In CNC machining, what does 'tolerance' refer to?

Tolerance in CNC machining refers to the acceptable limit of variation in dimensions and specifications. It is a critical aspect of the design and manufacturing process, as it defines how much a manufactured component can deviate from its specified dimensions while still being considered acceptable for use. Tolerances ensure that parts will fit together correctly in assemblies and function as intended.

In practical terms, if a part is designed with a specific measurement, the tolerance determines the allowable range for that measurement. For example, if a hole is specified to be 10 mm in diameter with a tolerance of +/- 0.1 mm, the hole must have a diameter between 9.9 mm and 10.1 mm to be acceptable. This precision is crucial for many applications, particularly in industries like aerospace, automotive, and medical devices, where the failure to meet tolerance specifications could lead to malfunction or safety hazards.

While the other options mention different aspects of CNC machining—such as cutting areas, operating speed, and cost—none directly relates to the concept of tolerance, which is fundamentally about precision and acceptable dimensional variation in the machined components.