{"id":3657,"date":"2026-03-03T10:07:11","date_gmt":"2026-03-03T09:07:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/misominuterie.com\/?p=3657"},"modified":"2026-03-10T11:18:18","modified_gmt":"2026-03-10T10:18:18","slug":"co-design-and-turning","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/misominuterie.com\/en\/novita\/coprogettazione-e-torneria\/","title":{"rendered":"Co-design and turning"},"content":{"rendered":"

Receiving a technical drawing and producing it exactly as specified is the minimum. A precision turning supplier who only does this, however, misses an important opportunity: problems arise in production, when changing a geometry or correcting an incorrect tolerance costs much more than discussing it beforehand.<\/p>\n

Co-design changes this pattern<\/strong>is the process by which supplier and customer work together on the design before production starts<\/strong>, to optimise the component in terms of processability, cost and quality.<\/p>\n

At MI.SO., this approach is an integral part of the way we work, from the prototype phase through to series production.<\/p>\n

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What is co-engineering in precision turning<\/h2>\n

Co-design does not mean redesigning the customer's product. It means bringing manufacturing experience into the design phase, pointing out in advance anything that can be optimised without compromising the function of the component.<\/p>\n

In practice, it translates into concrete questions and observations: is this tolerance really necessary? Does this geometry create an avoidable undercut? Is this material the most suitable for this machining cycle?<\/p>\n

The result is a technical drawing that not only describes what is to be produced, but is designed to be produced well.<\/p>\n

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Why a \u201ccorrect\u201d technical drawing is not always an \u201coptimal\u201d drawing\u201d<\/h2>\n

A component can be designed correctly from a functional point of view and at the same time have significant production criticalities. Here are the most frequent cases we encounter.<\/p>\n

Tighter tolerances than necessary<\/h3>\n

Tolerances define the acceptable margin of variation for a measurement. Very tight tolerances increase machining time, require more frequent checks and raise the rejection rate. Often, however, they are specified out of habit or over-caution, not because the function of the component actually requires them.<\/p>\n

In the co-design phase, we check with the customer which tolerances are functionally critical and which can be widened without impacting performance. The result is a more efficient production cycle and a lower cost per part.<\/p>\n

Geometries difficult to execute with standard tools<\/h3>\n

Certain geometries - very closed internal angles, radii that are too small, special profiles - require special tools or additional machining, which lengthen cycle times and increase the risk of error. Small modifications to the drawing, often imperceptible on the finished product, can eliminate these critical issues.<\/p>\n

Our CNC sliding headstock lathes with up to 9-axis configurations allow very complex geometries to be produced in a single setup. But even the most advanced machine works best with a design that takes into account the real possibilities of the tool.<\/p>\n

Non-optimised choice of material<\/h3>\n

The material influences everything: machinability, tool life, cycle times, surface quality. A steel not suitable for CNC machining can triple the time compared to an alloy that is mechanically equivalent but much more machinable.<\/p>\n

At MI.SO. we handle different materials on a daily basis: AISI 303, 304 and 316 stainless steel, brass, aluminium, special steels. This experience allows us to suggest, when possible, alternatives that maintain performance while reducing production costs.<\/p>\n

Unnecessary surface finishes<\/h3>\n

A very fine surface finish makes sense where it is needed, e.g. for contact surfaces, seals, aesthetic areas. Applying it to the entire geometry of the component, on the other hand, means extending machining time without real benefit. When analysing the design, we identify the areas where the finish is critical and those where it can be lightened.<\/p>\n

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How the co-design process works in MI.SO.<\/h2>\n

This is not a formal and lengthy process. In most cases, the design analysis takes place quickly and leads to a direct discussion with the client.<\/p>\n

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  1. Reception and analysis of technical drawings<\/strong>Our technical department examines the drawing through the eyes of those who will be producing it: it identifies critical issues, checks consistency between tolerances and function, and assesses machinability with the available machinery.<\/li>\n
  2. Confrontation with the customer<\/strong>We share our observations clearly and concretely: not \u201cthis cannot be done\u201d, but \u201cif we modify this aspect, we get this advantage\u201d. The customer decides whether to accept the changes or keep the original specifications.<\/li>\n
  3. Possible prototyping<\/strong>If the component is new or has particular complexities, we can carry out prototype production to validate the process before going to series production. This avoids surprises in production and allows us to further refine the work cycle.<\/li>\n
  4. Optimised production start-up<\/strong>With a shared and validated design, production starts with an already optimised cycle. The result is less scrap, more predictable lead times and consistent quality, from the first part to the last in the series.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

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    Concrete advantages for precision component designers<\/h2>\n

    Co-design is not an \u201cextra\u201d service. It is an investment that pays for itself in production costs and the quality of the end result.<\/p>\n