Comprehensive breakdown of our dimensional accuracy, geometric tolerancing, and industry-compliant inspection protocols for CNC, sheet metal, and molding processes.
At MetalCore, tolerance isn't just a specification—it's a commitment. We maintain rigorous standards across all manufacturing processes, ensuring parts meet or exceed ASME Y14.5-2018 and ISO 2768 requirements.
Whether you're producing flight-critical aerospace components, high-volume automotive parts, or biocompatible medical devices, our engineering team optimizes designs for manufacturability while preserving your exact tolerance requirements.
"We don't just meet tolerances. We engineer processes to consistently hold them across production runs of 10 or 10,000 parts."
*Standard tolerances. Tighter specs available upon engineering consultation.
Dimensioning and Tolerancing standard governing GD&T application, datum reference frames, and feature control frames.
Primary StandardGeneral tolerances for linear/angular dimensions and geometric tolerances for free-fitting (mK/MK) to fine-fitting (mH/MH) classes.
Global ComplianceISO tolerance grades mapped to our machining capabilities. We routinely achieve IT2-IT5 for precision turning and milling.
Precision MappingAerospace quality management standard requiring documented tolerance verification, material traceability, and PPAP/FAI reporting.
Aerospace CertifiedDefault tolerances applied when drawings lack explicit callouts. Custom requirements are priced based on tooling, cycle time, and inspection complexity.
| Feature Type | Standard Tolerance | Precision Tier | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Linear Dimensions | ±0.005" (±0.127mm) | IT4 / Fine | Can hold ±0.001" with CMM verification |
| Holes (Drilled/Tapped) | +0.005"/-0.000" | H7/H8 | Reamed/bored for tighter fits |
| Concentricity/Runout | ±0.003" TIR | GD&T Controlled | Requires soft jaws or live tooling |
| Surface Finish | Ra 32 - 63 μin | Standard | Ra 8-16 available (polishing/Honing) |
| Operation | Standard Tolerance | MATERIAL Thickness | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Laser/Waterjet Cut | ±0.008" (±0.20mm) | 0.020" - 0.375" | Tighter on flat stock, wider on thick plate |
| Bend Angles | ±1° to ±2° | Springback compensated | Tight tolerances require CNC press brakes with angle measurement |
| Flange Length | ±0.015" (±0.38mm) | 0.030"+ | Dependent on tooling radius and K-factor |
| Flatness | ±0.030" / ft | Post-bend | Stress relief or post-forming available |
All tolerances conform to ISO 2768-mK unless otherwise specified. Custom GD&T frameworks supported.
We use modern GD&T to define part functionality, reduce ambiguity, and maximize yield. Our engineers review all drawings for proper datum selection and tolerance stack-up analysis.
Controls hole/pattern location relative to datums
Ensures surfaces lie within a parallel boundary zone
Controls form, orientation, and location simultaneously
Controls circular/cylindrical features during rotation
Ensures axes or planes remain equidistant
Controls 90° relationships between features
Bridge & scanning CMMs for 3D coordinate measurement.
Complete dimension validation before production release.
Real-time monitoring to prevent drift and scrap.
Default tolerances per ISO 2768-mK (medium tolerance for linear dimensions) or ASME Y14.5 general tolerances will be applied. For critical features, we recommend explicit callouts to avoid ambiguity and reduce inspection costs.
Tighter tolerances increase machining time, require slower feeds, specialized tooling, and additional inspection cycles. Typically, moving from ±0.005" to ±0.001" can increase part cost by 20-40%. Our engineers can optimize your design to reduce tolerance cost without sacrificing function.
Yes. Every batch includes a dimensional report. First Article Inspections (FAI), Material Certifications (Mill/Certs), and PPAP packages are available for aerospace, medical, and automotive programs.
Yes, but thermal expansion and machine deflection become factors. We use granite tables, thermal stabilization, and in-process probing to maintain accuracy on parts up to 60" x 40" x 30".
Our manufacturing engineers will review your drawings, run tolerance stack-up analyses, and provide an optimized quote within 24 hours.
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