SCULTRASERVICES
Discuss a Project
Toggle navigation

Product design & engineering

DFM Readiness Checker

Review CNC, injection moulding, sheet metal or FDM designs before manufacturing handoff.

Free · no signupInputs stay in this tab

Illustrative example loaded. Replace the inputs with your own data.

Manufacturing context

Changing units converts your current dimensional values.

Measured feature inputs

Blank means unknown. Screening depends on your inputs; this tool does not analyse CAD geometry.

Enter 0 if the design has no ribs.
Confirm the selected resin, texture, depth and ejection method.

Design review checklist

Select Unknown when an item has not been assessed. Not applicable on a critical item still requires a documented review.

Readiness review

Resolve critical review items
Critical review items3Resolve with engineer / supplier
Other review items1
Unknown items2Measurements or review evidence needed
Checklist answered5 / 7Answer coverage, not production approval

Findings and next actions

Critical review

Material grade and relevant properties are specified

Agree an action and an accountable owner before manufacturing release.

Basis: SCULTRA design-review checklist
Unknown

Functional loads and operating conditions have been reviewed

Resolve this item before handing off the design.

Basis: SCULTRA design-review checklist
Unknown

Inspection method for critical features is agreed

Resolve this item before handing off the design.

Basis: SCULTRA design-review checklist
Critical review

Parting line, gate and ejection strategy are reviewed

Agree an action and an accountable owner before manufacturing release.

Basis: SCULTRA design-review checklist
Critical review

Very low draft

Review ejection with the mould maker. Protolabs strongly advises 0.5° on vertical faces; texture, depth and resin can require more.

Basis: Protolabs draft-angle guidance
Review

Thick rib relative to wall

Rib / wall is 80%. Protolabs recommends approximately 40–60%; thicker junctions can increase sink and uneven cooling.

Basis: Protolabs injection-moulding basics

Cost drivers to discuss with suppliers

  • Tool complexity, cavities, side actions and ejection strategy influence up-front tooling cost.
  • Wall thickness, cooling and material choice affect cycle time, scrap and part cost.
  • Production quantity determines how tooling investment is spread across parts; obtain comparable tooling and piece-price quotes.

Manufacturing review brief

  • Process: Injection moulding. Material: ABS grade to be confirmed. Annual quantity: 15000.
  • Take flagged geometry and open checklist items to your engineer and supplier for review.
  • These are screening checks of entered values. They do not certify manufacturability, structural safety or production cost.

How to use the design for manufacturing checklist

Screen a part for manufacturing-readiness gaps before discussing it with an engineer or supplier. This DFM checker uses dimensions you enter and process-specific checklist answers; it does not inspect an uploaded CAD model.

  1. Select CNC machining, injection moulding, sheet metal or FDM 3D printing. Enter the material, production volume and relevant dimensions in millimetres or inches.
  2. Answer the process-specific review questions. Keep unknown items unresolved so the checklist reflects the evidence you actually have.
  3. Review flagged features and their guidance or screening basis. Export the manufacturing review brief and confirm critical dimensions, tooling and material limits with your supplier.

When to use this tool

  • Preparing a part-design handoff with the relevant dimensions and open manufacturing questions.
  • Reviewing moulding draft and rib ratios, or FDM wall thickness relative to nozzle size.
  • Identifying topics for a CNC or sheet-metal supplier review, not approving production automatically.

For a source-validated engagement, explore our Design for Manufacturing service.

Method and limitations

This guided screening uses your entered dimensions and checklist answers. Injection-moulding checks cover draft and rib-to-wall ratio; FDM compares wall thickness with nozzle diameter. CNC and sheet-metal checks include clearly labelled SCULTRA screening heuristics that require supplier confirmation. Dimensions are converted to millimetres internally. Unknown items keep the assessment incomplete.

The tool does not analyse a CAD file, perform structural simulation, quote a manufacturing cost or approve a design for production. Geometry, material grade, process settings, tooling and supplier capability can change the suitable limits. Review critical findings with your engineer and supplier.

Input values are processed in your browser. Project files, CSVs and printed reports contain your entered data. Keep downloaded files private when needed. Page-visit analytics follow your cookie preferences.

Common questions

Can we upload a CAD model?

This version uses measured inputs and a guided review. It does not inspect CAD geometry. Enter dimensions from your drawing or model.

Are the limits universal manufacturing rules?

No. Manufacturer guidance and SCULTRA screening heuristics are labelled in the findings. Material, geometry, equipment and process can require different limits.

Can we enter dimensions in inches?

Yes. Changing units converts existing dimensional inputs, including the nozzle size. Draft remains in degrees.

Take the result further.

Work with SCULTRA to validate the evidence and turn the findings into a practical next step.

Discuss this resultDesign for Manufacturing