Engineering Resources
Practical guides on precision CNC machining, fabrication and material selection, written by the McIver Engineering team in Sydney.
What CNC machining costs, and what moves the price
How CNC machining is priced in Sydney and what moves the number: material, quantity, complexity, setup, tolerance and finish. From McIver Engineering's Smithfield workshop, with the questions to answer before you ask for a quote.
Read articleSheet metal thickness: gauges, millimetres and what it does to the price
A plain guide to sheet metal thickness for buyers: gauge to millimetre conversion, the thicknesses McIver Engineering cuts and folds in Smithfield, and what thickness does to the weight and price of a laser cut part.
Read articleDFM Made Simple: A Practical Checklist for Engineers
A plain English design for manufacture (DFM) checklist for engineers. Sheet metal, machining, assembly and finishing rules that cut cost and rework.
Read articleWhat a Stainless Material Certificate Proves
Imported fabricated steel is under review in Canberra. Whichever way it lands, the document that protects a specifier is the material certificate.
Read articlePrecision Machining for Australian Defence and Aerospace
How Sydney precision machine shops support local defence and aerospace programmes, and what to look for in a manufacturing partner.
Read articleMaterial Selection Guide: Steels, Alloys and Plastics
A practical guide to choosing the right metal or engineering plastic for your CNC machined or fabricated part.
Read articleUnderstanding Tolerances in CNC Machining
Why tolerance choices drive cost, lead time and quality, with worked examples from McIver Engineering's Sydney workshop.
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