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Cutting, bending, welding and assembly processes.
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Design and manufacturing of metal enclosures.
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Real-world applications across different industries.
In-depth guides to help you make better design and manufacturing decisions.
Low-volume CNC machining is a manufacturing strategy used to produce small batches of custom parts, typically ranging from 10 to 1,000 units. It eliminates expensive tooling costs, making it ideal for functional prototyping, bridge production, and specialized end-use components that do not justify mass-production molds.
18/8 stainless steel is an alloy mainly made of iron, chromium, and nickel. Chromium provides rust resistance, while nickel helps maintain the metal’s stability and shine. The typical blend is 18% chromium and 8% nickel, balanced with iron and tiny amounts of other elements. These different elements might include carbon and manganese to add strength.
Metal Injection Molding (MIM) is a manufacturing method that uses metal powder and a plastic binder. First, the metal powder mixes with the binder to form a feedstock. This mix is injected into a mold, much like how plastic parts are manufactured.
Cold rolled steel stamping forms metal parts by pressing steel sheets into specific shapes using a die. The process happens at room temperature. This gives better dimensional control and surface quality. The steel used is first cold rolled—passed through rollers to reduce thickness and improve strength.
CNC milling costs vary based on material type, part design, quantity, machine time, and labor. On average, prices range from $50 to $150 per hour. Simpler aluminum parts cost less, while complex stainless steel parts or prototypes cost more. Knowing what affects the price helps you control it.
Deep draw metal stamping is a metal forming method. It uses a punch to push a sheet metal blank into a die. As the punch moves, the metal stretches and flows inward. This creates a part that has depth without splitting or thinning too much. The process is done cold, meaning no heat is applied.
The bend radius is the distance from the center of a bend to the inside surface of the metal. It measures how tight or wide the bend is. A small radius makes a sharper bend. A large radius makes a smoother one. This value is based on the inside of the bend, not the outer edge.
Metal forging is a manufacturing process that shapes metal using compressive forces. The metal is first heated to a set temperature. This makes it soft and easier to work with. Then, the metal is shaped using presses, hammers, or special molds called dies. During this process, the metal’s internal grain lines follow the shape of the part.
Cast aluminum involves pouring molten aluminum alloys into precision molds to produce complex, near-net-shape components. Highly valued for its exceptional strength-to-weight ratio and thermal conductivity, this process minimizes post-machining costs while delivering lightweight, corrosion-resistant parts for automotive and aerospace sectors.
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