How To Ensure High-Quality CNC Machined Parts Without Increasing Your Budget

When ordering CNC machined parts, it’s natural to assume that achieving high quality means higher costs. However, with a strategic approach to design, material selection, and supplier communication, companies can secure high-quality CNC machined parts without overspending. Whether you're a startup developing prototypes or an established firm managing production runs, these tips will help you get the best from your custom machined parts supplier—all while keeping costs in check.

1. Choose Readily Available And Machinable Materials

Opting for materials like mild steel or aluminium can make a substantial difference. These materials are not only cost-effective but also easier to machine, reducing cutting time and tool wear. When possible, design parts to be produced from stock sizes such as bright mild steel or tooling aluminium. This reduces the time spent machining raw stock to size, helping produce low-cost CNC machined parts.

2. Simplify Design Without Compromising Function

Reducing unnecessary complexity in your part design can lead to significant savings. Remove features that don’t serve a functional purpose and avoid placing demanding surface finishes on every face—only specify premium finishes where they are actually needed. Clearly mark these requirements on drawings to avoid unnecessary effort and cost.

3. Optimise Tolerances

Tight tolerances increase machining time and scrap risk. By only applying close tolerances to critical dimensions, you allow your machined parts supplier to manufacture more efficiently and at a lower cost, without sacrificing the quality that matters.

4. Provide CAD Models And DXFs

Supplying digital files such as STEP or IGES models and DXF drawings can significantly reduce programming time, minimising lead times and lowering costs. For custom machined parts suppliers, clear digital data ensures faster and more accurate quoting and setup.

5. Match The Supplier To The Job

Different suppliers offer different capabilities. For complex parts, a supplier with 5-axis machining may produce the job faster and cheaper due to reduced handling. Similarly, suppliers with mill-turn lathes can complete multiple operations in one setup. Choosing the right custom machined parts supplier for your project’s needs can greatly affect the cost and quality outcome.

6. Standardise Materials Where Possible

If your order includes parts in various materials, consider revising the design to consolidate materials. Changing tooling and ordering small volumes of unique materials can incur additional costs.

7. Consider Finishing Process Quantities

For parts requiring anodising, blacking, or other surface treatments, ensure you're ordering enough to meet the minimum batch charge. Too few parts mean a higher cost per unit for finishing.

8. Order In Larger Quantities

Ordering a larger batch spreads setup and programming costs over more parts and can often result in volume discounts on materials. This is a smart way to obtain low-cost CNC-machined parts without sacrificing quality.

9. Allow For Flexible Lead Times

If your project isn’t urgent, longer lead times can save money. Manufacturers can schedule your work during quieter periods or bundle it with similar jobs, reducing the price.

10. Explore Consignment Stock

If you regularly use certain components, talk to your supplier about holding consignment stock. They can produce in bulk, hold the items, and allow you to call off what you need when you need it—keeping your costs low and lead times short.

11. Build A Strong Supplier Relationship

Frequent and open communication with your CNC machined parts supplier builds understanding. Over time, they’ll know which features are critical and where they can recommend cost-saving changes. This relationship can become one of your most valuable cost-control strategies.

How JR Gilbert Engineering Helps You Achieve This

At JR Gilbert Engineering, we help businesses across the UK get high-quality CNC machined parts—without inflated prices. As a trusted custom machined parts supplier, our advanced facilities and expert team deliver precision, speed, and cost-effectiveness.

We operate:

• 16 CNC Milling Machines
• 5 CNC Lathes
• Waterjet Cutting
• Surface Grinding
• Welding and Fabrication
• In-house Gear Cutting and Slotting

We're ISO 9001 certified, employ a full-time quality inspector, and stock over £45K in plate and round bar—allowing us to produce low-cost CNC machined parts with fast turnarounds.

Whether you need custom one-offs or full production runs, we're here to help you optimise your design, reduce costs, and avoid delays.

Get in touch with our team today to request a quote or learn how we can support your project.