Why CNC Machining Beats Traditional Machining Every Time
The advent of computers brought the concept of numerical systems to reality for many industries. Manufacturing, in particular, has widely embraced the technology, with CNC
Search Results
CNC Fabrication: 3, 4 and 5-Axis CNC Explained
CNC fabrication involves the use of Computer Numerical Control (CNC) machines to shape and resize a block of material (known as a workpiece) by automatically
CNC prototyping: 5 things you need to know
Computer Aided Design (CAD) was seen by many as a turning point in the world of business but now we have Computerised Numerical Control (CNC).
Design guide for CNC Milling
CNC milling is the most common fabrication method for professional prototyping, scaling well into the low- to mid-volume levels and sometimes higher. As with any
OpenSource CNC-From CAD to FAB
I first encountered “Rapid Prototyping” or “3D Printing” back in the late 1980’s, when I contracted with a Canadian company that offered the service based
Top Aerospace Companies to Work For. Engineering at its Best
Top Aerospace Companies to work for Are you considering a career in aerospace? This article will go over a list of 15 top aerospace companies
Processes Used in Metal Fabrication
The history of metal fabrication, alternatively known as metalworking, dates back to ancient times with the development of civilisation largely being down to the discovery
Women in Engineering: How to Choose the Right Sector
“Women in Engineering” movement is gaining momentum. The barriers for women working in engineering are falling, so where would you work if you had the
What is Strain Hardening / Cold Working / Work Hardening?
Strain hardening, also referred to as cold working or work hardening, is the process where metals are made stronger and harder through permanent deformation. You
SolidWorks Motion Study Tutorial
SolidWorks Motion Studies allows for more complex machines like engines to be designed where every part is moving on the correct path. This SolidWorks Motion
SWOOD – the woodworking design software for SolidWorks
What is SWOOD? SWOOD is a CAD/CAM woodworking furniture design software that is integrated with SolidWorks. The program was created by the company EFICAD, with
AutoCAD vs. SolidWorks. What is the difference? Which is easier to learn?
AutoCAD vs SolidWorks – which is better? AutoCAD and SolidWorks both enable its users to design in both 2D and 3D, and perform as an
Top AutoDesk Software in 2020: AutoCAD, Fusion 360, Inventor and Revit
AutoCAD The CAD in AutoCAD stands for Computer Aided Design, and this program is exactly that, a computer aided design and drafting application. AutoCAD was
The Differences Between Metal vs. Plastic 3D Printing
3D printing has been widely adopted for rapid prototyping as well as for low-volume, end-use parts. The term “3D printing” is synonymous with additive manufacturing,
SolidWorks Student Edition: free and licensed versions overview
Most students don’t have a lot of money to splash around, and unfortunately, students are not eligible for a SolidWorks free trial, as that’s only
Markforged Metal X price, technology and 3D printing materials
Metal 3D printers have been around for over a decade but have been out of reach for most. With the introduction of the Markforged Metal
Surface Roughness Chart & Useful Information
The surface roughness chart is a concept that expresses the amount and extent of deviation of a surface from being perfectly flat. As it is
Linear Broaching & Rotary Broaching: Process Guide
What is Broaching? How does a broach work? Broaching is a subtractive manufacturing process that produces features by removing material form a part with a
Electron Beam Melting (EBM): process, materials, uses
Many types of additive layer manufacturing processes have become well-known in recent years, but Electron Beam Melting (EBM) is still relatively new an uncommon. Electron
What is a Profilometer and why is it used?
A profilometer is a highly specialised meteorological measurement device that is used for the determination of the roughness of a surface. As a measurement instrument,
What Can On-Demand Manufacturing Do For You?
While the term “on-demand manufacturing” may seem fairly broad it has actually revolutionised the way in which small, medium and large sized companies are able
The Internet of Things – and how it applies to manufacturing
In the past couple of years, the term “Internet of Things” (IoT) emerged in the manufacturing world and has also been embraced by consumer and
Rapid Prototyping Basics
For those in the design world, the idea of rapid prototyping is not a new concept; prototypes of every new design must be produced to
Lathe Machine Parts – A Quick Guide
In this article we will give an overview of the components of a lathe; the lathe machine parts and their primary functions. Lathes refer to
Is it possible to ban 3D printed guns?
Legislation that would ban 3D printed guns was originally proposed by New York Congressman Steve Israel but was not passed into law. According to Israel’s
Managing Automation Intelligence
As automation continues to enter into manufacturing plants, on both the operation and machining sides, it is important to understand how education will impact the
Additive or Subtractive Manufacturing?
Before prototyping or manufacturing a product, it is important to consider all the different manufacturing processes which are available, as well as the strengths and
Lock Design Masterclass – Part 1
As a field of mechanical engineering, lock design has its own unique challenges, including the fact that you are designing something in the full expectation that
Hybrid machines: A little bit of give and take
3D printing is a technological miracle but is not without its limitations, but then again so do many other manufacturing methods. Additive manufacturing (SLA, SLS,
Getting Started with 3D Printing
Here is a description of my recent experiences building a 3D printer and getting it up and running, for those that might be interested in
Cutting processes – tolerance and surface roughness
Here’s a useful table of tolerance and surface roughness achievable with cutting and machining process (collectively termed “material removal processes” or “Subtractive Manufacturing“). More useful
Wire EDM (Wire Electro Discharge Machining)
Wire EDM (Wire Electro Discharge Machining, or WEDM) involves a continuously spooling conductive wire (the most widely used is brass). A power supply generates rapid electric
Technology and the Electric Guitar
The electric guitar industry can be described as a closed industry. It is difficult to get new ideas accepted in a field that is already
