The Different Types of Manufacturing Processes & Approaches

Manufacturing is a broad term that covers a range of different tasks and processes. The simple definition of manufacturing is the making of goods using machinery. The manufacturing process describes the steps taken to transform raw materials into finished products.

What is Plated Steel?

Plating steel parts reduces corrosion, increases the hardness, improve wearability, reduces friction, and can alter conductivity. There are a few different types of plating, and they each have unique pros and cons.

4130 vs 4140 vs 4340 Steel

4xxx steel alloys are stronger than many other steel alloys. These alloys are commonly used for gears, tooling, automotive parts, and high-strength pins, nuts, and bolts. The added Molybdenum offers similar strength as titanium, at a much lower cost.

Titanium vs Stainless Steel: Which Metal is Right for Your Project

The primary differences between titanium and stainless steel come from the fact that titanium is an element and stainless steel is an alloy. The properties of titanium are naturally found in the metal. While stainless steel is a mixture of iron, chromium, nickel, and other elements.

5 Major Industries That Use CNC Machining

CNC machining is typically used for metal parts and components that have complex designs and tight tolerances. Because of the accuracy and ability of CNC machining, it’s one of the highest demand manufacturing methods.

Coarse Thread vs Fine Thread Comparison

Coarse threads create a stronger bond with softer and more brittle materials like wood, drywall, and sheet metal. Coarse threads are also less likely to be cross threaded. Fine threads are used in smaller and more precision fasteners and create a strong bond.

Different Types of Gears And Their Applications

Mechanical gears, or cogs, are used to transfer torque or power from one part to another. The general purpose of every gear is the same, but there are many different types of gears, each with pros and cons.

Everything You Should Know About Thread Galling

Thread galling is wear that happens when two threaded parts rub against each other. Over time, the build-up of friction causes the threads to stick together. This build-up of friction can cause excessive wear and tear on the threads, leading to seized bolts, and stripped threads.

What is Material Requirement Planning (MRP)?

MRP (Material Requirement Planning) is an inventory management concept used to optimize inventory and minimize risks. MRP was developed in the 1960s, and has continued evolving. The concepts are used today by every manufacturing business.

Direct vs. Indirect Procurement

Direct procurement is the purchase of things used to make or manufacture something a customer will buy, while indirect procurement is the purchase of goods and services that aren’t directly related to the production process.

How Lead Time Affects the Supply Chain

There are 5 aspects of effective supply chain management: 1 - Planning 2 - Sourcing 3- Manufacturing 4- Delivery 5 - Returns. Lead Time for the Company = Procurement Time + Manufacturing Time + Shipping Time. Manufacturing lead times impact each of these.

Countersink vs. Counterbore Holes in Machining

The difference between countersink and counterbore holes is the shape of the top of the hole. Countersink holes have a cone-shape, while counterbore holes have a cylindrical shape.

What is CNC Milling?

CNC milling is a machining process that uses computerized controls and rotating cutting tools to produce a custom-designed part or product. This process is used for machining a wide range of materials, and can manufacture a variety of precision parts.

Heat Treating Aluminum Parts: Benefits and Methods

Heat treating is a process used to alter the physical and mechanical properties of metals. Heat treating aluminum parts is a common practice to increase the strength, hardness, and ductility of the metal.

What’s the Difference Between CNC Milling & CNC Turning?

CNC machining is a process to machine precision parts. Most people will refer to any type of CNC operation as simply CNC machining. But, not all CNC processes and machines are the same. There are quite a few different types of CNC machines that are used for various operations.

3D Printing for Rapid Prototyping

Rapid prototyping is a sped up fabrication of the part while maintaining accuracy. Where the prototype design is a close match the proposed finished product, it’s called a high fidelity prototype. A low fidelity prototype has marked difference between the prototype and the final product.