plantcapability_skill

Overview

This skill checks MNMUK machine shop capability and answers "can we make this?" queries. It maps part geometry, tolerance and material to the plant list and recommends the optimal machine for quoting and planning. Use it to get quick feasibility, routing, and risk notes for turned, milled, Swiss, and EDM work.

How this skill works

Provide part dimensions, required tolerance, material and any special features (e.g., 5-axis, internal corners, long shaft). The skill evaluates envelopes, tolerance bands and material rules against the MNMUK machine list and capacity limits. It returns a clear Feasibility result, recommended machine, concise analysis by envelope/tolerance/material/features, alternatives, and risks/notes.

When to use it

• Asking "Can we make this part?" during quoting
• Determining which machine to route a job to
• Checking tolerance capability for a given feature
• Assessing feasibility for long or large parts
• Deciding EDM vs machining for hardened or internal profiles

Best practices

• Provide exact max dimensions (X/Y/Z or diameter and length) and required tolerances
• Specify material and heat treatment state (pre- or post-hardening)
• Indicate which features need multi-face/5-axis access or live tooling
• State planned production volume to prefer Swiss or pallet-automated mills
• Ask for alternatives when result is MARGINAL to explore grinding/EDM options

Example use cases

• Confirming if a Ø150mm x 400mm shaft in 316SS to ±0.008mm is producible and which lathe to use
• Routing a 5-axis titanium bracket 500x400x300mm to the correct machining centre
• Checking if a small medical pin Ø3mm x 25mm at ±0.002mm is feasible in high volume
• Deciding between wire EDM and milling for a hardened steel cavity with sharp internal corners
• Choosing fast-response cell for a prototype that only needs ±0.050mm tolerance