, slightly modifying a deep pocket to improve tool life, or suggesting a tolerance adjustment — we will provide detailed notes and exceptions for your review. This transparent, collaborative process ensures the manufacturing plan is one we are both confident in.