Explore our in-depth resources by topic and find the information you need.
Cutting, bending, welding and assembly processes.
CNC machining, milling, turning and best practices.
Design and manufacturing of metal enclosures.
Metals, alloys and material selection guides.
Surface treatment, coating and finishing options.
Design for manufacturability tips and guidelines.
Real-world applications across different industries.
In-depth guides to help you make better design and manufacturing decisions.
Offset machining is making small changes to the tool’s position in a CNC machine to improve how a part is made. These changes, or “offsets,” adjust the path or depth of the cutting tool during the machining process. They are applied through the machine’s control system, without changing the original G-code program.
Subcontract machining is when a company outsources part of its manufacturing work to an external machine shop. These shops focus on cutting, shaping, and finishing metal or plastic parts to precise specifications.
Brushed aluminum has been mechanically polished to create a dull, consistent grain. This grain runs in a single direction, making the surface matte. The brushing removes small imperfections and gives the metal a sleek, modern look.
Tool steel machining means cutting, drilling, or shaping tool steel into a specific part. This can be done with CNC machines or by hand. Tool steel is a carbon and alloy steel made to be very hard and resistant to wear. It can also keep a sharp edge. Common grades include D2, O1, A2, and M2.
Titanium stamping is the process of pressing flat titanium sheets or coils into specific shapes using dies and high-force presses. The stamping process can include steps like deep drawing, blanking, bending, embossing, or piercing, each helping shape the metal into the final part.
True Position is the exact location of a feature, such as a hole, pin, or slot, as defined concerning datums. Simply, it tells us where a feature should be placed on a part. Instead of focusing on the exact X and Y values, it defines a zone—usually a circle or cylinder—within which the center of the feature must fall.
ABS plastic machining is the process of shaping ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene) into finished parts using tools like mills, drills, and lathes. ABS is a thermoplastic. It is strong, impact-resistant, and lightweight. It comes in sheets, rods, or blocks. You can cut, drill, or turn it into parts with basic machining tools.
Backstep welding is a method where the welder works in short sections, moving in the opposite direction of the overall weld path. For example, if the finished weld runs from left to right, each small segment is welded from right to left. The new bead overlaps slightly with the previous one.
When picking a material for CNC milling, you need to know your design’s needs, the part’s job, and your budget. Think about strength, machinability, cost, and how the part will be used. Then match those needs to what each metal or plastic can do. Good material choices save you time, money, and trouble.
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