Process selection for ±0.005 mm
Reaching ±0.005 mm tolerance reliably requires the right combination of machine tool, cutting strategy, and inspection workflow. The processes most commonly used at this grade are:
- Precision CNC Milling
- Precision Turning
- 4.5-Axis CNC
- Jig Boring
Typical applications
- Bearing seats and housings
- Hydraulic spool valves
- Optical mounting hardware
- Aerospace structural components
- Medical implant fixtures
- Semiconductor wafer handling parts
Cost and lead time impact
Cost multiplier: 2.0–3.0×.
Lead time impact: +30–50% vs. machined tolerance (extra inspection + finishing passes).
Tighter tolerance always increases cost, both directly (slower cutting speeds, more finishing passes, additional inspection) and indirectly (higher scrap rates, premium tooling, climate-controlled shop floor). The right strategy is to specify ±0.005 mm only on the features that genuinely need it and leave the rest at the standard ISO 2768 medium grade.
Inspection
CMM with µm-resolution probes; documented dimensional report.
When to specify this grade
Recommended for:
- Bearing and bushing fits
- Fluid power components
- Aerospace and medical critical parts
- Precision optical and laser systems
NOT recommended for:
- Decorative parts
- Cost-sensitive prototypes
- Welded assemblies (HAZ distortion)
Materials commonly specified at ±0.005 mm
Materials that are commonly machined to this tolerance grade. Click any material for its datasheet and machinability notes. Our shop machines metal parts to 0.02 mm; send your drawing and we will review the critical tolerances with you.
Compare other tolerance grades
Standard Tolerance CNC Machining
±0.1 mm (±0.004") — cost 1.0× (baseline)
Machined Tolerance CNC Machining
±0.025 mm (±0.001") — cost 1.2–1.5×
Ultra-Precision CNC & Wire EDM Tolerance
±0.003 mm (±0.0001") — cost 4.0–6.0×
Related resources
- CNC Precision Engineering: The Complete Guide
- CNC Tolerance Chart (ISO 2768)
- Design for Manufacturability Guide
- Surface Finish Chart
Frequently asked questions
What does ±0.005 mm CNC tolerance mean?+
±0.005 mm (±0.0002") means each toleranced feature must measure within plus or minus that value of the nominal dimension on the drawing. Precision tolerance (±0.005 mm / ±0.0002") is reserved for critical functional features such as bearing seats, fluid sealing diameters, alignment dowels, and optical mounting surfaces. It requires high-rigidity machine tools, climate-controlled shops, sharp tooling, and CMM verification on every part.
Which materials can hold ±0.005 mm tolerance?+
Most metals can be machined to ±0.005 mm with appropriate process selection. Aluminum 6061, stainless 304/316, titanium Grade 5, brass C360, and tool steels are routinely held to this tolerance. Plastics like PEEK and Delrin are more challenging due to thermal expansion and require climate-controlled inspection.
What processes achieve ±0.005 mm tolerance?+
Recommended processes for ±0.005 mm: Precision CNC Milling, Precision Turning, 4.5-Axis CNC, Jig Boring. The right choice depends on geometry, material hardness, batch size, and surface finish requirements.
How much more does ±0.005 mm CNC cost?+
Expect approximately 2.0–3.0× the cost of standard tolerance parts, driven by tighter machine setup, slower cutting speeds, additional finishing passes, and CMM inspection time.
What inspection equipment verifies ±0.005 mm?+
CMM with µm-resolution probes; documented dimensional report. Each batch ships with a dimensional report documenting actual measurements against drawing requirements.
When should I NOT specify ±0.005 mm?+
Avoid this grade for: Decorative parts; Cost-sensitive prototypes; Welded assemblies (HAZ distortion). Over-toleranced drawings inflate cost without improving function — only specify tight tolerance on the features that actually need it.
Need ±0.005 mm CNC parts?
Upload your STEP file with tolerance callouts and receive a detailed quote. We will confirm feasibility before quoting.
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