Process selection for ±0.1 mm
Reaching ±0.1 mm tolerance reliably requires the right combination of machine tool, cutting strategy, and inspection workflow. The processes most commonly used at this grade are:
- CNC Milling
- CNC Turning
- 3-Axis Machining
- Sheet Metal Bending
Typical applications
- Brackets and mounting plates
- Enclosures and housings
- Decorative covers
- Non-functional structural parts
- Hand tools
Cost and lead time impact
Cost multiplier: 1.0× (baseline).
Lead time impact: No additional time vs. baseline.
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 ±0.1 mm only on the features that genuinely need it and leave the rest at the standard ISO 2768 medium grade.
Inspection
Caliper and micrometer (no CMM required).
When to specify this grade
Recommended for:
- Non-critical fit features
- Cost-driven projects
- Visual or decorative parts
- Prototypes for early validation
NOT recommended for:
- Bearing fits
- Fluid sealing surfaces
- High-precision assemblies
- Aerospace structural parts
Materials commonly specified at ±0.1 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
Machined Tolerance CNC Machining
±0.025 mm (±0.001") — cost 1.2–1.5×
Precision CNC Machining Tolerance
±0.005 mm (±0.0002") — cost 2.0–3.0×
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 ±0.1 mm CNC tolerance mean?+
±0.1 mm (±0.004") means each toleranced feature must measure within plus or minus that value of the nominal dimension on the drawing. Standard tolerance is the default ISO 2768 medium grade for general-purpose machined parts. It is the most economical CNC tolerance and suitable for non-critical features, brackets, enclosures, and decorative components where mating fit and alignment are not driven by tight dimensional control.
Which materials can hold ±0.1 mm tolerance?+
Most metals can be machined to ±0.1 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 ±0.1 mm tolerance?+
Recommended processes for ±0.1 mm: CNC Milling, CNC Turning, 3-Axis Machining, Sheet Metal Bending. The right choice depends on geometry, material hardness, batch size, and surface finish requirements.
How much more does ±0.1 mm CNC cost?+
Expect approximately 1.0× (baseline) 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 ±0.1 mm?+
Caliper and micrometer (no CMM required). Each batch ships with a dimensional report documenting actual measurements against drawing requirements.
When should I NOT specify ±0.1 mm?+
Avoid this grade for: Bearing fits; Fluid sealing surfaces; High-precision assemblies; Aerospace structural parts. Over-toleranced drawings inflate cost without improving function — only specify tight tolerance on the features that actually need it.
Need ±0.1 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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