CAD TO METAL: PREPARE A PART FOR ADDITIVE MANUFACTURING
Editable planning/verification record — Yenra
Updated: October 2, 2026
Article: https://yenra.com/rapid-prototyping/metal.html

Purpose: Assemble a metal additive quote package with design revision, material, orientation questions, post-processing, tolerances, and acceptance evidence.
Intended reader: Product engineers ordering a metal prototype or evaluating an end-use part

HOW TO USE
Save a working copy. Enter the actual specification, units, assumptions and evidence references in each field. Preserve original observations and record changes. Have the responsible reviewer resolve missing or conflicting requirements before release. Examples below are fictional teaching inputs, not process settings or acceptance standards.

RECORD
1. Part number/revision, units, intended function, quantity and responsible engineer:
   ____________________________________________________________

2. Controlled CAD/drawing, datums, critical geometry, tolerances and finish:
   ____________________________________________________________

3. Alloy, condition, required properties and applicable qualification route:
   ____________________________________________________________

4. Proposed process/machine/feedstock controls and change notification:
   ____________________________________________________________

5. Orientation/support review, powder-removal access and cleanliness verification:
   ____________________________________________________________

6. Approved stock allowance and post-processing sequence:
   ____________________________________________________________

7. Inspection methods, sampling, uncertainty/decision rule and required evidence:
   ____________________________________________________________

8. Cost and time by build/finish/inspect/document stage:
   ____________________________________________________________

9. First-article traceability, deviations and acceptance sign-off:
   ____________________________________________________________


WORKED EXAMPLE AND LIMITS
Fictional finished bore: 10.000 +/- 0.020 mm means 9.980 to 10.020 mm. Supplier proposes stock allowance and finishing route; customer approves the drawing and inspection decision rule. No example qualifies a production or safety-critical part.

REVIEW
Prepared by / date: ____________________
Reviewed by / date: ____________________
Open issues, responsible owner, due date: ____________________
Approved next action and evidence: ____________________

SOURCE CONTEXT
These primary references support the linked article. Use exact applicable product, contract, and document versions for operational work.
process overview
https://www.nist.gov/additive-manufacturing/research-areas/technologies/powder-bed-fusion
metal-additive measurement program
https://www.nist.gov/programs-projects/fundamental-measurements-metal-additive-manufacturing
NIST study of electron-beam Ti-6Al-4V
https://www.nist.gov/publications/globular-surface-layer-electron-beam-powder-bed-fusion-ti-6al-4v-after-standard-powder

Return to the guide: https://yenra.com/rapid-prototyping/metal.html