We regularly update articles related to the manufacturing industry.
OEM stands for Original Equipment Manufacturer, and ODM means Original Design Manufacturer. OEM focuses on producing items based on a buyer’s design. ODM, on the other hand, develops products from its designs and sells them under another company’s brand. Both approaches help businesses bring ideas to market, but differ in control, cost, and flexibility.
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.
Circular runout controls variation at each circular cross-section. Total runout controls the entire surface across the length. Circular runout focuses on roundness at one spot. Total runout adds straightness and taper checks across the whole feature.
Sheet metal drawings are technical documents that show a part’s size, shape, and key features. They often list material type, thickness, and finish requirements. Depending on the project, these drawings can be in 2D or 3D. They provide precise cutting, bending, welding, and finishing instructions.
Design for Manufacturing (DFM) means designing products that are easy and cost-effective to make. The goal is to reduce costs, speed up production, and avoid problems later. DFM looks at every detail of a design and checks if it fits the tools, machines, and materials used in the factory.
Salt spray testing, also known as salt fog testing, is a method used for corrosion testing. It exposes metal parts to a fine mist of saltwater solution inside a controlled chamber. The goal is to create an accelerated corrosive environment. This test helps evaluate how coatings, platings, and surface treatments withstand harsh conditions.
Sheet metal setback is the distance from the bend’s apex to the start of the flange. It includes part of the bend radius and material thickness. This measurement helps define the amount of material used in the bend.
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.
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.
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.
Tolerance is the range of acceptable variation in a part’s dimension. Allowance is a planned difference between two mating parts. Tolerance controls what’s allowed. Allowance sets the gap or fit between parts. Knowing both helps teams decide how loose or tight a part should be. This ensures smooth function, good assembly, and minimal waste.
CMM inspection uses a Coordinate Measuring Machine (CMM) to measure a part’s physical dimensions. This tool helps manufacturers check essential details like size, shape, and surface features. It ensures that each part matches its design specifications.
Sheet metal joints are specialized techniques used to connect two or more pieces of sheet metal into structural assemblies. Selection prioritizes material thickness, mechanical load, and production costs. Standard methods range from permanent thermal welding and mechanical fasteners (rivets, bolts) to interlocking configurations like seams and folds.
Rapid tooling is the quick creation of molds, dies, or tools used in manufacturing. Modern methods like 3D printing, CNC machining, or additive manufacturing are used.
Traditional tooling can take weeks or even months to complete. In contrast, rapid tooling speeds up this process, allowing for much faster production. This is especially helpful when quick changes or adjustments are needed, such as during prototype development or small production runs.
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