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As the operating system for custom manufacturing, the Fictiv platform is constantly evolving. Whether it’s workflow automation, our digital quality system, or guided expertise features, every release makes it faster, easier, and more efficient to source and supply mechanical parts. So bookmark and share this page, and check back often to learn about Fictiv’s latest […]

The Challenge: Undercuts and Lower Volumes Undercuts are recesses or projections on the surface of an injection molded part that prevent the part’s direct removal from the mold cavity. If the undercut is external, then a device called a slider can be used. If the undercut is internal, then a device called a lifter can […]

Stainless steel, a corrosion-resistant iron-chromium alloy, is one of the most common and versatile metal alloys in the world. It’s strong, environmentally resilient, visually appealing, affordable, and has properties that are hard to come by in other metals. It is a green material due to its near-infinite recyclability. From the surface of the latest kitchen […]

Injection molding undercuts are part features that can complicate or prevent the release of injection molded parts. Examples include indentations such as side holes, vents, or slots, and protrusions such as screw threads, snaps, or latches. Often, part features like these are found in consumer electronics, automotive, and medical products. Undercuts support design complexity, but […]

Surface roughness, also known as surface finish or surface texture, is a critical feature that can distinguish a rough looking prototype from a polished finished product. In this article, we’ll explain what surface roughness is, how it’s measured, and identify some typical finishes to showcase what can be accomplished with CNC machining, and when post-processing […]

3rd annual list recognizes 241 private companies putting purpose ahead of profit  San Francisco, December 6, 2022 – Fictiv, the operating system for custom manufacturing, has been named to the Inc. 2022 Best in Business list in the Manufacturing category. The list recognizes the most dynamic companies of all sizes and industries that have had […]

Injection molding sliders and lifters are mechanisms that release a molded plastic part when an injection mold opens. Slides, or sliders, release external undercuts, recesses or projections on a part’s outer surface that prevent the part’s direct removal from the mold cavity. Lifters, on the other hand release internal undercuts, recesses or projections on the […]

What good is having the best design in the world without the ability to share it? Luckily, we have STEP files to make distributing designs easy. STEP files allow designers and engineers to share their designs in a neutral format compatible with many different CAD programs. These 3D models may also contain information about the […]

When designing plastic components, it’s often necessary to add ribs and gussets to improve the stiffness and strength of load-bearing features. This reduces material volume and optimizes print time for 3D printed parts, since it takes longer to make these features solid structures (print time is largely driven by the volume of material for a […]

Sink marks are unwanted depressions, or dimples, on the surface of an injection molded part. Generally, these defects do not affect the part’s strength or function; however, designers and injection molders still want to avoid cosmetic blemishes. Proper part design can help, but the design of the mold and the skill of the injection molder […]