We regularly update articles related to the manufacturing industry.
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.
Laser Beam Machining (LBM) is a non-contact process that uses a focused beam of light to remove material. The laser heats a small area of the workpiece. The material melts or vaporizes. The beam can cut, drill, or engrave depending on the settings.
Heat-treated steel is steel that has been heated and cooled in a specific way to change its internal structure. It works by changing the microstructure of steel, which is made up of grains that form during solidification and cooling. The goal is to control how these grains form and change.
A mill uses a spinning tool to cut and shape material, while a lathe spins the material and shapes it with a fixed tool. Mills are best for flat, complex, or angled parts, while lathes work better for round, cylindrical, or threaded shapes. Knowing when to use each machine can help you save time and avoid mistakes.
Black phosphate coating is a chemical conversion process. It applies a thin, dark gray or black layer of crystalline phosphate to steel. This happens when the parts are dipped into a hot mixture of phosphoric acid and other added chemicals. The coating sticks to the metal and creates a protective surface that feels slightly rough.
Continuous casting is a process that turns molten metal into solid shapes without stopping. The metal is poured into a moving mold. As it touches the cold walls of the mold, it begins to cool and form a solid outer shell. Rollers then pull the partly solid metal downward as it continues to cool. Once fully solid, the metal is cut into fixed lengths.
Metal Binder Jetting is an additive manufacturing process. It starts with a thin layer of metal powder spread across a build platform. A print head moves over the surface and deposits a liquid binder onto selected areas. This binder holds the powder together. Then another layer of powder is added, and the process repeats.
Blackening stainless steel means changing its surface to a dark color. This can be done using chemical, electrochemical, or heat-based methods. These methods create a thin, solid black layer on the metal. Unlike paint, this layer doesn’t peel or chip. Depending on the technique used, the finish can look shiny or matte.
Chrome is a metal coating that gives a shiny finish and protects against rust. Stainless steel is a solid metal mix that naturally resists corrosion and stains. Chrome looks bright and smooth, but it is just a thin layer on top of another metal. Stainless steel is tough all the way through and does not need extra coating. Both have unique uses and benefits, but their properties and costs differ.
OEM metal fabrication is the process of making custom metal parts or assemblies based on a company’s design. It includes steps like cutting, bending, welding, and finishing. These parts are used in products bearing the OEM’s brand name. The main goal is to turn a digital file into a real, working part that meets quality and performance needs.
Vertical milling is a cutting process where the spindle holds the cutting tool vertically. The tool moves up and down to remove material. The workpiece stays fixed on the machine table, which can move side to side and front to back.
So yes, aluminum is ductile, especially in its pure form. However, the level of ductility changes depending on the alloy and how it’s processed.
More and more industries are using titanium, changing how buyers view pricing. The cost of titanium per pound isn’t always clear. It can change due
Anodized blue refers to aluminum or another metal that has been anodized and then dyed blue. Anodizing is an electrochemical process. It thickens the natural oxide layer on the metal surface. This layer is hard, wear-resistant, and porous.
Galvanized steel has a pure zinc coating, offering strong rust protection and a shiny look. Galvannealed steel, on the other hand, is heat-treated after zinc coating, making it matte, harder, and easier to paint. Galvanized works well in wet places or where looks matter. Galvannealed is best when you need a surface that holds paint or can handle scratches.
Powder coating thickness is the depth of the coating applied to a surface. It is measured from the top of the coating to the part’s surface underneath. The ideal powder coating thickness ranges from 2 to 5 mils (50-125 microns). This ensures strong protection, a smooth look, and no performance issues.
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