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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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New Product Introduction (NPI) for Manufacturing: Tips for Team Alignment

Introducing a new product to the market comes with many challenges and unexpected turns. It’s never as easy as it sounds, but having a structured plan for team alignment goes a long way.  The New Product Introduction (NPI) process follows a structured approach to ensure a product moves efficiently from concept to market launch. Each […]

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Powder Coating: Process, Benefits, and Industry Applications

The next time you stop to admire the quality of your sleek blue bicycle or bright red grill, you may have powder coating to thank. It’s commonly used to enhance the appearance and longevity of products all around us. This article will discuss powder coating, the steps involved in the process, its benefits and drawbacks, […]

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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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The Best 3D Printers in 2025 – A Complete Guide for Every Need

So you’ve got a great idea for a new product, have a design ready, and can even picture it on store shelves. Now what? Many product designers look to 3D printing to test their ideas and get a sample in their hands relatively quickly and inexpensively. As 3D printing expands into professional and industrial use, […]

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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, […]