Journal
CNC Design Features That Add Cost
Most of the price of a machined prototype is machine time. Eight design features that add machining time without improving the part, and how to change them on the drawing.
CNC Design Features That Add Cost
Most of the price of a machined prototype is machine time. Eight design features that add machining time without improving the part, and how to change them on the drawing.
Carbon Fiber Prototypes Without a Production Mold
Open molds for the first few parts, composite tools for short runs, matched metal molds when both faces matter, and the tooling details that affect lead time.
Carbon Fiber Prototypes Without a Production Mold
Open molds for the first few parts, composite tools for short runs, matched metal molds when both faces matter, and the tooling details that affect lead time.
Aluminum vs Steel Injection Molds
How production volume decides between aluminum and steel molds: SPI mold classes, when aluminum is enough, when P20 or H13 is needed, and two lower-cost alternatives.
Aluminum vs Steel Injection Molds
How production volume decides between aluminum and steel molds: SPI mold classes, when aluminum is enough, when P20 or H13 is needed, and two lower-cost alternatives.
What to Include in a Quote Request
The files and details that let a shop quote your part quickly and accurately: 3D CAD, a drawing with tolerances, material and finish, quantities and timing.
What to Include in a Quote Request
The files and details that let a shop quote your part quickly and accurately: 3D CAD, a drawing with tolerances, material and finish, quantities and timing.
2x2 Twill vs Spread Tow Carbon Fiber
Twill has the diagonal pattern most associated with carbon fiber; spread tow has a larger checkerboard. How each weave is made, how they differ and how to choose.
2x2 Twill vs Spread Tow Carbon Fiber
Twill has the diagonal pattern most associated with carbon fiber; spread tow has a larger checkerboard. How each weave is made, how they differ and how to choose.
Which M.2 SSD Fits a Thunderbolt NVMe Enclosure?
What the M.2 size numbers mean, why the drive has to be NVMe and not SATA, and a checklist for choosing an SSD for a Thunderbolt enclosure.
Which M.2 SSD Fits a Thunderbolt NVMe Enclosure?
What the M.2 size numbers mean, why the drive has to be NVMe and not SATA, and a checklist for choosing an SSD for a Thunderbolt enclosure.