Skip to content

Technical guide

What tolerances can CNC machining typically hold?

Depends on feature, material, and access; separate critical dims from general notes.

1 min read Reviewed by WenXinDa Editorial Team FAQ

“Typical” tolerances are not universal—they depend on feature type, material, part size, tooling access, and inspection method. Many drawings use a general tolerance block (for example ±0.1 mm) with tighter callouts only where function requires it.

For communication during quoting, it helps to separate critical dimensions from nice-to-have targets. Over-tightening non-functional surfaces can add cost without improving assembly fit.

If you need very tight bore or thickness control, say whether grinding or secondary lapping is acceptable. Sometimes a slightly looser machined tolerance plus a controlled secondary op is more reliable than pushing everything in one setup.

Related capability

Supporting CNC machining

Milling and turning for prototypes, tooling details and secondary part features, with scope reviewed against the drawing.

All capabilities · Process & material guides · Manufacturing FAQ

01

Recommended reads

02

Latest from the blog—excluding items already shown above.