ROBOTICS & MOTION / CNC MACHINING INSIGHTS
Robotics parts often combine structural mounting, motors, sensors, moving joints and compact cable paths. The critical dimensions are usually the relationships between those interfaces. A complete RFQ gives the CNC review team enough context to focus on the features that control motion and assembly.
Share assembly context with the part drawing
A bracket, arm, hub or housing may be fully dimensioned and still leave uncertainty about its orientation in the robot. Include a simple assembly PDF, mating-component drawing, or marked 3D view when it explains the purpose of a bore, mounting face, fastener pattern or cable opening. This does not replace the released part drawing; it makes its intent clearer.
ISO’s robotics committee publishes standards information through its official robotics committee page. Reference any project-specific standard directly in the RFQ rather than assuming a generic robotics requirement.
Identify the interfaces that control motion
Call out the features that locate bearings, shafts, motors, gearboxes, sensors or guide components. State which faces are mounting references and which holes are only clearance features. If a relationship must be maintained between multiple interfaces, use clear datums and the appropriate drawing controls.
| Feature area | Useful RFQ context |
|---|---|
| Motor or gearbox interface | Mounting pattern, pilot features, orientation and mating component reference. |
| Rotating or sliding joint | Bore or shaft relationship, contact faces and the function of critical geometry. |
| Sensor mounting | Position reference, cable clearance and any protected or cosmetic surface. |
| Structural arm or bracket | Load-path context, mounting datums and required material/finish. |
| Enclosure features | Internal mounting points, connector cutouts, cover interface and thread details. |
Use a controlled drawing for critical geometry
Provide a dimensioned PDF drawing with a clear revision, in addition to the 3D model. The drawing should record material, finish, threads, critical dimensions and inspection needs. Read our guide to the best CAD files for a CNC RFQ before sending the package.
Material and finish should follow the application
State the intended alloy or grade, final finish and any surface that needs protection. ExactMach has experience machining 6061 and 7075 aluminum grades and can coordinate anodizing and heat-treatment support where required. If a finish affects a thread, bearing seat, sealing face or cosmetic panel, make that requirement explicit before release.
Plan inspection around assembly risk
Not all dimensions carry the same risk. Identify the features that must align for motion, mounting or connector fit, and explain the required verification expectation. This helps distinguish a functional requirement from a non-critical profile dimension. See what to include in CNC inspection requirements for a practical checklist.
Release the complete manufacturing context
For prototypes and repeat orders alike, a clear description of functional interfaces makes review more efficient. ExactMach coordinates drawing-defined CNC milling, CNC turning, prototypes and custom parts around Shenzhen and Dongguan for international engineering teams.