I’ve heard some bad things about First Cut. Some complained about the poor tolerances, others that First Cut won’t tap holes, still others complaining about maximum part size.
They’re right, each one of them.
But if you’re willing to accept tolerances of ±0.005 (give or take) and tap your own holes, First Cut is a solid option.
They’re cheap, they’re fast. I had my parts in just a couple of days.
I had them machine a few sets of a clamshell handle design. It was screwed together so it didn’t need really tight tolerances. That being said, I had a perimeter rib of ~.020″ going into a slot of ~.030, and it fit in just nicely.
The bottom line, as long as you do a quick worst-case tolerance analysis, and are prepared with some shimstock, a file, and an extra day before the prototypes are due, you could save some time and cash by checking them out.
Word to the wise for Pro|e users: the automated hole feature creates a surface at the major diameter of your threads. I’ve had a rapid prototyping house misinterpret that as the drill diameter, leaving me with a hole too big to tap. Considering how automated First-Cut is, you might want to check with the account manager.
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