DIYIPCB / Manufacturing resources
Manufacturing Process & Finish Guide
Prepare your enquiry for CNC machining, 3D printing, sheet metal, rapid tooling and injection molding. The options below are a planning reference. Available processes, materials, finishes and inspection scope are confirmed after reviewing your files.
CNC Machining
CNC Milling
Rotating cutting tools remove material to create pockets, holes and shaped surfaces. Include a 3D model and a drawing for critical dimensions.
CNC Turning
A rotating workpiece is cut to produce cylindrical features. Identify threads, bores, concentricity requirements and critical diameters.
3D Printing
Stereolithography (SLA)
Resin printing for detailed visual models. State the intended use, appearance and any post-curing requirements.
Digital Light Processing (DLP)
Light-cured resin printing for detailed parts. Material suitability, build size and availability are reviewed with your enquiry.
Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM)
Extruded thermoplastic printing for prototypes. Consider layer direction, supports and the loads applied to the finished part.
Selective Laser Melting (SLM)
Metal powder printing for complex geometries. Discuss alloy, support removal, heat treatment and final machining during review.
Selective Laser Sintering (SLS)
Polymer powder printing for complex parts. Specify functional requirements and any finishing needed.
PolyJet (PJ)
Material jetting for detailed models. Confirm material, color and surface requirements during review.
Vacuum Casting (VC)
Casting from a master pattern can support small batches of polymer parts. Discuss material properties, quantity and appearance.
Sheet Metal Fabrication
Laser Cutting
Provide a flat pattern or CAD model, material grade and thickness for cut profiles.
Sheet Cutting
Define sheet size, thickness, edge quality and dimensional requirements.
Bending
Include bend angles, radii and critical flange dimensions. A drawing helps clarify formed geometry.
Countersink & Counterbore
Identify fastener sizes, hole depths and the face to be machined.
Hardware Insertion
Specify insert or captive fastener part numbers and installation locations.
Tapping
Specify thread standard, size, depth and any required thread inspection.
Welding
Mark weld locations and describe strength, appearance and distortion requirements.
Tooling & Molding
Tooling & Mold Review
Provide the part model, resin, expected quantity and production lifetime. Discuss draft, parting lines, gates and trial samples before tooling approval.
Finishing Options
All Surface Finishes
Select a finish according to material, appearance, fit and intended environment. Finish suitability and availability must be confirmed during quotation.
Standard / As-Machined
Machining marks remain visible. State any surface roughness requirements on the drawing.
Spray Painting — Matte
Specify a color reference, gloss level and masking requirements for a matte painted finish.
Spray Painting — High Gloss
Specify the desired color and gloss level; discuss surface preparation and cosmetic acceptance.
Bead Blast + Anodized Color
For suitable aluminum parts, discuss texture, color and masking of precision features.
Anodized
Specify color, coating requirements and areas that must be masked. Suitability depends on the alloy.
Brushed
Specify the grain direction and which visible surfaces require brushing.
#1000 Sanding
Specify the surfaces to be sanded and the desired appearance for review.
Additional Services
Quality & Inspection Review
Identify critical dimensions, tolerances and requested inspection records. Agree on the inspection scope and acceptance criteria before production.
What to include with your enquiry
Send your CAD files and a drawing for critical dimensions, together with quantity, material, finish, intended use and delivery requirements. Note any cosmetic surfaces, mating features, threads or inspection documents needed.