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NEW: Shorter Lead Times for Domestic CNC Machining

We’re always looking for ways to improve the part procurement process for our customers, and lead times are a particular focus.  Which is why we’re happy to announce shorter lead times for larger geometries, CNC turned parts, and parts with undercuts! These faster turnaround times are now possible thanks to a more efficient material sourcing […]

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Fictiv’s 2023 State of Manufacturing Report Finds Leaders Grappling with AI Adoption, Workforce Productivity, and Innovation Speed

SAN FRANCISCO, June 21, 2023 —  Fictiv, the operating system for custom manufacturing, announced today the release of its eighth-annual State of Manufacturing Report, conducted in partnership with technology market research firm Dimensional Research. The report tracks decision-maker sentiment across hundreds of U.S. manufacturing companies and finds an industry marked by economic uncertainty and workforce […]

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Crumbling Down Brittleness

What do you call a brittle superhero? Fragile-man! When you think of brittleness, what comes to mind? Maybe a piece of fine porcelain that shatters when you drop it, or perhaps a window pane that shattered from an errant golf shot.  Brittleness is defined not only as the tendency of a material to fracture when […]

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The Top Five UV Resistant Plastics for Part Designers

UV-resistant plastics are specially formulated to withstand sunlight, a form of ultraviolet (UV) radiation. More specifically, these polymers resist UV degradation, a problem that can change a plastic’s physical appearance and mechanical properties. Visibly, the symptoms of UV degradation include yellowing, leaching, and bleaching. Mechanically, UV-degraded plastics exhibit brittleness and stress crack formation, and also […]

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CNC Machine Coolant: Purpose, Types, and Management

If you’ve ever seen a CNC machine operate, you know it’s loud, hot, and fast — I remember the first time I saw one in action and felt the vibrations through the floor next to the machine. Achieving accurate and high-quality results without overheating or damaging the equipment requires advanced machinery and proper cooling methods. […]

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CREO vs. SolidWorks® Comparison

Creo and SolidWorks® are considered powerful CAD packages that can generate 3D models, shop drawings, and G-code for CNC machining. Both programs can simulate designs to ensure they can handle the applied loads. Each is available in various tiers of functionality and price with different features. SolidWorks® has more flexible licensing options when compared to […]

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5 Ways AI is Impacting 3D Printing

When technologies converge, innovation can occur at a staggeringly fast pace. Advancements in additive manufacturing and artificial intelligence are now poised to combine to achieve greater results than ever before, in far less time. That’s because AI can enhance and improve every aspect of the 3D printing process, from ideation to quality control. Read on […]

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Plastic Extrusion Explained

Plastic products have gained widespread popularity because of their versatility, durability, and ease of manufacturing. Like plastic injection molding, plastic extrusion stands out as one of the most widely used processes for high-volume parts production — it’s particularly suitable for creating continuous profiles such as pipes and tubes. Industrial applications for plastic extrusion have a […]

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An Inside Look at CNC Machining: From Raw Material to Finished Goods

CNC machining is a subtractive manufacturing technique that uses computer-controlled machines to turn raw materials into finished products. It’s a detailed and efficient process used across industries, including aerospace, automotive, and medical device manufacturing. The process starts by using computer-aided design (CAD) software to create a 2D drawing, 3D solid model, or both. This design […]

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Rapid Injection Molding

Injection molding has made plastic parts a staple in our daily lives. Odds are, you’re reading this article on an injection-molded monitor while using an injection-molded mouse and keyboard. And if you’re using a smartphone instead, well, you still have som (less visible) injection molded plastic parts in your hands.  As pervasive as injection molding […]