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5‑Axis CNC Machining: Precision Capabilities for Complex Parts

5-axis CNC machining is an advanced form of subtractive manufacturing that allows manufacturers to create highly complex, high-precision parts in a single setup. Like other CNC processes, it works by removing excess material from a workpiece using cutting tools. Parts can be shaped from different materials, such as metals, plastics, and composites. Product teams can […]

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Design for Manufacturing (DFM): A Guide for Smarter and More Efficient Production

Not every design leads to a successful product, even if it theoretically looks flawless. The difference often comes down to Design for Manufacturing (DFM), aka Design for Manufacturability, which involves considering the manufacturing process from the start. A design that seems perfect in CAD can quickly run into real-world roadblocks once it’s time to start […]

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Audience Q&A: Injection Molding Webinar

During Fictiv’s expert webinar Inside the Digital Tool Bench: How to Engineer for Mold Success From Day One, hosted by PlasticsToday, audience members asked our panelists a wide range of practical questions on injection molding, digital DFM tools, and manufacturing best practices. Our panel included: Here are some of the top audience questions and answers […]

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2025 U.S. Tariff Updates: Key Trade Policy Changes

An ongoing log of major tariff changes and trade policy developments.

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Sheet Metal Welding Design Guide

A crucial part of sheet metal fabrication is planning how the assembly will be welded into a complete unit, known as a weldment. An optimized design makes the weldment process more efficient and cost-effective, while also improving structural strength, reducing the risk of rework, and preventing issues like weak welds or cracking. This guide will […]

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Choosing the Right Material for Your Injection Molding Project

When it comes to injection molding, selecting the appropriate material is one of the most critical decisions you’ll make. The material you choose affects not only the performance and durability of the finished product but also cost, manufacturability, and sustainability. To help you make informed decisions, we’ve developed a comprehensive Injection Molding Material Comparison Chart, […]

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FictivMade: Mold Trials & Revisions for Production-Ready Injection Molds

In earlier chapters of FictivMade, I walked through the detailed design process, DFM analysis, and how to kick off the tooling order. While placing the order is a big milestone, there is still more work to be done before the finish line. Now comes the stage of the multi-tool phone stand project where the injection […]

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Injection Molding Design Guide

The information in this article is also available as a free e-book download. Download the Injection Molding Design Guide  The Injection Molding Process Injection molding is a fast and efficient way to produce plastic parts. The tool that it uses, an injection mold, has two main parts: the core and the cavity. These two halves […]

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Product Requirements Document (PRD): Purpose & Best Practices

Why PRDs Are Vital for Hardware Development In the fast-paced world of hardware product development, even a small misunderstanding in product intent can lead to costly rework, missed deadlines, or even a failed launch. That’s where a Product Requirements Document (PRD) becomes invaluable.  A PRD serves as the single source of truth that aligns cross-functional […]

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FictivMade Part 5: Inside the Tooling Process 

In this stage of the FictivMade journey, we finalized the design for our multi-tool phone stand and submitted it for manufacturing. With DFM feedback complete and the green light given to kick off production, the next step is one of the most critical in the product development process: tooling. Injection molds are where digital design […]