Design for manufacturing

Pay less for every part,
without changing what it does

10+ years of CNC turning and milling, now on your side of the table. Engineers design for function; workshops price for machine time, setups and risk. I close that gap: I review your 3D models and drawings and propose changes that cut the price per part while keeping the part doing its job.

The problem

Most part cost is decided at the design stage

By the time a drawing reaches the supplier, the expensive decisions are already made. A radius that needs a special tool, a tolerance nobody needs, a feature that needs a second setup: each one is paid for on every single part, in every batch, for years.

What you get

  • A marked‑up review of each part with concrete changes
  • Why each change is cheaper to make
  • Updated 3D models and drawings if you want them
  • An estimate of savings per part and per year
  • Work under NDA
⚙

10+ years at the machine

More than ten years of CNC turning and milling. I know what a setup, a tool change and a tight tolerance really cost on the shop floor.

◫

3D modelling

I do not just point out problems. I rework the 3D model and drawing myself, ready to send to your supplier.

✓

Free, honest assessment

Every part is assessed free of charge. If changes can lower the price, I tell you which ones and how much. If the part is already well designed, I tell you that honestly too.

Typical changes

Before and after

Small design decisions with a large effect on machining time and price.

Housing before DFM review: sharp internal corners, deep pocketBefore
Sharp internal corners, deep pocket, tiny hole: slow tools and extra operations.
Housing after DFM review: larger radii, shallower pocketAfter
Standard radii, shallower pocket, standard hole size: same function, less machine time.

Internal corner radii

BeforeR1 corners in a 30 mm deep pocket need a small, slow tool.
AfterR5 corners fit a standard end mill and cut many times faster.

Tolerances and finish

Before±0.01 mm and Ra 0.8 on every surface by default.
AfterTight values only on fits and sealing faces; general tolerance elsewhere.

Number of setups

BeforeFeatures on five sides mean five clamping operations.
AfterFeatures grouped so the part is done in two setups.

Pockets and thin walls

BeforeDeep narrow pockets and 1 mm walls that vibrate and need slow passes.
AfterShallower pockets and stiffer walls that can be cut at full speed.

Threads and holes

BeforeOdd diameters and non‑standard threads needing special tools.
AfterStandard drill and tap sizes the shop already has.

Stock and material

BeforePart slightly larger than a standard bar, so the next size up is used.
AfterDimensions fit standard stock with less material removed.
How it works

Start small, scale when it pays

Step 1 · Free

Free assessment

Send one part (STEP, IGES or STL plus the drawing as PDF). If changes can lower the price, you get a list of them with the expected effect. If not, I tell you honestly.

Step 2

Series audit

A full review of a product or part family, with updated models and a savings estimate per part and per year.

Option

Share of savings

For larger series we can agree on payment as a share of the confirmed savings, so you only pay when you save.

Questions

Common questions

Which file formats do you accept?

STEP and IGES are best. STL, Parasolid and native SolidWorks or Inventor files also work. Please add the drawing as PDF if you have one.

Will the part still work the same way?

Yes. Every proposal keeps the function, fits and interfaces. Changes that would affect function are marked and discussed with your engineers first.

Is my data safe?

I sign an NDA before receiving files, and your models are never shared or reused.

Do you also make the parts?

No. This service is design review only, so the changes are aimed at lowering your price with whichever supplier you use.

Send one part. See what it could cost.

The first review is free. You get concrete changes, not a sales pitch.