REF-CNC-2

Field	Value
Title	Protolabs CNC milling design guidelines
Type	guide
URL	https://www.protolabs.com/resources/design-tips/cnc-machining-design-guidelines/
Notes	Recommendations for pockets, radii, and machinability.
Linked rules	12

Rules Using This Reference

Rule	Pack	Severity	Title
CNC-001	B_CNC	major	Min wall thickness check vs material class (thin walls → vibration/warp risk)
CNC-005	B_CNC	major	Pocket internal corners: small radius → small tool → depth limits/cost
CNC-007	B_CNC	major	Avoid “raised islands/bosses” if they require removing whole face volume (cost driver)
CNC-008	B_CNC	major	Suggest inserts (studs/dowels) vs raised machined features when feasible
CNC-009	B_CNC	major	Text/engraving: small cutters increase time
CNC-010	B_CNC	major	Corner radius consistency across pockets (tool reuse reduces time)
CNC-011	B_CNC	major	Tool access: internal corner smaller than tool radius → redesign (relief/teardrop)
CNC-012	B_CNC	major	Thin ribs/bosses: flag for deflection (recommend thicker or support)
CNC-013	B_CNC	major	Placeholder: Feature accessibility check for long-reach tools in deep cavities
CNC-014	B_CNC	critical	Placeholder: Multi-setup requirement warning when critical features are not reachable in one setup
CNC-022	B_CNC	major	Surface finish Ra very low on large area → time/cost
CNC-024	B_CNC	major	Deep pocket with small corner radius → cost driver

Sources

• D:\02_Code\36_RapidDraft_DFMBenchmark_ExpertMode\server\dfm\manifest.json
• D:\02_Code\36_RapidDraft_DFMBenchmark_ExpertMode\server\dfm\rule_library.json
• D:\02_Code\36_RapidDraft_DFMBenchmark_ExpertMode\server\dfm\references.json
• D:\02_Code\36_RapidDraft_DFMBenchmark_ExpertMode\server\dfm\process_classifier.json
• D:\02_Code\36_RapidDraft_DFMBenchmark_ExpertMode\server\dfm\overlays.json
• D:\02_Code\36_RapidDraft_DFMBenchmark_ExpertMode\server\dfm\roles.json
• D:\02_Code\36_RapidDraft_DFMBenchmark_ExpertMode\server\dfm\report_templates.json
• D:\02_Code\36_RapidDraft_DFMBenchmark_ExpertMode\server\dfm\ui_bindings.json