Design for Manufacture Reviews for Accurate, Cost-Effective Machining

Setups and 5-axis opportunities

Parts programmed with OPEN MIND hyperMILL and Autodesk Fusion can often combine operations that would otherwise need separate fixturing, so a design that looks complex is not necessarily slow or expensive to machine once the toolpath strategy is right.

Material selection

Comparing options at the design stage, rather than after a material has already been specified on a released drawing, avoids a late change that can affect fit, mass or compatibility with other parts in the assembly.

What to send with an enquiry

Send STEP or IGES files alongside any drawing showing toleranced features, plus a short note on what the part does, what it mates with, and whether you expect to order one, ten or a hundred. That context shapes which recommendations are worth making.

If the design is still evolving, send it as it stands. Early feedback on a rough design is often more valuable than a review of a finished drawing where changes are harder to make.

Comparing design options side by side

This approach suits early-stage projects where the geometry is still flexible, and for teams weighing up a simpler design that costs less to machine against a more complex one that saves weight or assembly steps elsewhere in the product.

Machining equipment and software

APT uses DMG MORI CMX 70 U and Matsuura MX-520 5-axis milling machines, with OPEN MIND hyperMILL and Autodesk Fusion for CAM programming. Machining tolerances are 5 to 10 microns (0.005–0.010 mm).

Machining size and batch range

Maximum machining part size is 675 mm × 600 mm × 550 mm (X × Y × Z), with cylindrical parts up to 600 mm diameter. Typical batches are 1 to 100 parts; one-offs and prototypes are welcome. Contact APT about the suitability of your particular part.

Materials

Materials machined include aluminium, stainless steel, titanium, plastics and exotic alloys. APT has also machined glass and carbon. Please specify the material and grade in your enquiry so suitability can be discussed.

Inspection and certification

APT holds ISO 9001 quality management, ISO 14001 environmental management and Cyber Essentials certification. A 5-axis scanning CMM is used for inspection, with inspection reports supplied on request. Standalone inspection is also available for parts made elsewhere.

Files and confidentiality

STEP, IGES and technical drawings are accepted. An NDA is signed with every customer as standard. If no drawing exists, send a physical part for scanning, modelling from the scan and production of full drawings.

Team and availability

Two in-house machinists run the machines, supported by a trusted network of CNC programmers and inspectors built up over 20+ years. Work is seasonal, with consultants and contractors brought in during busy periods.

Opening hours are Monday to Friday, 7am to 6pm, as previously confirmed for this website. 24/7 machining is available, including overnight and weekend running when needed. Contact APT to discuss your required date and availability; extended running does not mean every deadline can be met.