Tolerance is an important aspect to consider in any metal fabrication project. Today’s topic is manufacturing tolerances and how they can influence the cost of production.
What is Tolerance?
Simply put, tolerance is the amount of variability that is acceptable in the manufacturing process. All manufacturing processes have variability, and tolerances allow a designer to define acceptable limits. If the tolerance range is set too wide, the part may not work. If the tolerance range is set too narrow, then manufacturing costs will rise. Tighter tolerances don not guarantee better parts, only potentially more expensive parts.
Standard tolerances for fabricated metals vary widely based on the type of process being performed. It can range from as little as five thousandths of an inch for CNC equipment, to sixty thousandths of an inch for large weldments.
Putting Things in Perspective
To help put this tolerance range in perspective, consider that a standard sheet of copier paper is about four thousandths of an inch thick, and the thickness of two paper clips is about sixty thousandths of an inch thick.
Although it is possible to achieve results that exceed standard machine tolerance, there’s certainly a cost to doing so in extra inspection, lower yields, and special processing.
Metal Fabrication Company in Minnesota
At Data Metalcraft, we offer turnkey solutions to your metal fabrication needs. For decades, we have been serving clients in Minnesota and the surrounding states. With this level of experience, you can rest assured that your project is in competent hands. Contact us today at our Arlington location to learn more about our services and how we can help you with your next metal fabrication project!
