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.
Aluminum is a silver-colored metal. It is soft, lightweight, and has good corrosion resistance. Pure aluminum is rarely used for parts. It’s too weak for most load-bearing tasks. But it’s excellent for electrical wiring and chemical equipment because it resists corrosion and conducts electricity well.
SFM means “Surface Feet per Minute.” It measures how fast the cutting edge of the tool moves across the material surface. This speed depends on how fast the tool spins and how big it is.
Think of it this way: if a cutting tool spins too slowly, the cut may not be clean. If it turns too fast, the tool may overheat or wear out quickly. SFM gives a number to help find the right speed.
Carbon steel machining needs clear steps, proper tool choices, and a focus on detail. Good planning helps you avoid issues like excessive tool wear or part distortion. Choosing the right cutting speeds, feeds, and coolants makes a big difference. Understanding the steel’s grade and condition lets you get the best results.
Low alloy steel is a type of steel that has small amounts of added elements, usually between 1% and 8%. These elements are added to improve the steel’s strength, hardness, resistance to rust, and toughness. Common added elements include chromium, nickel, molybdenum, and vanadium. These make the steel stronger and more durable than regular carbon steel but without the high cost of stainless steel.
DLC coating is short for Diamond-Like Carbon coating. It is a skinny layer of carbon-based material that shares some traits with natural diamonds. It’s a coating made from carbon atoms. These atoms are arranged in a way that mimics a diamond. This coating is applied to a part’s surface to make it harder, smoother, and more resistant to wear.
NEMA 1 and NEMA 12 are both types of industrial enclosures, but they serve different purposes. NEMA 1 protects against basic indoor dust and accidental contact. NEMA 12 offers better protection against dust, dirt, and dripping non-corrosive liquids. Your choice depends on where and how you plan to use the enclosure.
Infill refers to the internal structure within a 3D printed part. It supports the outer shell and gives the part its strength. Infill patterns, percentage, and orientation all affect how strong, heavy, or fast the part prints. Choosing the proper infill depends on your part’s use and requirements.
Both 6061-T6 and 6061-T651 offer high strength, good corrosion resistance, and excellent machinability. The main difference is stress relief. T651 is stretched after heat treatment, which reduces internal stresses. T6 is not. For most projects, either option can work, but T651 provides more stability when tight tolerances or large plates are required.
CNC tapping is an automated process that creates internal threads in holes using a computer-controlled machine. CNC tapping utilizes a specialized tool known as a tap. The tap spins and moves into the hole at the right speed. The machine follows a set program, so every thread has the same depth and pitch.
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