What Is A Coordinate Measuring Machine Used For?
One of the essential workhorses for product verification is our coordinate measuring machine. We use it every day to qualify rapid prototypes and production parts that have complex geometries with tight tolerances. Learn more about how this versatile machine is one more way we ensure every part we make meets and exceeds your expectations. What […]
CNC Milling in China
At Star Rapid we make rapid prototypes, low-volume production parts and custom tools at our manufacturing facility in China. Many of these projects rely on the use of CNC milling. CNC milling is one of the foundations of modern machining. Star has invested in dozens of imported multi-axis CNC mills and lathes that allow us […]
Exoskeletons and Assistive Devices To Enhance Human Potential
Many businesses and organizations, including manufacturers, are now exploring advanced powered and unpowered exoskeletons to enhance mobility, increase strength and protect against fatigue and injury in a variety of conditions. We think this will be great for productivity, but it also represents a boon for the elderly and the disabled who need additional support to […]
The Micrometer, Its Parts, and Why It’s Essential for Making Quality Parts
What is a micrometer? A micrometer is a sensitive tool for making accurate measurements of linear dimensions. It’s one of the most important measuring instruments ever made. It has a rigid C-shaped frame. One side has an anvil that is fixed, and on the other side is a moveable spindle. The feature to be measured […]
How Pressure Affects Your Plastic Injection Molded Parts
There are many forms of pressure involved in making a plastic injection molded part. We’ve explained the importance of clamping pressure before, so now let’s look at three others: injection, holding, and back pressure. Why is this important to you? Because balancing these forces correctly is one of the keys to making consistently good parts. […]
How Clamping Pressure Impacts Your Injected Molded Parts
Getting the best results from plastic injection molding requires that the process control engineer carefully balances several related variables when setting up the machine. One of these variables is clamping pressure. What is Clamping Pressure? Clamping pressure is a measurement of the force needed to hold the mold closed during injection. If this pressure is […]
The Plastic Forming & Manufacturing Process: Top 7 Techniques
But although they’re found everywhere, not everyone knows just how they came to be. In fact, in the world of manufacturing there are eight different plastic forming methods. Each is used for a special reason, although they can sometimes be used in combination to make more complex finished parts. Today, we will take a closer […]
How is G-Code Used to Make CNC Machined Parts?
What is G-Code? G-code is a generic term for a programming language used to instruct a numerically-controlled machine tool. It controls all aspects of machine movement including spindle speed, the tool path, how fast to move and where to locate itself in a multi-axis space. Why is it Important to Verify the G-Code? Complex shapes […]
Star Rapid Partners With German Tool Supplier Guhring
At Star, we are always looking for ways to improve speed and quality. One way we’ve done this is by partnering with the tool company Guhring to ensure that we provide only the finest tools when making CNC machined parts and rapid prototypes. Guhring is a German manufacturer of carbide and PCD cutting tools like […]
The Importance Of The Reciprocating Screw In An Injection Molding Machine
The single greatest innovation in the 20th century for improving plastic injection molding comes from one of history’s original and most basic machine types: the screw. Let’s take a closer look at the ingenious application of this simple design and how it improves the plastic injection molding process. How Was Plastic First Injected? Prior to […]
