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Reference · CAD File Prep

CAD prep.
Mfg-ready files.
Production CAD.

CAD file preparation reference for manufacturing. Watertight geometry, format export, tolerance specification, manufacturing notes. Production-ready CAD.

01 · Key principles

Key principles.

Watertight geometry

No gaps

Solid bodies must be watertight. Required for machining.

STEP / IGES export

Standard formats

STEP AP242 most universal. IGES for legacy.

Tolerance specification

Per feature

GD&T or ± per ISO 2768. Default tolerance class.

Material annotation

On drawing

Material grade per AMS, ASTM, or proprietary.

Surface finish

Per ISO 1302

Surface finish symbols per ISO 1302.

Manufacturing notes

Process specifics

Heat treat, plating, special instructions on drawing.

FAQ

Best CAD format?

STEP AP242 most universal. Preserves PMI. Cross-platform compatible.

What is "watertight"?

Solid model with no missing faces, no gaps, no overlapping surfaces. Required for machining.

GD&T vs ± tolerance?

GD&T more functional. ± tolerance simpler. We accept either.

CAD review service?

Yes — every quote includes free DFM review. Identifies issues before manufacturing.

Native CAD format?

Solidworks, Inventor, Fusion 360 supported. STEP recommended for cross-platform.

Drawing required?

Recommended for complex parts. CAD model alone OK for simple geometry.

Ready When You Are

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No minimum quantity. Free DFM feedback from a senior manufacturing engineer. NDA signed before file review on request.

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