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Article
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 […]
Article
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 […]
Article
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 […]
Article
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 […]
Article
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 […]
Article
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 […]
Article
In many manufacturing facilities, design engineers have a diva reputation — they’re known for imparting impossible-to-manufacture requirements, strict quality control requirements, and an unwillingness to compromise. While those stereotypes are earned, the truth is that most design engineers are passionate about the products they design and want to ensure the highest quality for their customers […]
Article
In 2023 Chinese New Year, also known as the Lunar New Year, comes early—starting January 21st. Here’s what you need to know. Key Takeaways Why Chinese New Year Disrupts Manufacturing Production The official Chinese holiday runs this year from January 21st – January 27th. During this time, people leave the industrial cities of coastal China […]
Article
More than 3.2 million product designers and engineers use SOLIDWORKS worldwide. Fun fact: SOLIDWORKS crashed on me during a final exam once and my professor was not sympathetic — instead he decided to teach me a lesson in saving files more frequently. That lesson still haunts me over a decade later. Pro-tip: Always follow SOLIDWORKS […]
Article
Weld lines in injection molding are a type of cosmetic defect that detracts from a plastic part’s appearance. In some cases, a weld line can also cause a loss of strength and impact resistance. Known also as knit lines and weld marks, weld lines are difficult to eliminate completely, especially if your injection molded part […]
