When you need to cut intricate shapes out of sheet metal or acrylic, there is often no better tool than a laser cutter. This cutting technology uses high-powered lasers to quickly and precisely cut through materials with incredible accuracy. Not only can laser cutters...
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Additive vs. Subtractive Manufacturing: The Differences Explained
Additive and subtractive manufacturing are certainly not the most commonly used terms. But you’ve definitely heard of processes related to them before. CNC machining, laser engraving, and 3D printing all fit under one of these two umbrella terms. The biggest...
What is CO2 Laser Cutting, and How Does it Work?
When you need to cut parts out of a sheet, you often can’t beat the precision and speed of a laser cutter. But not all laser cutters and engravers are built the same or have the same capabilities. One of the most popular laser cutting machines is the CO2 laser cutter....
What is Wire EDM, and How Does it Work?
When people think of machining, lathes and milling machines may be the first thing they imagine. Still, there are a variety of other machining processes that may be even better suited for certain applications. One such method is electrical discharge machining (EDM)....
3 Types of Welding All Product Designers Should Understand
Welding is an efficient, reliable, and aesthetically pleasing method for joining metal assemblies together. But with so many different welding processes to choose from, product designers may not know which is best for their project. While some applications will...
Heat Treatment for Metals: What You Need to Know
Metal heating processes have been used since the ancient times. Back in the days, blacksmiths heat-treated metal to shape it into horseshoes, or wagon parts. And as the years go by, heating metal remains the most effective way to form it into the desired shape....
What is a Bead Blast? A Guide to Bead Blasting
A bead blast is a process that uses tiny beads to smooth and polish the surface of a material. After CNC machining, bead blasting is the final finishing process that gives a part its desired finish. In this comprehensive guide, we'll answer all your questions about...
What is CNC Machining? Understand This Fascinating Manufacturing Process
Take a look around, identifying and naming all the products in your surroundings, including phones, tablets, laptops, wrist watches, vehicles, and desks. Most, if not all of these items, are end products of CNC machining. CNC machining is a manufacturing process that...
Sheet Metal Bending: Basics, Types, and Tips for Product Designers
In the late 15th century, Leonardo Da Vinci sketched a simple rolling mill that demonstrated the possibility of bending sheet metals. However, it wasn’t until 1590 that this sketch became a reality as metal workers started using two heavy cylinders to press metals,...
What is Electrical Discharge Machining (EDM)? How Does it Work?
Since the advent of numerically controlled lathes in the 20th century, traditional machining using cutting tools have played a major role in fabricating different components used in a broad range of industries. But just like in every innovation (or technology),...