GUIDE 01CNC
Precision Machining
CNC Design Checklist
Reduce unnecessary setups and machining time while keeping critical features inspectable.
Internal corner radiiDeep hole ratiosThread calloutsTolerance priorities
Explore CNC guidance- info@zenbotchina.cc
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Zenbot Engineering Library
Manufacturing Resources for Better Product Decisions
Practical design checks, process comparisons and RFQ guidance for CNC machining, sheet metal, 3D printing, injection molding, PCB assembly and complete product builds.
Design GuidelinesGeometry checks before files are released
01Process SelectionMatch quantity, material and performance
02RFQ ChecklistsSend the data engineering needs to quote
03Quality PlanningDefine acceptance before production starts
04Resource Center
Start With the Question You Need to Answer
Use these resources to prepare designs, compare manufacturing routes and organize the information required for a faster engineering review.
Built around Zenbot's multi-process manufacturing scope, these resources help connect part design, production planning and the RFQ package.
Design Guidelines
Check walls, radii, bends, draft, holes, threads, clearances and assembly interfaces before release.
View DFM quick guidesProcess Selection
Compare manufacturing routes by material, volume, geometry, finish, tolerance and tooling needs.
Use the selectorMaterials & Finishes
Review common metals, polymers, PCB constructions and finishing routes across Zenbot services.
Explore capabilitiesRFQ Checklists
Prepare CAD, drawings, quantities, materials, finishes, inspection needs and target dates.
Build the file packageQuality Planning
Define critical features, inspection methods, reports, samples and functional test coverage.
Plan acceptanceManufacturing FAQ
Answers to common questions about files, process choice, tolerances, prototypes and production.
Read common questionsFeatured Resources
Engineering Quick Guides
Six practical checklists aligned with Zenbot's core manufacturing services.
06 PROCESS GUIDES
GUIDE 02SM
Fabrication
Sheet Metal DFM Checklist
Prepare flat patterns and formed parts with practical bend, hole and hardware decisions.
Bend radius & reliefHole-to-edge distanceConsistent gaugeWeld & hardware notes
Explore sheet metal guidanceGUIDE 033DP
Additive Manufacturing
3D Printing Process Guide
Choose an additive route based on visual detail, strength, size, material and production intent.
FDM / SLASLS / MJFDMLS metal partsOrientation & finish
Compare printing processesGUIDE 04IM
Plastics Production
Injection Molding DFM
Design for reliable filling, cooling and ejection before prototype or production tooling begins.
Draft & parting lineUniform wall thicknessRibs and bossesGate & ejector review
Explore molding guidanceGUIDE 05PCB
Electronics
PCBA Handoff Checklist
Align fabrication, sourcing, assembly, inspection and test around one controlled data package.
Gerber & stack-upBOM & alternatesPlacement dataTest requirements
Explore PCBA serviceGUIDE 06ASM
Product Integration
Multi-Process Assembly Handoff
Coordinate mechanical parts, electronics, purchased items and test requirements as one product.
BOM revision controlInterface tolerancesWork instructionsPack-out criteria
Explore supporting servicesProcess Selection
Choose the Route Around the Product Requirement
A headline tolerance or unit price is not enough. Use geometry, material, quantity, finish and validation needs together.
Use this table as a starting point.Final feasibility, tolerances, lead time and process details are confirmed after Zenbot reviews the files and project requirements.
| Process | Best for | Tooling | Prototype | Production |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CNC Machining | Tight features, metals and engineering plastics | Fixtures / cutters | Strong fit | Strong fit |
| Sheet Metal | Enclosures, brackets, panels and welded assemblies | Bend tooling | Strong fit | Strong fit |
| 3D Printing | Complex geometry, fast iterations and no-tooling parts | None | Strong fit | Case review |
| Injection Molding | Repeat plastic parts with stable geometry and resin | Mold required | Bridge route | Strong fit |
| PCB & PCBA | Fabricated boards, sourced components and assembly | Stencil / fixtures | Strong fit | Strong fit |
| Casting / Extrusion | Special quantity, profile or material requirements | Pattern / die | Case review | Confirm |
Product Lifecycle
The Manufacturing Question Changes as the Product Matures
Use different resources and evidence at concept, prototype, validation and production stages.
STAGE 01
Concept
Clarify product intent and shortlist practical routes.
- Process comparison
- Material family review
- Early cost drivers
STAGE 02
Prototype
Learn quickly from physical parts and assemblies.
- DFM quick guides
- Critical feature drawings
- Fast-turn process choice
STAGE 03
Validation
Verify materials, interfaces, function and acceptance.
- Inspection planning
- Functional test scope
- Revision control
STAGE 04
Production
Control repeatability, supply, packaging and changes.
- Approved BOM / drawings
- Quality records
- Pack-out requirements
RFQ Checklist
Give Engineering Enough Context to Quote the Right Job
The most useful RFQ describes the part, the product and the acceptance criteria—not just a file and quantity.
Separate must-havesMark critical features instead of applying tight tolerances everywhere.
Control revisionsUse matching filenames, drawing revisions, BOMs and Gerbers.
State the end useFunction helps engineering choose materials, finishes and tests.
Share the scheduleInclude prototype, validation and production timing.
RECOMMENDED RFQ PACKAGE8 INPUT GROUPS
3D Product DataSTEP, STP, X_T or other agreed native / neutral format.
2D DrawingsTolerances, threads, finishes, notes and critical dimensions.
Quantity & ForecastPrototype lot, recurring demand and annual estimate.
Material & FinishGrade, temper, color, texture, coating and evidence.
BOM & ComponentsManufacturer part numbers, approved alternates and sourcing rules.
Inspection & TestCritical features, reports, samples and functional limits.
Revision StatusControlled revision, change notes and approval contacts.
Delivery & PackagingTarget date, ship-to location, labeling and pack-out needs.
Quality Planning
Define Acceptance Before Production Starts
A clear inspection plan connects the drawing, process risk and product function. Confirm what is measured, how it is measured and what records are required.
01 / FEATURESIdentify Critical CharacteristicsSeparate functional, cosmetic and general requirements.
02 / METHODAgree the Inspection MethodMatch gauges, CMM, fixtures or electrical tests to the feature.
03 / EVIDENCEDefine Required RecordsSpecify reports, material certificates, samples or traceability.
04 / CHANGEControl Revisions and DeviationsDocument approvals before changing product or process requirements.
Resource FAQ
Common Questions Before the RFQ
Use these answers to prepare the first review. Project-specific details are confirmed after Zenbot receives the files.
Which file formats should I send?
For mechanical parts, send 3D CAD plus a 2D drawing where tolerances, threads, finishes or inspection notes matter. For PCB assembly, include Gerber data, BOM, placement data, stack-up requirements and test information.
Can Zenbot recommend the manufacturing process?
Yes. Share the end use, material requirements, quantity, target date, finish and critical features. Engineering can then compare feasible routes instead of relying on a process name alone.
Do I need tolerances on every dimension?
No. Apply tolerances according to function and identify the truly critical features. Over-tolerancing can increase manufacturing and inspection cost without improving the product.
Can one RFQ include mechanical parts, PCBA and final assembly?
Yes. A multi-process package can be reviewed around the complete product. Include a controlled BOM, interface requirements, assembly instructions, test criteria and packaging needs.
Are the guides a substitute for engineering review?
No. They are planning resources. Final manufacturability, tolerance, material, finish, inspection scope, schedule and commercial terms are confirmed only after project review.
Start the Review
Turn the Resource Checklist Into a Manufacturing Plan
Send your controlled product data and project requirements. Zenbot will review process fit, manufacturing risks and the information needed to proceed.
Useful information for the first review
A complete package supports a clearer response and reduces avoidable follow-up.
- CAD / Gerber files
- Controlled drawings
- Quantity and forecast
- Material / BOM
- Finish and color
- Critical dimensions
- Inspection / test scope
- Target delivery date