Tolerance tier → relative cost Bar = cost multiplier
T1 0.030″ 0.75 mm
≈1.0× COST WHO HOLDS IT 3-AXIS5-AXISSWISSWIRE EDMGRINDING
T2 0.010″ 0.25 mm
≈1.2× COST WHO HOLDS IT 3-AXIS5-AXISSWISSWIRE EDMGRINDING
T3 0.005″ 0.13 mm
≈1.4× COST WHO HOLDS IT 3-AXIS5-AXISSWISSWIRE EDMGRINDING
T4 0.002″ 0.05 mm
≈2.0× COST WHO HOLDS IT 3-AXIS5-AXISSWISSWIRE EDMGRINDING
T5 0.001″ 0.025 mm
≈3.0× COST WHO HOLDS IT 3-AXIS5-AXISSWISSWIRE EDMGRINDING
T6 0.0005″ 0.013 mm
≈5.0× COST WHO HOLDS IT 5-AXISSWISSWIRE EDMGRINDING
T7 0.0002″ 0.005 mm
≈8–10× COST WHO HOLDS IT 5-AXISSWISSWIRE EDMGRINDING
T8 0.0001″ 0.0025 mm
≈15–25× COST WHO HOLDS IT SWISSWIRE EDMGRINDING
IN-PROCESS PROBING CMM VERIFICATION
Inspection scales with tolerance
0.005″ → gauge check at the machine. 0.0001″ → metrology lab, thermal soak, CMM certs.
Where the money goes
- ✓ Forced process changes
Below 0.0002″ on inside corners, milling can't physically hold it — wire EDM takes the cut, at EDM rates.
- ✓ Setup time grows with tolerance
A loose-tolerance bracket sets up in 20 minutes; a 0.0002″ gauge surface can need ~2 hours of setup, validation & thermal stabilization.
- ✓ 100% inspection time
0.005″ gets a quick gauge check — 0.0001″ gets full CMM measurement, environmental control & statistical verification.
- ✓ Scrap risk
0.0001″ routinely runs 70–85% yield. The scrap allowance is built into the quote.
LOOSEST TIER · BASELINE
0.030″ = 1.0×
JIG-GRIND CLASS
0.0001″ = 15–25×
Tolerance the function, not the title block — ISO 2768 covers the rest. Multipliers are typical cost ratios vs a 0.030″ baseline.