What a DFM (design for manufacturability) review tells you — wall limits, tolerances, finish risks and cost drivers on an enclosure drawing.
A DFM review is the step that turns a drawing into a manufacturable, priced enclosure before any tooling is paid for. Here is what ours covers and what the flags actually mean.
What we check first
- Wall thickness vs stability — where it can go thin and where it needs backing.
- Tolerances — we state which features hold ±0.02 mm (wall) or ±0.04 mm (diameter).
- Finish risk — thin walls and deep recesses that anodise unevenly.
- Assembly — threads, inserts, O-ring grooves and how the lid seals.
How tolerances are stated
We do not quote a single blanket tolerance. Wall thickness is held to ±0.02 mm and inner/outer diameter to ±0.04 mm, against GB reference values of ±0.05 mm and ±0.10 mm. CNC-milled mounting faces reach about 0.05 mm flatness, and machined hole positions are typically ±0.05 mm. Each applies to specific features called out on your drawing.
What the cost drivers are
| Driver | Effect on cost | What we suggest |
|---|---|---|
| Tooling | One-off die fee | Waived at 2 t single order |
| Wall thinness | Lower material, tighter process | Keep walls supported |
| Finish | Anodise vs coat vs mask | Only finish what needs it |
| Tolerance | Tighter = slower | Tolerance only what matters |
A DFM review is free and takes one working day. Send the drawing from the contact form and we reply in English.
Have a project in mind? Send your drawing and get a DFM review plus tooling quote within one working day.