Calculate the minimum raw stock size for your machined part. Upload a STEP or STL file, or enter dimensions manually. See which standard plate size to order with machining allowance, saw kerf, and fixturing needs accounted for.
Last updated April 2026
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Take your finished part dimensions and add machining allowance per side (0.060-0.125" typical for aluminum), saw kerf (0.08-0.125"), and fixturing stock if needed (0.5-1.0" for vise clamping). The result is your minimum billet size. Then round up to the nearest available standard plate thickness and check supplier stock lists for width and length availability.
Buy-to-fly ratio is the weight of raw material purchased divided by the weight of the finished part. A ratio of 5:1 means 80% of the material becomes chips. Aerospace aluminum parts commonly range from 5:1 to 20:1. Lower ratios reduce material cost and machining time. Near-net-shape forgings and proper stock sizing help minimize this ratio.