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CNC vs. 3D Printing for Prototypes – Which Is Best for Your Project?

Prototyping is a critical stage of the product development lifecycle, allowing designers to validate their ideas physically before moving on to production. The prototype manufacturing method you choose is a make-or-break decision, as processes allowing quick and accurate manufacturing will enable you to iterate through designs efficiently, ultimately leading to a better end product. CNC […]

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Fictiv-Made Part 2: Design for Injection Molding and Overmolding

When designing a product, it’s important to base your design on the manufacturing process you intend to use. It helps to consider this as early as possible in the design process, as it can be more time-consuming to go back and add manufacturing details later once the design is further along. In the case of […]

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Lean Manufacturing in Production Processes 

Optimizing Injection Molding, Casting, Sheet Metal Fabrication, 3D Printing, and CNC Machining Lean manufacturing, a proven methodology focused on continuous improvement and waste reduction, has significantly shaped modern industrial production. It prioritizes maximizing value for the customer while minimizing inefficiencies across both physical (materials and resources) and process (time and energy) aspects. With its widespread […]

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Just-in-Time Manufacturing: Streamlining Production for Optimal Efficiency​

The modern manufacturing landscape is constantly evolving, with a continued focus on minimizing waste and improving productivity. Just-in-Time (JIT) manufacturing was created with this philosophy at its core. It enables manufacturers to respond to changing market conditions and to meet the increasing consumer demand for high-quality products at lower costs. JIT works in conjunction with […]

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High-Mix, Low-Volume (HMLV) Manufacturing: Production and Supply Chain Strategies 

In this article, we explore the unique characteristics of HMLV manufacturing, its challenges, and key optimization strategies. What Is High-Mix, Low-Volume Manufacturing? High-mix low-volume (HMLV) manufacturing is a production strategy particularly beneficial for businesses needing customized, small-batch products. This type of production differs from mass production, where each item is made on a large scale […]

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3D Printing for Production: Where It Works and Where It Falls Short

3D printing, also known as additive manufacturing, has long been recognized for its capabilities in prototyping. However, can it also be used for mass production? The answer is yes—recent advancements have enabled 3D printing to transition into higher-volume manufacturing. Nonetheless, it is important to note that it may not always be the best choice. This […]

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Design for Excellence (DFX) in Product Development: How DFM, DFA, and More Improve Manufacturing Efficiency

When designing a product, you want to consider all the factors that will go into its success over the course of the development process. For most companies, this involves making the best quality product at the lowest possible cost. Design for Excellence (DFX) is a modern product development approach and umbrella term that encompasses several […]

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3D Printed Molds: A Cost-Effective Alternative for Low-Volume Production and Prototyping

Are you ready to scale your design from prototyping to production quantities? If so, various bridge production methods can help you ramp up to higher volumes. You’ve likely heard of 3D printing for prototyping and injection molding for production, but you may not know about using the two together. 3D printing can provide on-demand tooling, […]

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CNC Machining Coolants and Cutting Fluids: Types, Benefits, and Best Practices

If you’ve ever seen a CNC machine operate, you know it’s loud, hot, and fast. Managing heat and friction in CNC machining is critical to maintaining precision and tool longevity. Excessive heat, primarily generated by friction between the cutting tool and the workpiece, can lead to premature tool wear, poor surface finishes, and even material […]

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5 Signs It’s Time To Upgrade Your Manufacturing Strategy – And How Digital Manufacturing Can Help

How do you know if your manufacturing strategy is holding you back? Unexpected delays, rising costs, difficulty scaling up production, supply chain disruptions, and lack of innovation are red flags that your manufacturing strategy needs an overhaul. With the challenges and competition in product development and manufacturing today, staying ahead of the game is more […]