Tracking

Latest articles

Article

Injection Molding Used in Medical Devices

Injection molding for medical devices can use plastics, thermoplastic elastomers (TPE), silicones, metals, or composite materials. There are many types of injection moldable plastics, but medical device designers often choose polypropylene, polyethylene, polystyrene, or polyetheretherketone (PEEK), depending on the application. Silicone elastomers also offer a choice of materials and combine chemical stability with support for […]

Article

Polypropylene Injection Molding

Polypropylene is a commodity thermoplastic with a semi-crystalline structure, excellent resistance to moisture and also resists bases and some acids. In addition, polypropylene has good fatigue strength, a low coefficient of friction, and is recyclable. Polypropylene is one of the most cost-effective thermoplastics available and readily supports CNC machining and injection molding.  There are two […]

Article

TPR vs. TPE: Similarities and Differences

Thermoplastic rubbers (TPR) and thermoplastic elastomers (TPE) are copolymers, or blends of polymers, that have the properties of both thermoplastic and elastomeric materials.  Thermoplastic rubber and thermoplastic elastomer are sometimes used interchangeably, but it’s important to understand that TPEs and TPRs are not one and the same. This article discusses the similarities and differences between […]

Article

Using Robotics for CNC Machine Tending

To compete in an evolving manufacturing industry, it’s important to evaluate new techniques and technologies that aim to improve productivity. One such technology is machine-tending CNC robotics. CNC robot systems are widely used in the automotive and FMCG (fast-moving consumer goods) industries due to the productivity gains they provide.  Machine-tending CNC robots have, until recently, […]

Article

Fictiv Appoints Former Twilio Executive Lynda Smith to Board of Directors

SAN FRANCISCO – March 10, 2023 – Fictiv, the operating system for custom manufacturing, today announced the appointment of Lynda Smith to its Board of Directors. Smith brings over 35 years of experience in product, marketing, sales, and general management across a diverse set of hardware and software industries and has spent over 25 years […]

Article

Consumer Electronics Certifications: FCC Regulations, EMC Testing, and More

You and your team have a killer consumer electronics product idea and the necessary skill set to bring it to market. But 50% of consumer electronics products fail EMC testing during their first pass. A failure in certification testing can stop your product development process dead in its tracks, resulting in large costs and significant […]

Article

What are Complex Parts: A Geometry Perspective

Com⠂plexadjective: complex/ˌkämˈpleks,kəmˈpleks,ˈkämˌpleks/not easy to analyze or understand; complicated or intricate.“a complex personality”Similar: complicated, involved, intricate, convoluted, tangled, elaborate What comes to mind when you hear the word complex? Maybe particle physics, the vast size of our universe, the enormity and reach of the world wide web, nuclear reactors, supplier sourcing? Any human relationship… ever? Perhaps […]

Article

Understanding Durometer: Rubber and Plastic Hardness

Material selection is one of the most important aspects of any engineering design. Depending upon your project requirements, you may need to balance the hardness or softness of a part in order to use a specific manufacturing method or tooling, or to meet end-use requirements for cushioning or impact resistance.  When working with rubbers or […]

Article

Problems with MCAD-ECAD Integration and How to Solve Them

Designing complex PCBAs for external enclosures requires meticulous attention to detail, ensuring compatibility between both mechanical and electrical aspects. In this article, we’ll discuss the importance of this integration and common problems that often arise during the process, then provide ways to avoid them.  Why MCAD and ECAD Integration is Important  Electronics and mechanical systems […]

Article

Understanding the Finite Element Method

The Finite Element Method (FEM) is a numerical analysis technique used to obtain approximate solutions to complex engineering and mathematical problems. It involves dividing a complicated object or system into smaller, more manageable parts, known as finite elements. These elements are connected together by nodes, and the governing equations for the entire system are expressed […]