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Login with my Xometry account Best file format for tight-tolerance parts with GD&T annotations
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Hi, I’m designing a housing component for an optical assembly, machined from anodized 7075-T6 aluminum, with several ±0.01 mm tolerances and GD&T callouts for perpendicularity and flatness. The part is quite compact (80x60x40 mm) but critical for alignment, so every micron counts. I’ve been exporting both STEP and 2D PDF drawings, but I’m wondering if there’s a better practice or format that preserves tolerancing data more reliably when handing it off to manufacturers. Any insight from those dealing with precision CNC parts?
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