Stainless Steel Parts Machining: CNC Solutions for Every Industry
What are Stainless Steel Parts Machining? The stainless steel parts machining is the process of transforming stainless steel materials into certain parts through CNC milling, turning, and multi-axis machining. The processes are used to machine material off solid stainless steel blocks to tight tolerances and complex geometries demanded by industry. The properties of stainless steel, ... Read more
Sink Marks in Injection Molding: Causes & Fixes
An engineer can spend months perfecting a product's design. Every curve and feature is meticulously planned. Yet, when the first parts come out of the injection mold, the design can be marred by unsightly surface depressions. These flaws are known as sink marks. They are the most common and frustrating cosmetic defect in injection molding. ... Read more
Vacuum Casting Shore Hardness Chart: A Practical Guide
When designing a new product, engineers often focus on its strength and dimensions. However, for many applications, the "feel" of a part is just as critical. The softness of a button, the flexibility of a seal, or the rigidity of a housing are all essential functional characteristics. In the world of vacuum casting, these properties ... Read more
Rapid Prototyping & Low-Volume Manufacturing Guide
For product designers and engineers, the journey from a digital concept to a physical product can be complex. Choosing the right manufacturing strategy is critical. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of rapid prototyping and low-volume manufacturing. It explains how these processes accelerate product development and reduce costs. This information is backed by years of ... Read more
CNC Machining Tolerances: The Practical Chart
In the world of manufacturing, precision is paramount. A single error can compromise a part’s function. This is why CNC machining tolerances are so important. They define the acceptable range of variation for a part's dimensions. Understanding them is a critical skill for any designer or engineer. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of machining ... Read more
6061‑T6 vs 7075‑T6 for CNC Prototypes: A Complete Guide
Aluminum is a top choice for CNC machined prototypes and production parts. It offers an excellent combination of strength, light weight, and machinability. However, "aluminum" is not a single material. It is a family of diverse alloys, each with unique properties. For engineers and product designers, choosing the right alloy is a critical decision. This ... Read more
5‑Axis vs 3‑Axis CNC Machining: When to Choose
CNC machining stands as a cornerstone of modern manufacturing. It creates precise, high-quality parts from a solid block of material. Yet, not all CNC machines are created equal. The most fundamental distinction lies in the number of axes a machine can utilize. For engineers, designers, and project managers, understanding the difference between 3-axis and 5-axis ... Read more
Surface Roughness: Ra vs Rz Explained in Detail
In precision manufacturing, the surface finish of a component is a critical design feature. To the naked eye, a machined part may appear perfectly smooth. However, on a microscopic level, its surface is a complex landscape of peaks and valleys. The measurement of these microscopic textures is called surface roughness. This is not just a ... Read more
CNC Machining Cost Calculator (Method + Sheet)
The most common and critical question in manufacturing is straightforward: "How much will this part cost to make?" For CNC machining, the answer is complex. It depends on a wide range of variables, from material choice to the tightness of a tolerance. Understanding these cost drivers is essential for engineers, designers, and procurement managers. It ... Read more
SLA vs SLS vs MJF: Which 3D Printing Process is Right for You?
Industrial 3D printing has revolutionized product development. It transforms digital designs into physical parts with incredible speed and precision. However, "3D printing" is not a single technology. It is a family of diverse processes, each with unique strengths, materials, and applications. For an engineer or designer, selecting the right technology is a critical decision. This ... Read more
DMLS vs CNC Machining for Metal Parts: A Complete Guide
When creating high-performance metal parts, engineers have two dominant technologies at their disposal. They can start with a solid block of metal and carve it into shape, or they can build the part from scratch, layer by microscopic layer, from a bed of fine metal powder. These two methods—subtractive CNC machining and additive DMLS 3D ... Read more
3D Printing Tolerances: A Process‑by‑Process Chart and Guide
3D printing has unlocked unprecedented design freedom for engineers. It allows for the creation of complex geometries that were once impossible to manufacture. However, for these innovative parts to function correctly in the real world, especially in mechanical assemblies, they must be dimensionally accurate. This is where the critical concept of tolerance comes into play. ... Read more