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New Knoxville, Ohio
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CNC Tolerances

Understand KRC’s standard dimensional tolerance and how to specify the features that need tighter control.

PRACTICAL DESIGN GUIDANCE · UPDATED OCTOBER 2026
DESIGN / DIMENSIONAL LIMITSKRC / FIELD NOTES
CNC Tolerances — technical illustration
Technical illustration · not to scale
±0.005 in±0.127 mm
±0.003 in±0.0762 mm
±0.002 in±0.0508 mm
±0.001 in±0.0254 mm
The useful starting point

Use ±0.005 inch for suitable general dimensions; apply tighter limits only where the assembly needs them.

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KRC’s standard dimensional tolerance

The standard CNC tolerance is ±0.005 inch, equivalent to ±0.127 mm. On a 1.000 inch dimension, that represents an acceptable size range of 0.995–1.005 inches, unless a different accepted requirement governs the feature. This is a dimensional tolerance, not a blanket specification for flatness, surface finish, or positional accuracy.

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Tighter online selections

The quote includes tighter tolerance selections down to ±0.001 inch. Tighter work can increase price and remains subject to manufacturability review. Requirements tighter than ±0.001 inch follow the custom RFQ route. A selection should agree with the PDF drawing and identify the actual critical dimensions.

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Why the material matters

Thin metal parts may move when material is removed or clamps are released. Plastics change size more with temperature, and some absorb moisture. A dimension that is easy on a short rigid metal block may be difficult on a thin plastic ring. Set tolerances with the part’s operating environment and stiffness in mind.

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Avoid ambiguous drawings

Show units, revision, datums where needed, and a clear general tolerance note. Place feature-specific tolerances next to the relevant dimensions. Avoid contradictory title-block and local requirements. A close-fitting pair must be evaluated together; assigning the same nominal diameter to both parts does not create a predictable fit.

Put the design to work.

Choose the process, verify your files, and take the next step toward a custom part.