Category: Process

Advice on How to Outsource CNC Manufacturing to China With its skilled manufacturing workforce, efficient infrastructure, and competitive pricing, China has become a leading destination for outsourced CNC machining and fabrication. However, effectively leveraging Chinese vendors requires understanding key differences in business practices, cultural approaches, and supply chain logistics. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll share tips and best practices for Western companies to successfully outsource CNC production to China based on firsthand experience. Picking the Right CNC Partner China has countless CNC shops ranging from small job shops to enormous manufacturing campuses. Picking the right partner is crucial. Seek out…

Types of Materials To Use In The Diverse Methods of Casting Casting involves pouring liquid metal into a mold cavity, allowing it to solidify, then removing the final part. This manufacturing process allows the efficient creation of complex, detailed metal components at high production volumes. However, cast parts are highly influenced by the mold material and base metal used. Selecting the ideal pairing is crucial for success. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll examine the most common categories of materials used in major casting processes along with their key characteristics and applications. Sand Casting Materials Sand casting utilizes bonded sand molds…

The Benefits of Machining in Manufacturing Machining involves the cutting away of material from a workpiece using power-driven machine tools to manufacture parts with desired geometry and tolerances. Ever since the Industrial Revolution, machining processes including turning, milling, drilling, boring, and grinding have remained indispensable manufacturing techniques across practically every industry. In this comprehensive article, we’ll explore the continued relevance and unique advantages that machining delivers for modern manufacturing. Reduced Reliance on Manual Labor One of the foremost appeals of machining is reducing reliance on intensive manual labor. Machining utilizes powered machine tools to automate the material removal process under…

Finding the Right Tools for Machining on a Budget For machinists and metalworking hobbyists alike, acquiring quality tools is essential yet can also be cost-prohibitive. Brand-name end mills, drill bits, cutting inserts, tool holders, and more can be expensive to purchase upfront given the investment required by tooling manufacturers. However, with the right guidance, it's possible to equip a machine shop with competent tooling without breaking the bank. In this comprehensive blog post, we’ll explore smart strategies for sourcing, selecting, and caring for budget machining tools to save money without completely sacrificing performance. Evaluate Your Needs Before buying anything, consider…

Acrylic CNC Machining Acrylic also referred to as polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), has become one of the most commonly used materials for CNC machining across a broad range of industries. With its optical clarity, UV resistance, reasonably high strength-to-weight ratio, and ease of fabrication, acrylic sheeting has proven to be a versatile thermoplastic for producing precision machined parts. In this comprehensive blog, we’ll provide an in-depth look at acrylic CNC machining and discuss key applications, advantages, considerations, and tips when working with this plastic. Introduction to Acrylic Acrylic is a transparent thermoplastic often used as a lightweight alternative to glass. Some…