Rapid Prototyping is an Ideal Solution for the Medical Supply Chain
The global response to the threat of Covid-19 has revealed in stark detail many of the serious problems in the worldwide supply chain for needed medical products like ventilators, diagnostic kits and personal protective equipment. Some supply problems are related to delays or inequities in various distribution channels. Others are due to a profit-driven system […]
4 Manufacturing Leadership Traits to Overcome a Crisis
Every significant industry in the world must now confront major challenges to their operations due to the ongoing effects of the novel coronavirus. Traditional and once stable supply chains have been disrupted, while some sectors of the economy have all but vanished seemingly overnight. Manufacturing industries of all types are being sorely tried as well. […]
Tips For Verifying A Supplier Remotely
As a product developer, you may be wondering how you can verify the integrity of your supply chain during these uncertain times, with so many quarantine and travel restrictions in place. While it may be difficult or even impossible to visit a supplier in person, there are still some things you can do to help […]
Controlling The 6 Factors That Affect Manufacturing Costs
Product developers need to have a clear and complete understanding of the expenses involved in making their products before they commit their resources. Some costs are relatively fixed and therefore predictable. These fixed costs can be carried by the manufacturer, the customer, or both. Other costs are more variable and depend on a number of […]
Porosity in Pressure Die Casting and How To Control It
Pressure die casting is the fastest and most cost-effective way to make high volumes of parts in aluminum, zinc or magnesium. Die cast parts have excellent surface finishes, maintain consistent features and tolerances, and waste little raw material. Pressure die casting is used to make engine blocks and motor housings, appliance parts, heat sinks, fittings, […]
The Top 7 Ways to Make Rapid Prototypes
Rapid prototypes are an essential part of the product development journey. They are used for functional testing, proof-of-concept, sales demonstrations and as master models for casting and other manufacturing processes. There are now many rapid prototyping technologies available, both additive and subtractive. Here is a look at the seven most common and how they might […]
8 Design Tips to Improve Metal 3D Printed Parts
Additive manufacturing offers exciting design opportunities for next-generation parts that need to be strong, complex and lightweight. You can design and build parts that are virtually impossible to make conventionally or that would be prohibitively expensive and time-consuming. However it’s not quite plug-and-play. You should be aware that designing for a metal part is much […]
Infographic – The CNC Machine
We use multi-axis CNC machines every day to perform a variety of milling, cutting, turning and drilling functions. They are accurate workhorses used to make countless products for every conceivable application. Because of their versatility, CNC machines can be configured in a number of ways. Regardless of their configuration or the products they make, most […]
How To Talk About Surface Texture Like A Pro
As a product designer you know that your choice of a surface texture goes a long way towards determining how your product looks, feels and performs. However, you may not realize that there’s a specialized vocabulary used by manufacturers when they make and describe surface textures. If you become familiar with these terms and how […]
Tips for Moving Your Product from Prototyping to Production
Let’s say you’ve got a great new idea for a product that you want to bring to market. You might be doing this for yourself as a lone inventor, or on behalf of a large multinational corporation. Regardless of your experience, new product introduction can be challenging even for industry veterans. We want to make […]
