Resources

When performing CNC milling operations, the choice of machine and cutting tool plays a significant role in determining the surface finish and machining speed of the final parts. Depending on your desired purposes, there exists a broad variety of milling … Read more

Carbon steel, known for its strength, durability, and affordability, is widely used in numerous applications. Whether it’s the lugnuts securing your vehicle’s tires or the beams supporting the bridges you encounter, carbon steel is frequently utilized. Furthermore, it holds great … Read more

The CNC machining process involves utilizing computer software to program the movement of production equipment and tools. This method is commonly employed to operate complex machinery such as mills, lathes, CNC routers, and grinders. With CNC machining, it’s possible to … Read more

Traditional machine operations like lathes, milling, and drilling have historically relied heavily on manual control, leading to reduced accuracy and precision and requiring significant human effort and time. In response to these challenges, computer numerically controlled (CNC) machines were created. … Read more

CNC machining has become an increasingly popular technique in the medical manufacturing industry due to the high demand for precise components. These components need to meet strict quality and safety standards and be produced efficiently. Therefore, product designers and manufacturers … Read more

Polycarbonate, also referred to as PC, is an amorphous thermoplastic that tends to soften before melting. Its exceptional features, such as clarity, impact resistance, toughness, and lighter weight, make it an ideal alternative to glass. Polycarbonate can withstand higher temperatures … Read more

Teflon or PTFE stands out from most engineering plastics because of its chemical resistance, stability in high temperatures, and low friction coefficient. As a result, Teflon is a preferred material for CNC machining and milling in industrial applications. PTFE can … Read more

Acrylic, or Polymethyl Methacrylate (PMMA), is a clear and transparent polymer established as a glass substitute. This plastic is one of the most extensively used clear plastics employed in CNC systems. CNC machining creates a balance between force and fragility, … Read more

Polyetheretherketone (PEEK) is a high-performance thermoplastic used in the production of parts subjected to harsh environments such as high temperatures and chemicals. Being lightweight, it provides an excellent alternative to the majority of soft metals. However, its machining process is … Read more

Nylon has become one of the most highly sought-after engineering plastics because of its exceptional mechanical properties. In fact, it’s an alternative to traditional CNC machining materials like copper, iron, and steel in several industrial applications. Nylon is a more … Read more

ABS or Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene, a thermoplastic material unifying different properties of PS, SAN, and BS, is extensively utilized in numerous industries. With its cost-effectiveness, good machinability, and exceptional mechanical properties, ABS is widely used in consumer goods and also … Read more

POM or Delrin is an acetal homopolymer widely known for its superior durability. Its remarkable resistance to wear, creep, and warping makes it a prime option for industrial products and mechanical components. POM can be effectively machined through turning and … Read more

Sheet metal fabrication is a highly versatile and cost-effective method used to make metal parts. However, being fabricated by some manufacturing techniques such as forming, punching, bending, and cutting, additional post-processing or finishing is often required to enhance the physical … Read more

Identifying the appropriate thread type is critical for the optimal performance of your equipment. Pneumatic components such as air preparation units, air cylinders, and valves, are fitted with specific port threads, and selecting the correct thread type guarantees maximum compatibility … Read more

Brass and bronze all contain copper, which is why they can often be confused for each other. Although copper is an element, pure copper is not typically used to make copper parts. Instead, most copper, brass, and bronze parts are … Read more

The metals copper and brass belong to the group of metals known as “red metals” due to their reddish hue. Copper is pure, but brass is an alloy of copper and zinc. These metals exhibit distinctive properties that make them … Read more

Vacuum casting is a process used to produce complex components by drawing a liquid material into a silicone mold using a vacuum. It is a cost-efficient option for making plastic components in low volume production compared to injection molding. We … Read more

Bronze and Brass are two common alloys used in modern manufacturing industries. They are known as red metals because of their reddish appearance. While they differ in colors, it can be difficult to tell them apart. This article aims to … Read more

Within the realm of mechanical engineering, numerous types of fasteners are employed for assembling CNC machined components, structures, and diverse connections. The critical question is how to recognize an extensive array of fasteners and determine the appropriate one for particular … Read more

Polycarbonate and acrylic are commonly used in place of glass for various applications, as they have a similar appearance and are transparent. However, it can be challenging for users to decide which material to use. While both these two plastics … Read more

Lathe cutting tools are instrumental in producing turned parts with a lathe machine and shaping materials to the desired form, making them a crucial aspect of CNC machining. To maximize the advantages of these tools, it is essential to understand … Read more

CNC machining is a process of manufacturing by subtraction. It involves the gradual removal of material from a solid workpiece to create a desired three-dimensional outcome. The subtractive procedures used in CNC machining include milling, turning, boring, grooving, and drilling. … Read more

The use of a milling machine enables the cutting and production of specific parts or components for a project, without the need to add materials as in additive manufacturing. This is achieved by the CNC milling machine through the process … Read more

One of the main components that influence the performance of machining operations is the helix angle. This angle determines the angle of the blade when cutting into the material on the spindle’s rotation. A larger helix angle creates smoother transitions … Read more

CNC engraving is a subtractive manufacturing process that uses a rotating cutting tool to precisely remove material from a workpiece, creating a desired shape or design. It is highly accurate and efficient, allowing for repeatable and precise results. CNC engraving … Read more

Feeds and speeds are important parameters in CNC machining that directly affect the product quality, accuracy, and surface finish, as well as machining efficiency and tool life. But what factors affect these parameters, and how do you determine the optimum … Read more

Threaded fastener connections can be loosened due to shock and vibration. This is because friction, bolt stretching, and compression between the threads of the two pieces are not enough to hold them together. To counteract this, lock nuts have been … Read more

CNC wood routers play a significant role in woodworking jobs as they provide precision and accuracy in the fabrication of a wide range of materials and components. They are used to create detailed components, 3D shapes, and intricate designs by … Read more

Drilling is the process of creating a hole, while tapping is the technique applied to cut threads within the hole, so tap drills and tapping tools are commonly used to in turn to make CNC parts with threaded holes. When … Read more

CNC machining is a process of using computerized tools to shape and form materials into desired parts and components. It requires precision and accuracy, which is why it’s important to use the right fixtures or clamps for CNC machining. CNC … Read more

It is essential to understand the surface roughness chart and the significance it has on the performance and longevity of the product. Too much roughness can cause excessive friction, leading to breaks and corrosion which will ultimately damage the material. … Read more

Engineering drawing abbreviations are a set of standardized symbols and abbreviations used on engineering drawings to represent common terms and phrases. The symbols and abbreviations represent various components, processes, and measurements used in engineering design. Abbreviations are used to reduce … Read more

The drilling machine is indispensable equipment in the machine shop whose importance is equal to the lathes. This type of machine has high versatility, primarily designed for drilling holes and many other operations with the proper tools. Let’s learn about … Read more

Overmolding is a manufacturing process that involves the injection molding of one material over another. Since the materials engaged in overmolding must bond together, the plastics must be compatible with each other. Material compatibility stems from chemical compatibility, which is … Read more

What is the very first thing that springs to mind when you think about fasteners? Most likely, it’s a screw. They have become a universal symbol for fasteners due to their distinctive helical ridges. The outside threading on screws helps them … Read more