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Comprehensive engineering guides and technical insights to help you make informed decisions in precision manufacturing and CNC machining projects.
6061-T6 Aluminum: The versatile, cost-effective workhorse for most applications. 7075-T6 Aluminum: The high-strength aerospace powerhouse for critical performance applications.
Choose between cost (Nylon), performance (Delrin), and extreme conditions (PEEK) based on application requirements.
High depth-to-diameter ratios increase cost and difficulty. Design pockets with <4:1 aspect ratio for optimal manufacturing.
Turning creates round parts efficiently. Milling handles complex shapes. Choose based on part geometry for optimal cost and speed.
Bead blasting creates uniform matte finish. Tumbling effectively removes burrs and softens edges. Choose based on desired outcome.
Titanium offers ultimate performance at high cost. Aluminum provides excellent performance at moderate cost. Choose based on requirements.
Engraving for fast, shallow marks. Milling for deep, bold text that can be paint-filled or survive harsh environments.
Choose between high strength/hardness (4140) and low cost/easy machinability (1018) based on application requirements.
Hole precision and cost determined by manufacturing method: drilling for clearance, reaming for precision, boring for highest accuracy.
Passivation enhances natural corrosion resistance. Electropolishing creates ultra-smooth, cleanable surfaces for medical/food applications.
C360 (Free-Cutting Brass) is the 100% machinability standard due to exceptional ease of machining and cost-effectiveness.
Minimum wall thickness depends on material rigidity, part height, and machining strategy. Thin walls vibrate during machining, causing poor accuracy and surface finish.
Provide complete manufacturing information for fast, accurate quotes: 3D model, 2D drawings, material specs, quantities, and tolerances.
Manufacturing costs increase exponentially with tighter tolerances due to slower feeds, additional operations, and precision metrology requirements.
Thread manufacturability depends on type, depth, and location. Prioritize standard threads created with taps and dies for cost-effectiveness.
Choose between machinability and corrosion resistance. 303 for easy machining, 304 for general use, 316 for marine applications.
CNC milling uses round cutting tools, requiring internal radii. Larger radii reduce cost and improve manufacturability.
Smoother surface finishes require more machining time and special processes, exponentially increasing costs.
3-axis for simple geometries and lower cost. 5-axis for complex contours and multiple setups in single operation.
Type II for corrosion protection and appearance. Type III hardcoat for extreme wear resistance and durability.
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