Mon–Fri 7:00am – 6:00pm · 24/7 machining available 01354 704616LinkedIn About Mission Statement Capabilities 5-Axis CNC MachiningManufacturingCAM ProgrammingReverse EngineeringDesign for Manufacture (DFM)CMM InspectionPrototype Machining3D Scanning & Technical Drawings24/7 CNC Machining Sectors F1MedicalAerospaceAutomotiveAutomationDefence Our WorkContact01354 704616 Request a Quote Home /Capabilities # Design for Manufacture for UK & International Clients Design reviews so parts can be machined accurately and cost-effectively. Quick turnaround from design to finished part. Request a Quote 01354 704616 27 years' machining experience · NDA signed as standard 27 yrs Machining experience 5–10 µm Tolerances held ISO 9001 & ISO 14001 certified NDA Signed as standard 24/7 Machining available Overview ## What Design for Manufacture Means for Your Project Design reviews so parts can be machined accurately and cost-effectively. A DFM review considers how geometry, tolerances and material choice affect machining. It can identify opportunities to simplify a design, but savings and timing depend on the part and any changes you approve. APT works with clients across the whole of the UK and internationally: send your models and files, we manufacture the parts in-house and deliver them by courier. Industries served include aerospace, defence, motorsport and medical, with a strong R&D and prototype focus. The risk ## Planning Your Design for Manufacture Enquiry A DFM review considers how geometry, tolerances and material choice affect machining. It can identify opportunities to simplify a design, but savings and timing depend on the part and any changes you approve. ### Drawing requirements Identify the dimensions and features that control fit and function. Include the drawing revision and material grade. ### Physical sample If drawings are unavailable, a physical part can be scanned and modelled to produce full drawings. Explain any known wear or damage. ### Required date Include your target date and discuss feasibility. Overnight and weekend machining is available when needed. ### Inspection requirements Specify whether you need CMM inspection and an inspection report. Reports are supplied on request. Our process ## How Your Job Runs, Step by Step - 01 ### Design files Send STEP, IGES or technical drawings. - 02 ### Function Explain how the part is used and which features matter. - 03 ### Design review Reviewing designs so parts can be machined accurately and cost-effectively. - 04 ### Discuss changes Discuss possible changes before committing to manufacture. - 05 ### Machining enquiry Discuss any prototype or small-batch machining requirement. What you get ## The Difference It Makes ### Small-batch focus One-offs, prototypes and typical batches of 1 to 100 parts. ### Machining experience Founded and wholly owned by Thomas White, a precision engineer with 27 years of machining experience. ### Confidentiality as standard An NDA is signed with every customer. ### Certified systems ISO 9001, ISO 14001 and Cyber Essentials certified. ### Flexible capacity Additional specialist capacity and overnight and weekend machining are available when deadlines demand it. ### Inspection on request 5-axis scanning CMM inspection reports on request, including for parts made elsewhere. In detail ## Design for Manufacture: Capability and Enquiries Confirmed equipment, capabilities and requirements for discussing your project. ### Setups and 5-axis opportunities Parts programmed with OPEN MIND hyperMILL and Autodesk Fusion can often combine operations that would otherwise need separate fixturing, so a design that looks complex is not necessarily slow or expensive to machine once the toolpath strategy is right. ### Material selection Comparing options at the design stage, rather than after a material has already been specified on a released drawing, avoids a late change that can affect fit, mass or compatibility with other parts in the assembly. ### What to send with an enquiry Send STEP or IGES files alongside any drawing showing toleranced features, plus a short note on what the part does, what it mates with, and whether you expect to order one, ten or a hundred. That context shapes which recommendations are worth making. If the design is still evolving, send it as it stands. Early feedback on a rough design is often more valuable than a review of a finished drawing where changes are harder to make. ### Comparing design options side by side This approach suits early-stage projects where the geometry is still flexible, and for teams weighing up a simpler design that costs less to machine against a more complex one that saves weight or assembly steps elsewhere in the product. ### Machining equipment and software APT uses DMG MORI CMX 70 U and Matsuura MX-520 5-axis milling machines, with OPEN MIND hyperMILL and Autodesk Fusion for CAM programming. Machining tolerances are 5 to 10 microns (0.005–0.010 mm). ### Machining size and batch range Maximum machining part size is 675 mm × 650 mm × 550 mm (X × Y × Z), with cylindrical parts up to 600 mm diameter. Typical batches are 1 to 100 parts; one-offs and prototypes are welcome. Contact APT about the suitability of your particular part. ### Materials Materials machined include aluminium, stainless steel, titanium, plastics and exotic alloys. APT has also machined glass and carbon. Please specify the material and grade in your enquiry so suitability can be discussed. ### Inspection and certification APT holds ISO 9001 quality management, ISO 14001 environmental management and Cyber Essentials certification. A 5-axis scanning CMM is used for inspection, with inspection reports supplied on request. Standalone inspection is also available for parts made elsewhere. ### Files and confidentiality STEP, IGES and technical drawings are accepted. An NDA is signed with every customer as standard. If no drawing exists, send a physical part for scanning, modelling from the scan and production of full drawings. ### Team and availability A trusted team of CNC programmers, machinists and inspectors, built up over 20 years, supports our in-house manufacturing capabilities. Opening hours are Monday to Friday, 7am to 6pm, as previously confirmed for this website. 24/7 machining is available, including overnight and weekend running when needed. Contact APT to discuss your required date and availability; extended running does not mean every deadline can be met. ### Related capabilities CAM ProgrammingPrototype Machining5-Axis CNC Machining FAQs ## Common Questions ### What tolerances can you hold? +Machining tolerances are 5 to 10 microns (0.005–0.010 mm). Your engineering team can discuss specified features with APT. ### What is the maximum machining part size? +Maximum machining part size is 675 mm × 650 mm × 550 mm (X × Y × Z), with cylindrical parts up to 600 mm diameter. Typical batches are 1 to 100 parts; one-offs and prototypes are welcome. Contact APT about the suitability of your particular part. ### What quantities do you machine? +Typical batches are 1 to 100 parts. One-offs and prototypes are welcome, with a strong R&D focus. ### Which materials have you machined? +Materials machined include aluminium, stainless steel, titanium, plastics and exotic alloys. APT has also machined glass and carbon. Please specify the material and grade in your enquiry so suitability can be discussed. ### Which files do you accept? +STEP, IGES and technical drawings are accepted. An NDA is signed with every customer as standard. If no drawing exists, send a physical part for scanning, modelling from the scan and production of full drawings. ### Can you inspect parts made elsewhere? +Yes. Standalone inspection on a 5-axis scanning CMM is available, with reports supplied on request. ### Is my design kept confidential? +An NDA is signed with every customer as standard. ### Is overnight or weekend machining available? +Yes. 24/7 machining is available when needed. Contact APT about your deadline and current availability. ## Discuss Your Design for Manufacture Requirements Rapid lead times on prototypes and small batches. Engineering and procurement teams can send files or details of a physical part, with material, quantity and your required date. Call 01354 704616 or email info@aptechno.co.uk. Request a Quote 01354 704616 ISO 9001 · ISO 14001 · Cyber Essentials · NDA signed as standard Precision 5-axis CNC machining for prototypes and low-volume parts, for clients across the UK and internationally, manufactured at our facility near Cambridge and couriered worldwide. ISO 9001 · ISO 14001 · Cyber Essentials ### Capabilities - 5-Axis CNC Machining - Manufacturing - CAM Programming - Reverse Engineering - Design for Manufacture (DFM) - CMM Inspection - Prototype Machining - 3D Scanning & Technical Drawings - 24/7 CNC Machining ### Contact 01354 704616 info@aptechno.co.ukUnit 1, South Fens Enterprise Park, Fenton Way, Chatteris PE16 6WA Mon–Fri 7:00am – 6:00pm24/7 machining available LinkedInGoogle Business Profile © 2026 Advanced Precision Technologies. All rights reserved. AboutContactPrivacy PolicyTerms & ConditionsCookie Policy Call 01354 704616Request a Quote