We regularly update articles related to the manufacturing industry.
Aluminum grades are numbered series that group alloys by their central element. Each series offers different properties. For example, the 6000 series provides good strength and weldability. The right grade balances your needs for strength, corrosion resistance, and how easy it is to machine.
Epoxy-coated aluminum is aluminum covered with a thin, even layer of epoxy resin. The resin bonds firmly to the surface, forming a tough, protective shell. This shell works as a barrier against moisture, chemicals, and wear. It also gives the surface a smooth finish, which can be clear or colored.
Geomet coating is a water-based protective layer made from zinc and aluminum flakes. It forms a thin, even film on the surface of metal parts. This layer blocks moisture, salt, and chemicals, helping to stop rust and wear. Since it does not contain heavy metals like chromium, it is safer for workers and better for the environment.
Galvanized steel stamping is a process that shapes galvanized steel sheets into custom parts. Before stamping, the steel is coated with a thin layer of zinc, which forms a barrier that prevents rust and surface damage. The stamping process uses dies and presses to cut, bend, or create the steel into specific shapes.
Turnkey manufacturing is an end-to-end service. The turnkey approach means the customer hands over a project to a manufacturer who manages everything. The provider oversees product design, prototyping, material sourcing, production, assembly, testing, and packaging. The client receives a final product that is ready for use or sale.
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.
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.
Thread tapping is cutting threads inside a hole using a tap. The tap has cutting edges shaped to match the thread profile. As it turns into a drilled hole, it removes grooves to form a threaded path.
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