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Production quality parts without the tooling investment.
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Across clean energy, smart buildings, and the skies above our cities, a generation of innovators is turning ambition into hardware, and hardware into a livable future. This Earth Day, we’re celebrating nine of them. Lunar Energy The Lunar System does something deceptively simple. It captures solar energy during the day, stores it in a home […]
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High-Pressure Engineering in a Small Form Factor The Breville Bambino Plus compresses key espresso machine architectures—thermal management, pump-driven pressure control, and automated milk texturing—into a compact footprint. At the $500 price point, it occupies the middle ground between entry-level (home) and professional-grade (fancy bistro). After unboxing, we did what any sane engineering team would do: […]
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High-Pressure Engineering in a Small Form Factor The Breville Bambino Plus compresses key espresso machine architectures—thermal management, pump-driven pressure control, and automated milk texturing—into a compact footprint. At the $500 price point, it occupies the middle ground between entry-level (home) and professional-grade (fancy bistro). After unboxing, we did what any sane engineering team would do: […]
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Investment strengthens digital manufacturing capabilities to support AI, robotics, and automation in the rapidly growing agritech industry. Tokyo, Japan and San Francisco, CA – March 16, 2026 – MISUMI Group Inc. (Head Office: Chiyoda‑ku, Tokyo; Representative Director and President: Ryusei Ono; hereinafter “MISUMI”) today announced on March 16, 2026, that it has entered into a […]
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New capability compresses sourcing cycles from weeks to seconds enabling faster product development, lower risk and smarter procurement decisions. San Francisco, CA – March 17, 2026 — Fictiv today announced the introduction of Instant Injection Molding Quoting, a significant enhancement of Fictiv’s industry-leading injection molding services and an integral part of Fictiv’s Digital Manufacturing and […]
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Export controls can feel complex, intimidating, and easy to get wrong—especially for teams building advanced hardware in aerospace and other regulated industries. But export control confusion doesn’t need to slow your program down. This article explains how export controls work and how Fictiv supports your export-controlled projects. It covers what’s supported under the EAR and […]
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Fictiv delivers classification confirmation and automated detection safeguards tosupport regulated production manufacturing that improves compliance andmitigates global regulatory risk. OAKLAND, Calif., March 3, 2026 — Fictiv, a global supply chain and manufacturing company, today announced enhancements to its export control services, embedding classification confirmation and automated safeguards directly into its digital manufacturing platform and services to deliver […]
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New Research Shows AI, Digital Platforms, and Regional Resilience Are Reshaping Manufacturing and Supply Chain Leadership SAN FRANCISCO — Fictiv, a global supply chain and manufacturing company, and MISUMI Global, a leading global supplier of mechanical components and manufacturing services, today released the 11th Annual State of Manufacturing & Supply Chain Report, a survey of […]
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Evans to unify MISUMI Americas and Fictiv into a single unified AI-powered platform for standard and custom parts serving Climate Tech, Robotics, MedTech, EVTOL, Aerospace, and Factory Automation Schaumburg, IL — January 22, 2026 — MISUMI Group, Inc. a leading global supplier of mechanical components for the manufacturing industry, announced today that Dave Evans has […]
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“Perfection is achieved not when there is nothing more to add, but when there is nothing left to take away.” – Antoine de Saint-Exupery Your day isn’t going well when your boss quotes a French novelist at you. In this case, my design was rejected because my boss thought that it wasn’t “elegant”… What? Days […]
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Global leader in manufacturing and supply chain transformation achieves record growth, significant platform advancements, and expanded global production capabilities to power the next generation of manufacturing innovation San Francisco, Calif. – December 2, 2025 – Fictiv, a global leader in supply chain and manufacturing, today announced a significant expansion of its platform and portfolio of […]
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In 2026, the Chinese New Year, also known as the Lunar New Year, is February 16–20, 2026. Here’s what you need to know. Key Takeaways Why the Chinese New Year Disrupts Manufacturing Production The official Chinese holiday runs this year from February 16-20, 2026. During this time, people leave the industrial cities of coastal China […]
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As manufacturers across the U.S. and Canada bring production closer to home, the fastest teams are winning launch windows. Compressing the “design → make → test” cycle isn’t just about efficiency—it’s now a core competitive advantage. On-demand CNC machining, by intelligently routing precision parts to pre-vetted suppliers across regions, enables faster prototyping and pilot production […]
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From concept to production, meviy streamlines the sourcing of precision parts made from Teflon (PTFE) and other high-performance materials. Known chemically as polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), Teflon is a trusted engineering polymer offering exceptional chemical resistance, low friction, and dimensional stability under heat. With instant online quoting, DFM (Design for Manufacturability) feedback, and MISUMI-backed production quality, meviy helps […]
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SAN FRANCISCO, CA — November 4, 2025 — Fictiv, a global manufacturing and supply chain technology company, proudly welcomes President Ryusei Ono of MISUMI Group Inc. to its U.S. headquarters in Oakland, CA. President Ono is the Representative Director and President of MISUMI Group Inc., which supplies and distributes over 30 million products globally and 80 sextillion […]
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For U.S. machine shops, the last few years have been anything but steady, marked by an unpredictable mix of tailwinds and headwinds. Reshoring and record factory construction have boosted demand, while tariffs and cost inflation continue to tighten margins and blur forecasts. Here’s a clear-cut view of what’s gaining traction, what’s slowing, and how to […]
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As product development cycles accelerate, engineering leaders face a recurring strategic question: How fast can we prototype—and where does it make financial sense to build? With premium compensation levels for mechanical engineers (especially with seniority and years of experience), the opportunity cost of hands-on prototyping has never been higher. When factoring in loaded labor rates, […]
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Top DFM Tips, Finishing Choices, and BOM Consolidation Strategies In October 2025, Fictiv’s manufacturing experts hosted an in-depth training session in Mesa, AZ, covering advanced topics in surface finishing, Bill of Materials (BOM) consolidation, and Design for Manufacturing (DFM)—including guidelines to follow and when to push their limits. Led by Robbie Long, Tessa Axsom, and […]
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In the world of engineering and material science, understanding the properties of materials is essential to designing safe, efficient, and reliable structures. One of the most important properties is ductility, which refers to a material’s ability to deform plastically without breaking. Whether in bridges, aircraft, pipelines, or consumer products, ductility plays a vital role in […]
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The Injection Molding Design Guide and all information in this article is available as a free e-book download. Download the Injection Molding Design Guide Injection molding design focuses on creating plastic parts that can be manufactured efficiently while maintaining strength, quality, and consistency. By following key design guidelines—such as proper wall thickness, draft angles, rib […]
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Tool steel is one of the most important materials in modern manufacturing. Known for its exceptional hardness, high wear resistance, and dimensional stability, tool steel is the go-to choice for demanding applications like fixturing, cutting, stamping, molding, and forming. If you are looking to buy tool steel parts online or are considering custom tool steel […]
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New DDP and Configuration Options Provide Cost Transparency and Control for Customers Worldwide San Francisco, CA — August 7, 2025 — Fictiv, the trusted global manufacturing and supply chain company, today announced new total landed cost pricing on its platform via Delivered Duty Paid (DDP) and Importer of Record (IoR) configuration options. With so many […]
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Trusted global manufacturing and supply chain leader delivers best-in-class injection molding experience with advanced DFM tools and unmatched mold build visibility San Francisco, CA — July 22, 2025 — Fictiv, the global manufacturing and supply chain company, today announced significant advancements in its injection molding capabilities, reinforcing its position as the easiest and most reliable […]
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For its strong performance and innovative technology, Fictiv is presented with Frost & Sullivan’s 2025 Global Technology Innovation Leadership Recognition in the supply chain for custom mechanicals. Click here to read the report.
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SAN ANTONIO, TX. – July 7, 2025– Frost & Sullivan is pleased to announce that Fictiv, a global manufacturing and supply chain company, has received the 2025 Global Supply Chain for Custom Mechanicals Technology Innovation Leadership Recognition for its outstanding achievements in technology innovation, digital orchestration, and customer value creation. Frost & Sullivan evaluates companies […]
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The AI Leader in Global Supply Chain & Manufacturing Joins MISUMI to Build a Global Manufacturing Platform for Engineering and Supply Chain Organizations San Francisco, CA — June 18, 2025 — Fictiv, a global manufacturing and supply chain technology company, today announced it has officially joined the MISUMI Group Inc., a leading global supplier of […]
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Trusted global supply chain manufacturer now offers large-part CNC machining San Francisco, Calif. – June 10, 2025 – Fictiv, a global manufacturing and supply chain company, announced the launch of its Large Part CNC Machining Services, enabling production of custom CNC parts up to 34 feet long (5X larger than the competition) with industry-leading tolerances, […]
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Trusted global manufacturing leader strengthens global operations to mitigate tariff challenges, boost scalability, and meet surging demand for complex production services San Francisco, Calif. — March 24, 2025 — Fictiv, a global leader in manufacturing and supply chain solutions, today announced the official opening of a new office in Bangalore, India. This strategic expansion reinforces […]
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In industrial settings, “bending” has two main meanings. One refers to the mechanical force that causes an object to bend, while the other refers to the process of deforming materials.This article aims to help you take your first step toward understanding bending processes. What is Bending Processes? Bending is the act of applying force to […]
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Amid global tensions and tariffs, the global manufacturing leader unveils a new offering that strengthens its portfolio of solutions and enhances its digital supply chain network. Fictiv, a leader in manufacturing and supply chain solutions, today announced GlobalFlex, an innovative injection molding solution engineered to mitigate global supply chain disruptions and optimize lowest landed costs. […]
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The advent of CAD systems, additive manufacturing, and CNC machining have made the design and manufacture of complex part designs almost routine. Engineers today are tasked with designing components that may be subjected to a variety of factors, including extreme weather conditions, chemicals, bodily fluids, high stress or loads, impacts, and other elements that could […]
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OEMs can source economical steel tools manufactured overseas and ship them to Mexico for reliable, nearshore production—seamlessly through Fictiv’s global manufacturing network. Fictiv, a global manufacturing company, provides a hybrid injection molding solution for original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) who need the best possible tooling craftsmanship for reliable nearshore production. Through Fictiv’s global manufacturing network, OEMs […]
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When you hear “thermosetting resin,” what comes to mind? Today, thermosetting resins are typically produced in smaller volumes than thermoplastic resins and often play a supporting role in the materials industry. However, did you know that the first synthetic resin ever invented was not a thermoplastic, but a thermosetting resin called Bakelite? Thermosetting resins undergo […]
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The manufacturing industry plays a vital role in the global economy, driving innovation and providing millions of jobs. Tracking the evolution of this sector helps businesses anticipate market trends, enables policymakers to craft informed regulations, and empowers investors to identify emerging opportunities. At Fictiv, we have compiled key manufacturing industry statistics and trends that will […]
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Aluminum used in industrial settings often takes the form of an alloy, with various types available. One precious alloy is aluminum 2017, also known as duralumin, which is known for its strength, workability, and lightweight properties. But what is it exactly, and what makes it so unique? In this article, we delve into an overview […]
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6061 aluminum (6061 AL) is a type of alloy widely used in industrial products, construction materials, and furniture. There are several types of aluminum alloys due to variations in composition and properties such as strength and corrosion resistance. Not all aluminum alloys are the same, each possessing its own characteristics, making it crucial to select […]
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SAN FRANCISCO BAY AREA, August 6, 2024 – Fictiv, a global manufacturing company, is proud to announce that it has been named a 2024 Great Supply Chain Partner by SupplyChainBrain. This prestigious industry award recognizes Fictiv’s outstanding supply chain services that help customers simplify sourcing for custom mechanical parts and assemblies from early stage prototyping […]
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Polyethylene terephthalate, commonly known as PET, is a versatile, transparent resin that is widely used in both daily life and industrial fields. This article delves into the applications and characteristics of PET, and the distinctions of PET from other similar materials. What is PET? PET is a resin formed by combining terephthalic acid and ethylene […]
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Following four years of unprecedented global disruptions, insights indicate manufacturing leaders are working to balance innovation, profitability, and AI implementation with many shifting regionalization strategies. SAN FRANCISCO BAY AREA, May 29, 2024— Fictiv, a global manufacturing company, today announced the release of its ninth-annual State of Manufacturing Report—an industry-leading survey of manufacturing leaders that tracks […]
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SAN FRANCISCO BAY AREA, May 6, 2024 – Fictiv, a global manufacturing company, has been awarded top honors in the 2024 Hermes Creative Awards, one of the oldest and largest international creative competitions in the world. Fictiv was awarded Platinum honors for outstanding creative work in its 2023 State of Manufacturing integrated marketing campaign and […]
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Industry-first AI assistant helps engineers choose the right manufacturing material for their projects. SAN FRANCISCO, February 6, 2024 – Fictiv, a global manufacturing company, today announced the release of Materials.AI™, an industry-first AI assistant powered by ChatGPT that helps mechanical engineers quickly and easily navigate material options for their manufacturing needs. Materials.AI is powered by […]
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With advances in material science and manufacturing technologies like 3D printing, it can be overwhelming (not to mention time-consuming) to find the right material for your project needs. That’s why we created Materials.AI: a first-of-its-kind artificial intelligence assistant, powered by ChatGPT and Fictiv’s expansive manufacturing database, to help you navigate the complex landscape of plastic […]
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Customers can now access more capabilities and capacity for expanded production methods, simplifying custom mechanical sourcing. SAN FRANCISCO, January 16, 2024 – Fictiv, a global manufacturing company, announced today a significant expansion of its production manufacturing capabilities, adding Sheet Metal, Die Casting, and Compression Molding to its global network and AI-powered quote-to-order platform. With these […]
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While the presence of women in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields has been historically low, there’s a noticeable trend of growth in the number of women pursuing careers in engineering. This shift not only opens up new opportunities for women but also enriches the engineering domain with diverse perspectives and skills. To illuminate […]
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SAN FRANCISCO, November 15, 2023 – Fictiv, the operating system for custom manufacturing, today announced the addition of Carbon Digital Light Synthesis™ (DLS) technology to its catalog of on-demand 3D printing services in the USA. This new offering follows a major 3D printing service expansion giving customers access to industrial additive solutions fit for advanced […]
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Monterrey, Mexico, October 31, 2023 – Fictiv, the operating system for custom manufacturing, is proud to announce the addition of Mexico to its global network of manufacturing partners. This supply chain expansion provides customers with more production options in North America to mitigate the risk of supply chain disruption and deliver fast, on-demand manufacturing services […]
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The global supply chain has experienced severe disruptions in recent years, due to shutdowns and restrictions related to the COVID-19 pandemic, political changes, the wars in Ukraine and Israel, and an evolving business landscape. Slowdowns, rising prices, and logistical challenges have caused everyday supply chain processes and supplier relationships to change. But while leaders talk […]
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Newly expanded capabilities, advanced configuration options, and a significant pricing reduction delivers full-suite additive manufacturing capabilities for prototyping & production in the USA. SAN FRANCISCO, October 17, 2023 – Fictiv, the operating system for custom manufacturing, today announced a series of exciting new updates to its 3D printing service in order to meet the needs […]
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Sherman will lead Fictiv’s USA manufacturing operations, supporting demand for on-shoring and production-level capabilities. San Francisco, October 3, 2023 – Fictiv, the operating system for custom manufacturing, today announced the appointment of Andy Sherman to General Manager, USA. This appointment comes in response to customer demand for on-shore and hybrid manufacturing solutions to mitigate supply […]
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This article was revised by Tessa Axsom in September 2023 Even in 2023, with the rising popularity of model-based definitions, engineering drawings are still a great way to communicate design intent for CNC machined parts that require tight tolerances, material specifications, or other special requirements. That’s why many Fictiv customers in the robotics, aerospace, automotive, […]
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The Mid-Autumn Festival is a widely celebrated holiday throughout Asia and is fast approaching. This festival celebrates the end of the autumn harvest and is similar to Thanksgiving in the US. This year, the festival falls on September 29th. Additionally, October 2nd through the 6th in mainland China is National Day Golden Week, which celebrates […]
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Manufacturers increasingly agree sustainability is a priority but are still struggling to meet gaps in technology and measurement to meet new standards headed into 2024 SAN FRANCISCO, September 19, 2023 — Fictiv, the operating system for custom manufacturing, announced today the release of new survey data focused on sustainability in manufacturing, conducted in partnership with […]
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A robot performing parkour was impossible 30 years ago, but now, Boston Dynamic’s Atlas robot can traverse an obstacle course gracefully and precisely. Boston Dynamics uses Atlas as an exercise to unlock the next generation of mobility, perception, and athletic intelligence in robotics. The Atlas robot is constructed of a beautiful combination of 3D-printed titanium […]
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Available today, Fictiv Premium members can integrate directly with market-leading P2P suites including SAP Ariba, Coupa, and Microsoft Dynamics 365, further simplifying team-based procurement workflows. SAN FRANCISCO, Sept 12, 2023 – Fictiv, the operating system for custom manufacturing, today announced a brand-new integration with market-leading Procure-to-Pay (P2P) Suites in order to simplify and accelerate procurement […]
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One of the challenges with rapid prototyping is making sure that everything fits together properly. If the design team isn’t careful with its high-fidelity models, parts assembly may involve the use of a hammer – and sometimes in frustration. With proper callouts, however, the secondary machining of 3D-printed and injection-molded parts gives designers a better […]
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At Fictiv, we’re constantly looking for new ways to do two very important things: So we’re thrilled to share that we’ve just done BOTH — again! What to know: We’ve improved our quoting and pricing algorithm for high-quantity part orders, specifically CNC aluminum and Delrin orders in quantities greater than 11. Why it matters: Now […]
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San Francisco, July 11, 2023 – Fictiv today announced a major milestone on its path to becoming the world’s operating system for custom manufacturing with the opening of its India-based headquarters in Bengaluru. After an initial launch in Pune and positive feedback from its customer base on the advantages provided by the region, the company is formalizing its investment in […]
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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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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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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 […]
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Engineering projects are a complex and often evolving thing that require changes throughout a product’s lifecycle. Whether because of design improvements, shifting client requirements, or supply chain issues, engineering changes must be well-managed to ensure project success. Engineering Change Orders (ECOs) provide a systematic way to execute these changes. In this article, we’ll examine ECOs […]
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SAN FRANCISCO, May 22, 2023 – Fictiv, the operating system for custom manufacturing, today announced that Director of Product Marketing Riley Hall will be speaking at Automate 2023 in a session titled “How Automation Can Drive Speed to Market and Reduce Costs for Low-Volume Custom Manufacturing.” It will take place on Tuesday, May 23rd, at […]
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Are you ready to scale up from 3D printing to injection molding? Then it’s time to tailor your part design for a process that uses metal tooling and has its own unique design requirements. This article begins with some injection molding basics and then explains how to optimize your part design to reduce tooling costs […]
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This article is based on Breadware’s IoT Product Development in 4 Smart Steps, which outlines the four phases of IoT Product Development. The Internet of Things (IoT) market has exploded in recent years, and now IoT-connected devices outnumber non-connected devices. Thus far in 2023, 3.22 billion new IoT devices have come online, so now the […]
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As a general rule, simplicity is the name of the game in mechanical part design. But we know that sometimes, complexity is required to get the functionality you need. That’s why we’re excited to share our improved CNC milling and drilling capabilities. We have increased diameter-to-depth ratios for CNC milling and drilling — which you […]
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It really grinds my gears when people use the word rust incorrectly. I spent years working as a metallurgist and design engineer analyzing material samples for failure. I love chemistry and have an obsession with relaying factual information. That’s why I dream of the day when all humans understand the difference between corrosion, oxidation, and […]
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CNC (Computer Numerical Control) machining is an automated, subtractive manufacturing process where a CNC machine is controlled with a set of commands that, when followed, will produce a part. CNC operators create these commands through a process called CNC programming. This article describes CNC programming and the different types of CNC programming methods. What Is […]
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We know how important it is to have confidence in the materials you source for critical builds. And whether you need material traceability for code compliance, meeting client requirements, or internal quality management purposes, it all starts with material certifications. That’s why Fictiv has made it easy to add material certifications to your orders! You […]
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SAN FRANCISCO, May 10, 2023 — Fictiv, the operating system for custom manufacturing, today announced its partnership with Heliospace, harnessing the power of digital manufacturing to dramatically accelerate new product development for ground breaking space technology. Heliospace is an agile aerospace company that produces flight hardware, systems engineering, and mission formulation services to NASA, nonprofits, and commercial customers […]
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Injection molding is a widely used process to produce consumer goods from plastic, and many of our manufactured products are injection molded. From auto parts to appliance housings and cell phone cases, injected molded plastic parts are all around us. Plastic injection molding has been around since before 1900, and there have been many improvements […]
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Chief Executive Officer Dave Evans to speak on supercharging new product development SAN FRANCISCO, May 4, 2023 – Fictiv, the operating system for custom manufacturing, today announced that CEO Dave Evans will be speaking at the Robotics Summit & Expo 2023 in a session titled “How to Cut Build Cycles in Half and Supercharge New […]
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Every product design starts with an idea or a request for a quote from a customer and ends with a finished prototype or production part. The process used to start with a hand sketch or simply machining the component, then modifying it and repeating the process to refine the design. In 2023, we can use […]
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I’ve had the good fortune in my career to take studio arts classes, and was surprised to also find it gave me clarity in how I think about the broader product development process. Even though I enrolled in those classes with the intent of expanding my design sensibilities with better studio skills, I ended up […]
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Fig.1 As of today, you can now add masking and plugging to your orders using the Fictiv platform! This time-saving feature allows you to simply and quickly indicate holes to be plugged and surfaces to be masked when configuring a post-production finish on the Fictiv platform. Through our best in class auto-quoting experience, you get […]
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Fictiv and Olivieri are nominated for the Digital Supply Chain and Digital Transformation Leadership categories, recognizing operational and leadership excellence on the transformation journey to digital manufacturing. SAN FRANCISCO, April 6, 2023 — The Manufacturing Leadership Awards, awarded by the National Association of Manufacturers, today announced both Fictiv and Chief Operating Officer Jean Olivieri as finalists in the 2023 […]
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Injection molding flash, or flashing, is excess plastic that forms on the surface of injection molded parts. Although some amount of flashing is expected during the injection molding process, excessive flash can mar a part’s surface finish or interfere with seating, sealing, or assembly. Troubleshooting Injection Molding Flash covers the causes of flash, and this […]
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The workplace has changed more in the last four years than in the 30 years prior. The adoption of remote working that had been building for decades for a few was thrust upon everyone overnight. Businesses went completely remote, and school did too, with teachers forced to learn how to instruct students from afar. (For […]
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This award recognizes outstanding executives whose accomplishments offer a roadmap for other leaders looking to leverage supply chains for competitive advantage. SAN FRANCISCO, CA —March 22, 2023 —Supply & Demand Chain Executive, the only publication covering the entire global supply chain, today announced Jose Manuel Del Angel, Fictiv’s Vice President of Development and Services Operations, […]
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SAN FRANCISCO – March 10, 2023 – Fictiv, the operating system for custom manufacturing, today announced the appointment of Lynda Smith to its Board of Directors. Smith brings over 35 years of experience in product, marketing, sales, and general management across a diverse set of hardware and software industries and has spent over 25 years […]
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Material selection is one of the most important aspects of any engineering design. Depending upon your project requirements, you may need to balance the hardness or softness of a part in order to use a specific manufacturing method or tooling, or to meet end-use requirements for cushioning or impact resistance. When working with rubbers or […]
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Acrylic is a clear and commonly used injection molding plastic. The chemical name for acrylic is Poly(methyl methacrylate), which can be shortened to PMMA. The main advantage of injection molded acrylic is its transparency and shatter resistance. Acrylic is also strong and lightweight, which makes it a great substitute for glass. In addition, PMMA resists […]
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Throughout my career in supply chain operations, I’ve staked my reputation on quality. From building iPods at Apple, where design precision was essential, to rockets at SpaceX, where functional reliability was absolutely critical, I’ve understood the importance of robust quality management systems when it comes to delivering world-class products. Having spent 27 years in the […]
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Plastic injection molding can produce anywhere from a few hundred to a few million parts. To ensure that parts are produced consistently, with minimal defects, and at the lowest possible cost, designers should follow some established guidelines. Wall thickness is a key consideration critical to the success of your injection molding project. Download Fictiv’s Injection […]
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Metals come in all forms, with different compositions, and properties. Understanding metal families and classifications is key to knowing which metals to use in your next mechanical design. One of the most popular and useful ways to classify metals is as ferrous (iron is a primary component) and non-ferrous (iron is not a primary component) […]
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SAN FRANCISCO, January 17, 2023 – Fictiv, the operating system for custom manufacturing, today announced that Joanne Moretti, Fictiv’s Chief Revenue Officer (CRO), has been recognized as Selling Power’s 2022 CRO of the year in the category of Digital Manufacturing. “I’m honored to work for a company that is trusted by well-known businesses, such as […]
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It’s a given that you need to take your time to perfectly CNC machine a part. But what happens afterwards? Freshly machined parts are covered in machining marks and have edges so sharp that you could use them to carve your overcooked turkey at Thanksgiving dinner — but this is where bead blasting is useful! […]
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When choosing a metal for your application, there are countless options, and each has pros and cons. Material strength, ductility, toughness, fatigue resistance, hardness, and conductivity are key properties that must be considered when choosing your metal for CNC machining. And depending on the metal, your machining methods and costs can greatly differ due to […]
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You reach over to plug in your phone, and you feel that spark — and not in a metaphorical “I love this product!” kind of way. The wire’s insulation is cracked, and yet another charging cable is about to make its way to a landfill. And you have to make a midnight run to the […]
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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 […]
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Our customers have been asking for additional finishing capabilities on platform, and today we’re releasing three new finishing options on fictiv.com: vapor smoothing for Multi Jet Fusion parts, and vapor polishing and hand polishing for CNC machined parts. These capabilities improve the surface finish of parts and are available today with instant quoting. Vapor Smoothing […]
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Have you dismissed the idea of CNC machining a plastic part because you’re worried about the time, dexterity, and patience required to hand-sand the part? Still, there’s something to be said for the satisfaction of a pristine surface after removing the imperfections with a piece of sandpaper. If you’re looking for ways to smooth CNC […]
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The Challenge: Meeting Design Expectations of Consumers From dimmers and light switch plates to chargers and more, aesthetics plays a big role in purchase decisions in the electrical products market. In the age of smart homes, more homeowners are opting for technology — like home security system command panels, smart thermostats, doorbell cameras and window […]
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How Sourcing Injection Molding Through Fictiv Can Give Electrical Companies a Competitive Advantage You might not know it, but many electric parts that you find around the house or in stores today are manufactured with plastic parts using an injection molding process. Some of these products include wire caps, motor housings, power strips, plugs and […]
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SAN FRANCISCO, October 18, 2022 – Fictiv, the operating system for custom manufacturing, announced today the addition of 3D visualization technology to its injection molding design for manufacturability (DFM) system, delivering end-to-end automation of injection molding workflows to help customers accelerate new product development and mitigate production risks and delays. The newly enhanced system combines […]
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New paid annual membership program enables Fictiv customers to unify cross-functional sourcing activities, control access to information, optimize orders for target delivery dates, and access exclusive discounts. SAN FRANCISCO, October 4, 2022 – Fictiv, the operating system for custom manufacturing, announced today the commercial availability of Fictiv Premium, a first-of-its-kind paid annual membership program that […]
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The Challenge: Growing Energy and Operational Demands As industry advances and populations grow, the demand for energy increases. This places a tremendous amount of pressure on energy companies to scale up their operations, which increases the need for equipment parts. However, extreme environmental conditions, stringent industry standards and keeping operational costs low while meeting economic […]
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How Fictiv’s Injection Molding Services Can Help Power the Energy Sector From fossil fuels like coal, oil and gas to renewable sources like solar, wind and hydro, many facets of our daily lives are powered by consumable energy. And as industry advances and populations grow, the demand for energy increases. This places a tremendous amount […]
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The Challenge: Engineering Under Tight Tolerances and Timelines In the aerospace industry, standards are high. Even non-flight-critical parts need to meet rigorous quality control criteria. This means panels, housings, interior and exterior trim, ducting, trays and other components need to be manufactured exactly to spec using engineering-grade materials that can deliver flight-ready performance — all within […]
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How Fictiv’s Injection Molding Services Can Help Aerospace Prepare for Takeoff In the aerospace industry, standards are high. If one part fails, it could have dire consequences. Even non-flight-critical parts need to meet rigorous quality control criteria. This means panels, housings, interior and exterior trim, ducting, trays and other components need to be manufactured exactly to […]
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SAN FRANCISCO, September 8, 2022 – Fictiv, the operating system for custom manufacturing, announced today that it has been named a 2022 Gartner Cool Vendor in Manufacturing Operations. Each year, Gartner provides Cool Vendor reports which are designed to highlight interesting, new, and innovative vendors, products, and services. The report gives some recommendations to the […]
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PUNE, INDIA & SAN FRANCISCO, August 22, 2022 – Fictiv, the operating system for custom manufacturing, recently announced the opening of its new office in Pune, India, which will serve to complement its U.S. headquarters as an additional engineering center and provide an anchor for further investment in Fictiv’s India manufacturing partner network. These investments […]
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SAN FRANCISCO, August 18, 2022 – Fictiv, the operating system for custom manufacturing, has recently promoted Jim Ruga to chief information officer (CIO). In this role, Ruga is part of Fictiv’s C-Level executive leadership team, driving the maturation of the company and is directly responsible for the digital transformation of its technology. Ruga joined Fictiv […]
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SAN FRANCISCO, August 11, 2022 – Fictiv, the operating system for custom manufacturing, today announced it has successfully completed its audit for System and Organization Controls (SOC) 2 Type II compliance, the only company in the digital manufacturing industry to meet this standard. This achievement reflects Fictiv’s commitment to the highest levels of confidentiality, data […]
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SAN FRANCISCO, August 9, 2022 – Fictiv, the operating system for custom manufacturing, announced today that in response to customer demand, it is expanding its injection molding manufacturing partner network in the U.S. This will increase capacity for domestic resources, offering customers more flexibility and reduced supply chain risks. “At Fictiv, our goal is to […]
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SAN FRANCISCO, July 27, 2022 – Fictiv, the operating system for custom manufacturing, today announced the addition of 16 new quality metal and plastic computerized numerical control (CNC) machining materials to its auto-quoting platform. In addition, six other new materials are now available on Fictiv’s platform with a one-hour quote turnaround time. With the addition […]
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SAN FRANCISCO, July 20, 2022 – Fictiv, the operating system for custom manufacturing, announced today a significant enhancement to its online platform that enables users to easily receive, review, and respond to injection molding design for manufacturability (DFM) feedback. To manufacture an injection molding tool, engineers traditionally endure weeks of back-and-forth cycles with manufacturers to […]
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Donation enabled UC Berkeley engineering students access to highly complex, machined parts at a fraction of the standard amount of time and cost SAN FRANCISCO, June 27, 2022 – Fictiv, the leader in high-quality, on-demand manufacturing recently congratulated Formula Electric at Berkeley, the electric vehicle team at the University of California, Berkeley, for successfully participating […]
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Why Automotive Companies Partner with Fictiv for Injection Molding Plastic materials were first used in the production of automotive parts as early as the 1940s and 1950s. Since then, plastic has only become more integral in automotive manufacturing and has slowly replaced metal as the material of choice. Everything from exterior parts like tail lights, […]
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The Challenge: Shortening Innovation Lead Times The automotive industry is highly innovative and competitive, which puts pressure on automakers to be both leading-edge and first to market. However, vehicle parts often go through dozens of iterations before the final part is deemed ready for mass production — requiring a speedy, efficient and cost-effective prototyping solution. […]
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Why Consumer Goods Companies Choose Fictiv for Injection Molding From sporting goods and electronics to product packaging and in-store displays, plastic is used in a wide array of consumer goods applications. But regardless of the shape, size or complexity of the consumer good that’s being manufactured, the challenge is still the same — getting a […]
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The Challenge: First-to-Market Wins From sporting goods and electronics to product packaging and in-store displays, plastic is used in a wide array of consumer goods applications. But regardless of the shape, size or complexity of the consumer good that’s being manufactured, the challenge is still the same: getting high-quality goods on shelves fast to meet […]
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In response to rampant supply chain disruptions and rising customer demands, leaders are fortifying business foundations to improve manufacturing and supply chain visibility, customer satisfaction, and operational efficiency. SAN FRANCISCO, June 6, 2022 – Fictiv, the leader in on-demand, high-quality digital manufacturing, announced today the release of its annual State of Manufacturing report. The findings […]
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CEO & Co-Founder, Dave Evans, to hold session highlighting two customer case studies that demonstrate the economic impact of utilizing digital manufacturing to deliver increased productivity, reduced risk and true agility in today’s volatile supply chain environment SAN FRANCISCO, May 11, 2022 – Fictiv, known for operating the leading Digital Manufacturing Ecosystem that delivers hardware […]
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Series E funding will advance digital manufacturing adoption throughout enterprise organizations SAN FRANCISCO, May 5, 2022 – Fictiv, the leader in high-quality, on-demand manufacturing, today announced the closing of a $100 million Series E funding round. The investment will advance Fictiv’s mission to accelerate product innovation with an expanded focus on decreasing supply chain risk […]
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The Challenge: Meeting To-Market Deadlines In the world of construction and building product manufacturing, go-to-market launch dates are set — and need to be met. However, designing complex and custom parts isn’t an inherently speedy process, and making a part that meets exact specifications and performance requirements may take dozens of iterations. This creates a […]
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Why Construction Product Companies Partner with Fictiv for Injection Molding Services Whether it’s lighting fixtures, electrical connectors and components, or plumbing pipes and accessories, plastic parts used in the construction of residential or commercial spaces run the gamut in terms of diversity and design complexity. But the one thing all these parts have in common […]
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The Challenge: Speed to Market In the rapidly advancing and highly competitive medical industry, there is considerable value in being not only fast to market but also first to market with a new medical device or component. Medical companies spend substantial resources to increase the chances of beating their competitors to market and avoid the […]
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Medical products of even the most complex and sophisticated shapes and geometries are made through injection molding — and can play a vital role in improving and saving the lives of people around the world. Time is of the essence in getting products to market. That’s why many medical companies turn to Fictiv as their […]
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Gears, housings, fixtures and parts of all shapes and sizes. The industrial market is exceptionally diverse. The products and components vary significantly in complexity but many of them rely on the same manufacturing process — injection molding. Every day counts when creating new products. Industrial companies need custom injection molded plastic parts manufactured as fast […]
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Supply & Demand Chain Executive, the only publication covering the entire global supply chain, today announced David Woodward, Fictiv Director of Quality, as a winner of its 2022 Pros to Know award. Woodward was recognized for his leadership and achievements in advancing speed, quality and cost savings initiatives on behalf of companies using Fictiv’s Digital […]
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SAN FRANCISCO – March 24, 2022 – Fictiv, a leader in fast, high-quality manufacturing on-demand, has announced the appointment of Alpana Kapoor to Vice President of Software Engineering. In her new role, Kapoor will be responsible for driving the growth and evolution of Fictiv’s world-class software engineering team while expanding the capabilities of Fictiv’s digital manufacturing […]
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SAN FRANCISCO, March 22, 2022 — Fictiv is a manufacturing solutions company that operates a globally connected digital manufacturing ecosystem (DME) – which helps ensure high-speed delivery of on-demand custom mechanical parts to organizations looking to accelerate new product development efforts. This past week, in response to a COVID-19 related temporary lockdown in Shenzhen, China, […]
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In celebration of Women’s History Month, we want to honor the incredible and inspiring female leaders at Fictiv, each having a significant impact in the run of our business. This week, we’re putting a spotlight on Erin Kenney, Fictiv’s Director of Sales Strategy and Enablement. Since joining us, she has been an integral leader to her […]
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Three new solutions give customers digitally-enabled workflows to drive speed & efficiency across new product development, engineer-to-order, and maintenance, repair, and operations— without compromising quality SAN FRANCISCO, Feb. 17, 2022 — Digital Manufacturing Ecosystem Fictiv today launched its Enterprise Business Solutions portfolio, aimed at addressing the most pressing challenges facing product manufacturing leaders. This, the […]
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Fictiv’s Monthly Supply Chain Update series gives you insight into the logistics challenges, transit times, and related manufacturing issues we’re currently facing. In our December update, we discussed the impact of Chinese New Year (CNY) on overseas production. The holiday itself runs from January 31st-February 6th, so production facilities, airports, and customs are closed during […]
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SAN FRANCISCO, Jan. 18, 2022 — Throughout 2021, the world continued its accelerated shift to digital, on-demand manufacturing as part of an industry-wide transformation and in response to near term pressures like the pandemic and supply chain disruption. In its Year in Review, Digital Manufacturing Ecosystem (DME) Fictiv highlighted its primary role in this growth and […]
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MRO, or ‘Maintenance, Repair and Operations’ is used to refer to more or less all maintenance parts used for repair and/or to assist production operations. Essentially, MRO covers all the products and tools purchased that keep an organization running. Supply chains utilize and rely handsomely on MRO to carry out their operations every day. Interestingly, […]
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Two words. Two words that excite, thrill, and perhaps even titillate. ROBOTS. ACTIVATE! The best bot combat competition on the planet, BattleBots, is back, y’all, and this year, we helped! That’s right party people, Fictiv helped Team RoboGym Robotics take their BattleBot Deadlift to the next level for BattleBots, Season 6, which starts on January […]
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Fictiv’s Monthly Supply Chain Update series gives you insight into the logistics challenges, transit times, and related manufacturing issues we’re currently facing. Happy holidays everyone! Christmas is right around the corner, and we want to update everyone on how we’re managing our supply chain to keep production moving and fulfilling orders as quickly as possible. […]
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Fictiv’s Monthly Supply Chain Update series gives you insight into the logistics challenges, transit times, and related manufacturing issues we’re currently facing. In the early stages of the pandemic, demand for goods was depressed, and delays and shortages plagued production across industries around the world. While consumer demand and industrial activity have picked back up […]
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Manufacturing and technology executives from Jabil, Stratasys, and Markforged join Fictiv as the digital manufacturer eclipses 100% year-over-year growth. SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. — October 4, 2021 — Fictiv today announced the addition of three senior manufacturing and technology leaders with decades of combined experience to its management team. Joanne Moretti has been named Chief Revenue […]
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Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T) is a language of symbols and standards used by engineers and manufacturers to describe a product and facilitate communication between entities working together to produce something. By deepening your knowledge around how to create a well structured GD&T, you will improve communication with your machine shop and ensure everyone involved is […]
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In this edition of Engineering Heroes, we sat down with Kathy Fedirchuk, Director of Program Management at Igor Institute. During our conversation, we talked about overcoming the challenges of new product introduction during COVID, the importance of setting clear expectations with internal teams and suppliers, and the advantages of using a form template to facilitate […]
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Your company’s design IP is the lifeblood of your company and gives you a competitive edge, so protecting that information is a priority. Keeping critical information confidential and secure is a challenge for every organization, in part because there’s no single, professional standard for assessing cybersecurity. Not only that, information security, or infosec, is a […]
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From workshops to large industrial plants, computer numerical control — or CNC — machines have become integral parts of the production and manufacturing industries. The history of CNC machining dates back to when it was simply referred to as numerical control. This was an older system that didn’t involve programmable computers. The history of CNC […]
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Fictiv is the first on-demand manufacturing platform to automatically generate drawings from 3D models, providing a solution for engineers that want higher quality parts, faster. SAN FRANCISCO, July 28, 2021 — Fictiv, the leader in high-quality manufacturing on-demand through its Digital Manufacturing Ecosystem, today unveiled an industry-first feature that enables engineers to create and edit 2D […]
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The Rise of On-Demand Manufacturing It’s no surprise that the manufacturing industry felt the same pressure as other industries in a post-Amazon world. Customers expect companies to provide them with what they need when they want it, with very little tolerance for delays. The growth of ecommerce and the rapid rate of change in various […]
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When you upload a part to the Fictiv platform, you receive instant design for manufacturability (DFM) feedback. Here are some explanations for why you received that feedback and what you can do to get your part ready to machine! Fillets to be added Explanation Fillets will be added to sharp internal corners or areas where […]
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SAN FRANCISCO, July 07, 2020 – Digital manufacturing ecosystem company Fictiv today announced a new industry-first collaboration that makes Jabil Inc. a key part of its global manufacturing network to connect and streamline 3D-print prototyping through to mass-scale production using an innovative digital thread. Designed to de-risk and streamline the supply chain through quality, speed, transparency, and […]
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Computer aided manufacturing (CAM) has allowed huge developments in the automation of manufacturing. By automating the generation of toolpaths for machining, CAM allows people to manufacture complex designs and geometries that would be difficult or even impossible to machine by hand. Gone (mostly) are the days of writing hundreds of lines of G-code by hand! […]
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Introduction CNC machines are the gold standard in precision manufacturing because of their speed, precision, and ability to hold tight CNC tolerances. The development of CNC machining has facilitated incredible innovations because it allows the design and manufacture of parts with incredibly complex geometry. It’s no wonder that this process is essential to make many […]
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CNC machining is one of the most widely used prototyping and manufacturing methods today, especially for metal parts. Most of the details, such as tooling, spindle speed, cutter type, and depth of cut, are taken care of at the machine shop, but there are some things you can do while designing your product to not […]
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Fictiv Enterprise delivers trusted on-demand manufacturing for large or complex organizations seeking faster, more agile supply chains with a reduced physical footprint. San Francisco, June 15, 2021 — Fictiv, the leader in high-quality manufacturing on-demand through its Digital Manufacturing Ecosystem, today unveiled Fictiv Enterprise, an industry-first digital manufacturing solution to meet the robust quality and security requirements of […]
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Sherman recognized among outstanding executives whose accomplishments leverage supply chains for competitive advantage. SAN FRANCISCO, March 17, 2021 — Supply & Demand Chain Executive, the only publication covering the entire global supply chain, today announced Andy Sherman, Fictiv VP of Manufacturing Operations, as a winner of its 2021 Pros to Know award. The award recognizes outstanding […]
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Unique integration of quality services into Fictiv digital thread allows customers to realize the promise of quality, transparency, and speed for complete reliability standards SAN FRANCISCO, March 16, 2021 – Fictiv today announced the integration of a number of new quality inspection and certification services directly into its self-service digital manufacturing platform. These new additions make it […]
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When you’re moving 100 miles-an-hour, juggling orders for ten critical parts to meet an important production milestone, the last thing you need is parts that don’t meet your spec. With the latest updates to the Fictiv platform, you can now remove guesswork from the quality equation and easily add specific quality inspections and certifications to […]
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Advantages Gained from Diversity Innovation Profitability Shifting Demographics Demographics of the Engineering Industry Challenges and Barriers to Minorities in Engineering Different Types of Engineering Careers Training, Education, and Skill Development Financial Resources Scholarships and Grants Engineering Competitions Engineering Internships Associations, Networking, and Mentorship Additional Resources for Minorities and Women Interested in Engineering In the US […]
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Welcome to Engineering Heroes: a series where we interview the mechanical engineers behind innovative products to uncover actionable tips, advice, and best practices to help you optimize your own mechanical design workflows. For this edition we sat down with Heidi Farrell, Sr. Mechanical Engineer at Peloton to learn about an impressive tip for collaborating on […]
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Veteran enterprise executives to increase Fictiv’s wealth of experience in enterprise markets and new product introduction SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. —February 23, 2021— Fictiv today announced the addition of two senior technology leaders with decades of combined experience to its management team and the appointment of former Jabil Chief Marketing Officer Joanne Moretti to its Board […]
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Welcome to our first edition of Engineering Heroes: a series where we interview the mechanical engineers behind innovative products to uncover actionable tips, advice, and best practices to help you optimize your own mechanical design workflows. For this edition we zoomed in with Peter Lee, Sr. Mechatronics Engineer at Dusty Robotics to learn about his […]
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This latest funding round will fuel continued growth to meet demand for Fictiv’s quality-driven approach to on-demand manufacturing. San Francisco – February 17, 2021 – As the pace of digital transformation in manufacturing continues to accelerate, Fictiv today announced a new $35M round of funding led by 40 North Ventures to aggressively expand Fictiv’s groundbreaking […]
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SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. —January 25, 2021— Fictiv today announced that it has been named to the 2021 Wealthfront Career-Launching Companies List. The ninth annual list features compelling technology companies that provide young people with a strong start to their careers. Each year, Wealthfront gathers input from 19 of the industry’s premier venture capital firms to […]
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“Medical device” is a broad umbrella term that covers a huge variety of apparatus and equipment, such as Band-Aids, dental floss, blood pressure cuffs, defibrillators, MRI scanners, and much, much more. It’s probably no surprise that medical device design constitutes a major segment of the field of mechanical engineering, especially in the U.S., which is […]
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To most people, plastics might seem all the same, but to an engineer, plastics come in families, have cousin materials, and have other materials that are as different as cats are from dogs. Of course, our clients expect us to worry about these details, and as nerds, the minute differences between materials, including considerations for […]
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We have some great new updates to Fictiv’s quoting technology to share with you! We know many of you are working on cutting edge products across industries including aerospace, robotics, automotive, and medical devices, iterating on parts with complex, tight tolerance features. This means feature-specific tolerance callouts on technical drawings are the norm, not the […]
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There is no doubt that healthcare has been center stage in 2020, and for good reason, but what has the role of technology been and how can technology help to manage the current crisis and improve health and wellness in the future?
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Artificial Intelligence is perhaps the most powerful General Purpose Technology underlying many of the exciting new developments and products unveiled at CES 2021. Bridget Karlin, IBM’s CTO and VP, talks about the “new possible” of AI, and promises that “AI changes everything”. The dedicated session on “The Power of AI” was packed with insights applicable […]
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Sharp edges are beautiful: light glinting off these clean lines as a product rotates through space, music swelling dramatically in the background of a commercial. Edges are precise. Edges are distinct. Edges are horrible for injection molding. A general rule of injection molding is: Radius all edges. What do you do if your design calls […]
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In the world of plastics, there are a lot of different options for a designer to choose from. There are so many plastic materials, in fact, that the process of selecting the proper 3D printing plastics for prototyping and subsequent manufacturing plastics for production may seem intimidating. This article seeks to clarify the main types of plastic materials […]
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Ability Now Bay Area provides education, health and wellness, and technology support to adults with disabilities. When the COVID crisis hit, Ability Now Bay Area (ANBA) faced a daunting challenge adapting to the new reality since most of their classes were in-person. Essential to any plans was the need to provide PPE (personal protective equipment) […]
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SAN FRANCISCO, Dec. 08, 2020 – The Business Intelligence Group today announced that it has awarded Fictiv a 2020 Stratus Award in its annual business award program, which highlights the companies, products and people offering unique solutions using cloud technologies. Fictiv was recognized as a Cloud Disruptor for delivering rapid digital transformation to the decades old status quo within […]
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Digital Manufacturing Ecosystem will leverage carbon offsets to reduce environmental impact and fight climate change SAN FRANCISCO, Dec. 01, 2020 – As part of a concerted effort to standardize sustainability measures within global manufacturing, Fictiv today unveiled a new carbon neutral shipping program to offset the environmental footprint of transportation-generated carbon emissions. Fictiv has partnered with Dot Neutral to […]
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Three-part engineering Masterclass series shows engineers how to minimize CNC machining challenges and design parts for optimal production quality, speed, and cost SAN FRANCISCO, Nov. 12, 2020 – Designing products for optimal user experiences, minimum manufacturing effort, and potential regulatory compliance is a difficult balancing act, especially within a COVID-19 work-from-home environment and amidst trade […]
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Our most recent webinar focused on how to source high-quality parts from overseas, without the risk. Fictiv team members Jeanette Zhang, Head of Overseas Fulfillment; Andy Sherman, Director of Global Supply Chain; Ricardo Ortiz, International Logistics Lead; and David Woodward, Director of Quality, answered questions and shared their insights and advice on overseas manufacturing advantages […]
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In honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, we’re profiling a few of our Fictiv team members of Hispanic origin. Learn more about these amazing employees–where they began their careers; what drew them to Fictiv and what they value most about working here; what motivates them professionally; and how they spend their free time. Ricardo Ortiz, International Logistics […]
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Through conventional paths, ordering parts from overseas can often be a complex, risky process. In addition to quality risks inherent in working with unknown suppliers, the logistics involved to import goods from overseas can be confusing and overwhelming. And if importation documentation is mismanaged, you may be held liable for fines or even jail time. […]
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SAN FRANCISCO, Sept. 23, 2020 – Supply & Demand Chain Executive, the only magazine in the supply chain industry covering the entire global supply chain that focuses on ROI, professional development and change management, has selected Fictiv COO Jean Olivieri as a winner of its first-ever Women in Supply Chain award. The Women in Supply Chain award […]
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Mechanical engineers play a critical role in bringing new innovations to market, and effective communication with key stakeholders is a key part of that process. In our latest Builds & Banter webinar, product design and manufacturing experts Greg Miner, Todd Taylor, and David Cagle shared techniques for increasing engineers’ influence with product management to share […]
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With manufacturing processes evolving quite rapidly in today’s world, it can be difficult to keep up with so many groundbreaking discoveries. In an effort to learn more about the 3D printing world, in particular, I will be showcasing two identical designs composed of two different printing materials: PLA (polylactic acid) and ABS-like (also known as […]
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Conventional manufacturing can be frustratingly opaque. To get visibility into production status, engineers and supply chain managers typically spend countless hours chasing down information. And when a critical build schedule is at risk, that’s the last thing you need. We’re thrilled to share our new radical transparency features that deliver unprecedented visibility, traceability, speed and […]
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Radical transparency provides unprecedented visibility and traceability into manufacturing processes to ensure quality and mitigate risk for mechanical engineers and supply chain managers unable to visit factory floors during COVID-19 SAN FRANCISCO, Sept. 01, 2020 – Fictiv today unveiled industry-first features that deliver unprecedented visibility, traceability, speed, and quality benefits for customers leveraging its Digital Manufacturing Ecosystem […]
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Hundreds of senior decision makers in healthcare, robotics, and other industries report damaging COVID-19 impact, focus on digital transformation, and emphasis on building supply chain resilience through agility SAN FRANCISCO, July 21, 2020 – The global manufacturing and supply chain ecosystems have been among the hardest hit sectors by the COVID-19 pandemic. Fictiv’s newly released 2020 State […]
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Recognized for Leadership in Transforming Manufacturing as a Digital Future SAN FRANCISCO, June 23, 2020– Fictiv today announced that co-founder and CEO Dave Evans has been named by Constellation Research to its 2021 Business Transformation 150, an elite list of executives leading business transformation efforts around the globe. As part of its determination process, BT150 acknowledged that […]
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You can now use your company UPS or Fedex shipping account with Fictiv, which may reduce your shipping prices. To add a new shipping account, simply navigate to the checkout page after configuring your quote and add your account information, including: account number, carrier, country, and zip code. Your shipping account will be automatically saved […]
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SAN FRANCISCO, June 17, 2020 – Supply & Demand Chain Executive, the executive’s user manual for successful supply and demand chain transformation, has selected Fictiv as a 2020 recipient of its prestigious SDCE 100 Award for its ability to deliver speed and agility via digital transformation of supply chains. Fictiv was specifically chosen for its demonstrated success […]
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At Fictiv, we’re constantly looking for ways to make the manufacturing process more streamlined for our customers. In addition to our standard inspections using hand metrology for CNC machined parts, we’re happy to now offer advanced inspections using coordinate measuring machines (CMM) or laser scanners, for more accurate, consistent, and scalable quality verification. Customers can […]
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Our aim at Fictiv is to give customers access to a wide range of manufacturing choices through a single streamlined destination, for maximum speed and flexibility. We’re thrilled to share we’ve supercharged our portfolio of capabilities with 20 new CNC materials and 3 new 3D printing materials for Stereolithography (SLA) and Multi Jet Fusion (MJF) […]
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New tool and injection molding process can produce millions of face shields a month with lead times as fast as 1 day SAN FRANCISCO, April 06, 2020 – Global manufacturing ecosystem Fictiv today announced that hospitals and healthcare providers can begin ordering the protective face shields in batches of up to 10,000 per order at cost for […]
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Hardware manufacturing expert to supercharge customer experience as Fictiv builds automated, self-driving supply chains for enterprise-class customers SAN FRANCISCO, March 17, 2020 – Today, Fictiv, a global manufacturing company, introduced veteran hardware executive Jean Olivieri as Chief Operating Officer. Over the course of her career, Olivieri has held a number of operations and supply chain-related roles […]
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Here at Fictiv, we care deeply about our community – especially in times of crisis. With the recent declaration of a national state of emergency in the United States and with many other countries on lockdown, we’ve taken extra precautions to ensure that all Fictiv customers, employees, and partners are not at risk of COVID-19. […]
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Fictiv shifts capacity to these markets to mitigate risk for customers, avoiding product delays and added landed costs in the wake of the coronavirus slowdowns SAN FRANCISCO, March 09, 2020 – As COVID-19 continues to impact businesses globally, India, Taiwan, and the United States have all added capacity to accommodate production slowdowns in China. Fictiv […]
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SAN FRANCISCO, Dec. 12, 2019 – Fictiv, an on-demand manufacturing platform based in San Francisco, today announced that it is among the top 50 mid-sized companies honored in Comparably’s 2019 Best Places to Work Awards. Selected by 10 million ratings from amongst 50,000 U.S. companies, Fictiv earned a top spot on the two distinct lists due […]
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We’re excited to announce the launch of our next generation Quotes experience with new functionality to help teams quickly collaborate and develop products faster. We’ve listened to feedback from our customers and spoken to countless hardware developers over the years. With our newest update to Quotes on the Fictiv platform, it’s easier than ever to […]
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To overcome these added challenges, the survey shows teams have instituted tariff engineering measures such as a reliance on local manufacturers for product assembly and new manufacturing platforms SAN FRANCISCO, May 07, 2019 – Fictiv today released their fourth annual State of Hardware Report, exposing the added burden of tariffs on an industry already struggling to quickly and […]
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Funding to accelerate Fictiv’s vision to help teams build hardware products at the speed of software through platform investments, customer growth, and expansion of its global manufacturing network SAN FRANCISCO, March 05, 2019 – Fictiv today announced that it closed a $33 million Series C funding round to accelerate its transformation of contract manufacturing into […]
Teardown
This week’s teardown is a collaboration between Fictiv manufacturing engineer Sylvia Wu and guest industrial designer Blake Johnson. CHiP is the latest release from famed robotic toymaker WowWee and comes jam-packed with personality and playful features. Through gesture and voice commands, as well as a wearable remote control, CHiP perform tricks like greet, fetch, sit, […]
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Anodizing increases corrosion resistance and enhances your product’s aesthetic appearance. Watch our video to see the anodizing process in action! Anodizing Materials Aluminum is the most ideal material for anodizing. The Anodizing Process Anodizing is an electrolytic passivation process that grows the natural oxide layer on cnc machining aluminum parts to protect them from […]
Teardown
219 Design has a special interest in last mile transportation, having worked on both scooter and bike solutions. In this teardown, we explore the possibilities for the Segway Drift W1 e-Skates. These skates are the latest innovation from Segway, the company that brought us self balancing personal transportation. They’re like mini-hoverboards for each foot. Currently […]
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Virtual manufacturer calls for hardware product creators to participate in definitive report on hardware development SAN FRANCISCO, Jan. 23, 2019 – Today Fictiv issued a public invitation for hardware development stakeholders to participate in its State of Hardware Survey on hardware development and manufacturing. The insights gained from this survey will form the foundation for Fictiv’s fourth annual State […]
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At Fictiv, we strive to provide as much flexibility as possible when it comes to manufacturing, so you can get what you need on any budget, timeline, or stage of development. Since launching our Agile Manufacturing Solution this summer, we’ve expanded our manufacturing services offerings to include high volume production work for CNC machining services […]
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San Francisco, CA – June 19th, 2018 – Fictiv today announced its new landmark Agile Manufacturing Solution (AMS), a suite of production manufacturing services for supply chain and engineering teams who need fast, quality end-use parts at high volumes of 100 – 500,000 units. AMS is available today at fictiv.com/agile. Fictiv’s AMS is designed to […]
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More than 1,000 stakeholders across 72 industries say outdated manufacturing standards and technologies constrain domestic production and delay time to market San Francisco, CA – June 5, 2018 – Fictiv today released their third annual State of Hardware Report. This year’s survey polled 1,136 developers and manufacturers spanning 72 industries to provide detailed data-driven […]
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There’s nothing more anxiety-inducing than waiting on a critical part order and having zero visibility into its production status. When there’s a deadline to hit, manufacturing predictability is crucial. That’s why we’re excited to announce a significant improvement to online order tracking through the Fictiv platform, so engineers and procurement teams can track and manage […]
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At Fictiv, we take quality management very seriously and have maintained strict quality standards since our founding in 2013. Today, we’re proud to announce that Fictiv is officially ISO 9001:2015 certified, in accordance with this set of internationally recognized quality management standards. Consistently Fast, Quality Manufacturing at Scale As we continue to help more and […]
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In an engineering utopia, every project would come in on time and under budget—and, of course, be delivered by a unicorn. Two of these are possible, despite all three being rare. But few projects are planned well, so we end up with unrealistic expectations and often don’t figure that out until the project is 80% […]
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Aesthetic design is in the eye of the beholder, but functional prototypes have a different standard—testing—and for most of us, exam day has never been something to which we look forward. However, test day doesn’t have to fill you with the fear you felt going into high school Calculus exams: By setting clear design expectations […]
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Once upon a time there were cobblers, who would craft shoes to individual feet. Then came the industrial revolution, and the cobblers were replaced by dozens of factory workers, each performing a single step to build standard shoes—and feet were expected to adapt. This wasn’t all bad; the new shoes were cheaper, and more people […]
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Seven hundred years ago, Marco Polo returned from the Far East with tales of wonder and exotic goods, like silks, fine porcelains, and spices, which would set the trends for the upper classes of Europe for centuries to come. These days, importing products comes with less fame, but it has also never been easier: Manufacturers […]
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Star Wars enthusiasts around the galaxy were captivated by the debut of the new, spherical droid BB-8™ in 2015’s The Force Awakens and subsequently rushed to purchase their own little droids, made by Boulder-based Sphero. Now, fans are eagerly snapping up the new BB-9E droid and the beloved classic, R2-D2. We teamed up with Sphero’s […]
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Designing and building robots and other mechatronic designs has been simplified by the continued evolution of 3D printing technology, but it’s not without its challenges. 3D printed parts aren’t quite the same as their more expensive machined and molded cousins, and we need to take into account the tolerances, surface finishes, and other limitations of […]
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As an engineer or designer, it can be tough to know which manufacturing process or material will best translate your designs in a physical prototype. To help teams deepen their understanding of the different technologies and materials available to them on the Fictiv platform, we launched our new Capabilities Guide: an online resource to explore […]
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We’re happy to announce that the Fictiv platform now includes six new CNC machining materials: four metals and two plastics. In addition to Aluminum, 3 Stainless Steel alloys, ABS, Nylon, Delrin, and Polycarbonate, you can now order 3-day CNC machined parts in: Read on for an overview of each material. For further information on these new […]
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My favorite type of product is one that I hardly notice—something that’s in my life every day, improving it significantly, yet blends seamlessly into my routine. For example, a wristwatch fits gently but snugly around your wrist, keeps time with a tiny precision mechanism, is easy to glance at when you need it, and fades […]
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When I began studying engineering, prototyping involved expensive machining and milling individual pieces after careful CNC programming (of course, back then, the GameCube was hot stuff, and GoldenEye on N64 still a fun way to pass a weekend). The first 3D printer I saw used inkjet printing technology, squirting glue over consecutive layers of sand—but […]
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Engineering Changes (ECs) are fulcrums: They’re powerful, and a small mistake one day can have incredible consequences for weeks, or even months, afterwards. When companies mature, they need systems to limit the impact of potential unintended consequences, but you’ll always hear engineers grumbling about the red tape required to make this “one tiny, obviously logical […]
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There’s a reason kids love Lego. When I was a kid, nothing was more valuable to me than my big blue bucket of the multi-colored bricks. Even when my parents encouraged my interest in engineering with more complex Fischer Technics, nothing replaced the joy of quickly snapping pieces together in increasingly complex shapes. Wouldn’t it […]
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No one becomes an engineer for the cubicle view. Whether inspired by inventors like Edison or falling into engineering because of math talent, we don’t dream of paperwork and taupe upholstery. Looking for more? Engineers at these great companies are changing the world and creating inspiring new technology. These are jobs we’re jealous of—jobs that […]
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There are lots of different exciting advances in prototyping and machining technologies on the horizon. For this article we’re going to take a deeper look at one advanced technology we hear a lot of buzz around: Direct Metal Laser Sintering (DMLS). Read on for an overview of the method, the technical specs, and our views […]
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A new engineer, I was getting used to the “excitement” of cubicle life when something (finally) happened. We’d stiffened part of our flow meters a month prior, and one of our customers started complaining about breakage. The graybeards upstairs were defending the change, while my engineering partner was struggling to explain why the minor tweak […]
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One of the best parts about working at Fictiv is being surrounded by a community of amazing engineers and designers, building the next generation of hardware products. To shine some light on who those creators are and their best kept product development secrets, we’re launching a new video series called Hardware Sessions. Hardware Sessions is […]
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A few weeks ago we hosted a workshop on the fundamentals of tolerance analysis. In the workshop, we walked a group of engineers through the basic steps of a simple tolerance analysis, to help them gain experience around how to complete a tolerance analysis for higher quantity manufacturing processes. In the workshop we reviewed: Important keyword […]
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Last year we created and shared our first Fictiv State of Hardware Survey with our community of engineers and designers. Your responses culminated in our inaugural 2016 State of Hardware Report, where we shared information on: How much time you allocate to build a functional prototype Most popular CAD software programs Top-of-mind challenges in bringing […]
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The development of autonomous vehicle technologies, coupled with a growing demand for personal transport options and decreasing interest in vehicle ownership, is radically impacting the automotive industry. Forward-thinking OEMs* like Ford are responding with a bold new strategy: redefining themselves as service-oriented mobility companies. We talk to Adi Singh, Research Scientist at Ford’s Silicon Valley-based […]
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Fictiv is a platform built by engineers, for engineers. So every feature we build—from our quick-turn CNC service to our knowledge-rich Hardware Guide—is the product of listening to our customers and learning about the tools they need to work as effectively as the products they build. Over the past few months, we’ve been hard at […]
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If you’ve ever been to Fictiv HQ, either to pick up parts for one of our events, or simply just to say hi and chat about hardware, you may have seen our drone prototypes. For those unfamiliar with them, these prototypes are a series of material samples in the form of mini drone bodies and […]
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What would you say to an entrepreneur who wanted to make a product that customers could use for literally just nine months? We’re not talking about planned obsolescence; we’re talking about a literal, physical inability to use the product. Not too smart in terms of user engagement, right? Of course, when we say “prenatal,” it […]
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The camera is one of those things that is not only a long-standing historical item (the first one was invented in 1021 AD, if you want to get really technical) but also one that continues to attract innumerable entrepreneurial efforts. You’d think every variation on the camera that could possibly be invented already exists. But, […]
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While the tool marks left on metal parts produced using CNC machining services are visually appealing to some, in many cases, some additional post-processing may be desired or even required. There are a variety of finishes that one can use to add functionality or aesthetic appeal to parts, and the glossary below will help you […]
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All right, all right! I’ll confess: I’m part of the last generation to enter college without a cell phone—part of the last generation to graduate before iPhones were even on the market (Gasp! The horror!). My parents gave me my sister’s old phone as a sophomore, and I remember not wanting it, only begrudgingly accepting […]
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Saving the world is great. In theory. But when it comes to the nitty gritty of making your ideals a business reality, you need to swap those rose-colored glasses for some eyes-wide-open realism. Yet even in this complicated world we live in where multiple realities vie for attention, you can still do a lot of […]
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We’re insulated from the cost of our garbage in America. As kids, we were trained to carefully place trash in the cans lining our streets. I’ll never forget the shock of seeing that same trash scattered along the streets in urban West Africa, but it did get me thinking: They can see their waste. What […]
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All startups have challenges. Funding. Staffing. Marketing. Sales. Customer service. If they’re hardware startups, they need to add supply chain, prototyping, and manufacturing to the mix. That’s all assuming their product or service is rated G. Lioness, a startup in the hardware manufacturing space, has an extra challenge—they design and manufacture vibrators for women. This […]
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Silicon Valley teems with slick hi-tech gadgets that make life, work, and play fun, but that at the end of the day none of us really, truly need. Then there are those devices that do actually improve lives or make play more interactive. But can a device help us change our habits? That’s the question designer […]
Teardown
We’ve embarked on a journey to teardown three generations of GoPro products to see how the product has changed over time: GoPro Hero original GoPro Hero 3 The newest GoPro Session camera. To see teardowns of the GoPro Hero original and GoPro Hero 3, check out part 1 of this series. If you’re looking for the […]
Teardown
Our latest teardown focuses on the popular action camera GoPro. This teardown is actually not a singular adventure, but an odyssey of epic proportions, split into 2 parts. We’ll look at the product’s evolution across three generations and see how the engineering and manufacturing techniques have changed in the last half decade. To begin this ancestral analysis, […]
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What’s tougher than creating a new product in a well-established market? Creating a new product in a well-established market that happens to be not sexy, and for some even taboo. We’re referring to the wheelchair. Historically, the wheelchair has been associated with disability, old age, or some kind of infirmity. While multi-billion dollar empires have […]
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You’ve worked for months to get your prototype functioning. It’s time to take that ugly (but functional!) works-like prototype and create a real consumer product. Right now, you may be focused on the general shape, smoothing out the curves and accommodating the awkward PCB shape (darn those electrical engineers!), but soon you’ll feel the need […]
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Some of the products in our world are brand new—they’re the things we “didn’t know we needed,” the innovations that ramp up our experience of life a few notches. You know, like the Internet, the iPhone, and now all those Internet of Things things. Plenty of other products are age-old, traditional, ubiquitous. We also can’t […]
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The week’s top hardware news. March 25, 2016 Products Test Your DNA at Home London-based Bento takes the expensive technologies used in molecular biology and pushes them to a wider audience with Bento DNA Laboratory. The portable lab is equipped with a centrifuge, a PCR thermocycler, and a gel electrophoresis to extract, copy and visualize […]
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We live in a world replete with devices. Tablets, smartphones, desktops, laptops, smart watches, cars, TVs, thermostats, door locks. Probably toasters soon, too. Surely we don’t need another “thing.” Surely, if we want to do something as simple as browse through our photos, we can just pull up our tablets, smartphones, or plug our camera […]
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The week’s top hardware news. March 18th, 2016 Products Music Packed with Dopamine One of the most anticipated wearables at CES this year is now on IndieGogo and it promises divine pleasure. Here’s how it works: by sending a gentle electrical wave through the left ear canal, it stimulates the body’s Vagus nerve, while syncing […]
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The week’s top hardware news. March 11th, 2016 Products Zero Screen Time PrimoToys has returned to Kickstarter to launch a new Cubetto Playset. If you haven’t seen this Montessori approved wooden robot yet, you’re in for a treat. Cubetto is designed to teach kids ages three and up the basics of computer programming, along with […]
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Ever wonder how the fantastical creatures you see in Star Wars are brought to life? There are some incredible tools at the hands of filmmakers, animators and producers these days, one of which is 3D printing. So when Lucasfilm wanted to re-animate the lovable holochess game in The Force Awakens, they worked with Academy Award […]
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Back in the 1990’s, virtual reality (VR) was a big thing. The next big thing, the media sang enthralled. Trouble was, the technology infrastructure wasn’t built out to allow any sort of appreciable user base to develop, and so VR stayed on the fringes, its tentative flames kept alive by a small contingent of diehard […]
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The week’s top hardware news. March 4th, 2016. Products Kiddie STEM Kit If these are the toys children play with these days, can’t help but wonder what rockets they’ll be building by 7th grade. Take $100 Tio, a STEM kit available on Kickstarter, that features loose tech parts (wheels, pulleys, adaptors) to encourage mini makers […]
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The week’s top hardware news. February 26th, 2016 Products The Planet is Your Playground If the thought of laser tag still gets you excited (we know it does; us, too!), then you’ll probably sense the potential of this $18 gadget that can turn your surroundings into an Augmented Reality first person shooter game. Just think […]
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The week’s top hardware news. February 19th, 2016 Products Music You Can Swallow Audiopill is an experimental device for enjoying music, one that you need to, well, swallow. “It will make you feel like you are standing in the middle of a concert hall with a powerful audio system inside your body,” so says conceptual artist […]
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The week’s top hardware news. February 12th, 2016 Products The Vibrator That Knows You A team of techies from companies like Google X and Amazon Lab126 are pushing the boundaries of sex research to create Lionness, a smart vibrator that uses sensors to learn your pleasure triggers. The more you use it, the more personal […]
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Ineffective meetings are a major time-suck. People straggle in late, not exactly knowing what the purpose of the meeting is. A quick review turns into a length discussion.. which turns into a debate, which ends in no-one-really-knowing-what-the-point-of-the-meeting-was-or-what-to-do-next. Sound familiar? When run properly, meetings can provide clarity, alignment, and keep projects on schedule. Thankfully, we had […]
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The week’s top hardware news. February 5th, 2016 Products TAPP Fingerprint Padlock There are so many online tutorials on how to pick a padlock that someone had to come up with a better solution for securing stuff. It comes in the form of a $29 seamless padlock called TAPP that unlocks when touched with a […]
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We had the pleasure of welcoming accomplished and exceptional leader Kate Purmal to Fictiv to lead us in a workshop on teamwork. Kate launched her career as a member of the founding management team at Palm and has since worked in CEO, CFO, and COO roles at multiple startups and as a strategic consultant for Hewlett-Packard, […]
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Hellooo 2016! Is it seriously February already? Well, in the spirit of nostalgia, we’re takin’ a drive down memory lane, looking back at our most popular posts from 2015. 1. Ultimate Guide to Surface Finishing 3D Printed Parts First up: our popular Ultimate Guide to Surface Finishing 3D Printed Parts. The guide covers different finishing […]
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Steve Jobs once said, “You can’t just ask customers what they want and then try to give that to them. By the time you get it built, they’ll want something new.” Apple makes beautifully functional—and functionally beautiful—products that people are passionate about and cannot seem to live without. The company would famously keep all of […]
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The most popular question we get at Fictiv is around 3D printing material choice: “Which material is best for my project?” Each material has its own benefits and drawbacks, and it can be hard to make a decision without holding and seeing the material for yourself. You’re always welcome to come by the Fictiv office […]
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The week’s top hardware news. January 27th, 2016. Products Like FitBit for Food This product is for those cooks who can take advice in their own kitchen. It’s the “world’s first smart cooking pan,” the $200 SmartyPans. What can it do? It measures weight, temperature and ingredients, integrates with nutrition and fitness apps and guides […]
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The week’s top hardware news. January 20, 2016. Products The Most Normal-Looking Smart Glasses Another product that stirred some wonderment at CES was a pair of seemingly regular prescription glasses from Zeiss. They look normal, but perform as fully functional smart lenses. Who knew smart glasses didn’t have to look creepy? + further improvements on […]
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The week’s top hardware news. January 14th, 2016 Products Programmable Drone There are so many gadgets that teach people how to code these days, it’s a miracle if there’s anyone left uninitiated. Robolink uses a drone, though. That’s new! CoDrone is the first drone that can be programmed to do whatever tricks you want. Like […]
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The weeks top hardware news. January 7th, 2016 Products dokiWatch Born from a developer’s need to find his nephew at the mall, this 3G enabled smartwatch for kids has some appeal for kids and grownups alike. It’s got video calling, GPS tracking and a hard-to-miss red SOS button connected to the parent’s smartphone. + The […]
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You may have heard somewhere that Silicon Valley is a breeding ground of innovation, technology, and sophistication. Most startups here take one thing and iterate through near-infinity on that one thing until it’s the most perfect, elegant, and uber-functional “one thing” you can find. And often the most expensive. Trouble is, not everyone is necessarily […]
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The week’s top hardware news. December 30th, 2015 Products The Sound Reactive Mask Just in time for New Years, Canadian startup Outline Montréal launched their first Kickstarter campaign for a wild party animal mask. Harnessing the potential of sound reactive technology, they created a luminous jaguar mask that translates musical beats into light. Translation: a […]
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The week’s top hardware news. December 17th, 2015 Products Like Headphones for Your Eyes Funded on Kickstarter in 2014, Avegant’s Glyph video headset is ready to go into mass production. We’re mentioning it because, for $699, it’s a device that gets close to the VR experience by projecting images directly to your retina by using […]
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If you’ve ever watched ABC’s Shark Tank, you may have heard one of the investors say something like, “I think you’re really smart and have a great idea, but you’re an inventor — not an entrepreneur.” Whether you like Shark Tank as a form of entertainment or not, I think the seperation of these two […]
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The week’s top hardware news. December 11th, 2015 Products World’s Safest Drone Still don’t know how to tackle drone safety? A Belgian startup just came up with the solution: make a drone like a giant flying marshmallow! Fleye can hover and fly about a room all on its own without injuring anyone while taking their […]
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It’s one thing to design a product that improves the way something works, makes things fun, or helps you explore new ways of doing things. It’s quite another to change routine, daily behavior, like typing or using a keyboard. That’s the challenge Gest is taking on. Gest is, in the company’s own words, a digital […]
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Moddler is widely known as one of the top boutique 3D print shops in the Bay Area. Founded by vfx veteran and Emmy Award winner John Vegher, the company enjoys a glittering line-up of clients and a solid reputation for quality, care, and customer service. Moddler’s focus on producing the highest quality parts for their customers, regardless […]
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Every startup knows about accelerators, but not every startup knows how to read between the lines of an accelerator experience to transform those golden nuggets of expertise, resources, and connections that these organizations offer into a viable new brand. In this week’s Spotlight we share the story of Peeple, the smart caller ID for your front […]
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We’ve all heard of the digital divide. But in Silicon Valley, there’s another kind of gap—the chasm between software and hardware. Hardware developers have watched for years as their software dev friends pulled down free pieces of code from GitHub, spun off app after app from their dorm rooms and garages, and wooed millions of […]
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We recently hosted experts from 3 of the top product design firms in the country, Whipsaw, Mindtribe, and Synapse as well as over a hundred San Francisco designers and engineers to explore the give and take between design and engineering in the development of hardware products. We captured the discussion on video and look forward to continuing the conversation!
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You know those hypnotic GoPro videos of skateboarders flying down flights of stairs as if they had wings, surfers gliding along massive waves, and James Stewart killing it out on the dirt? You can’t just get a GoPro camera and expect to get that kind of quality right out of the box. You need a […]
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Here in the Bay Area we probably have the greatest concentration of electronic gadgets, and the people who make them, this side of the planet. That can be a problem when it comes to parenting—even if you hide all your devices under your sofa, your kids will still come home raving about their best friend’s […]
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Remember the clunky, brick-sized, beige-colored cell phones the 1980’s used to carry around? That’s what today’s environmental sensors remind Will Hubbard of. Will is the COO and co-founder of ChemiSense, a new player in the environmental sensor space that’s working on an air quality sensor that’s smarter, sleeker, and cheaper. And definitely not beige. It all started in […]
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Modern jewelry design can greatly benefit from advances in 3D printing technology. 3D printing can help you reduce material costs, iterate on your jewelry designs more quickly, and assess more accurate models to ultimately make more better pieces. The two main ways we recommend jewelery designers leverage 3D printing technology are: 3D print models of […]
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At our recent Pancakes + Hardware event, Gabe Parisi-Amon, CTO at Nebia, shared product development insights on the wildly popular shower head that caught fire on Kickstarter. The pancakes were also a hit (but thankfully not on fire) and engineers had a great opportunity to connect with Gabe and his Co-founder Phil since Nebia is hiring. Read on for […]
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Additive manufacturing has revolutionized the way we prototype products—new ideas can take shape in a matter of hours. While large-scale 3D printing is becomingly increasingly possible, the technology is still most commonly used to develop consumer products on a smaller scale. However, this shouldn’t stop you from thinking big when it comes to using additive […]
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Industrial Design consulting work is a great way to maintain personal flexibility and build a wide variety of skills, but it can be hard to know how to get started. Of the many things to learn along the way, figuring out how much to charge for your work is a good place to start. Here’s a […]
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We hear the terms “lean product development” and “hardware revolution” thrown around as descriptors for the future of hardware, but what do those ambitious labels really mean? We asked four hardware startups, in the midst of it all, to define exactly what “lean” means to them and how it influences the way they develop hardware […]
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The vision behind Nebia, a Y Combinator-backed shower head raising $2.5 million and counting on Kickstarter, started with a simple problem: high-end gym goers tend to take their sweet time in the shower and, as a result, use up a lot of water. The unlikely inspiration for a solution to this problem? Industrial nozzles used by […]
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Scaling up a new product from the prototype or low-volume production stage into a high-volume manufacturing environment can be one of the most exciting and stressful stages of the hardware development life cycle. The decisions made during this transition will have significant implications for all aspects of a product, from tooling and manufacturing process control […]
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Introduction: A Brief History of IoT In 1926, inventor and futurist Nikola Tesla remarked upon the potential power of wireless technology to eliminate social problems arising out of the natural distance that exists between individuals and groups of people: “When wireless is perfectly applied the whole earth will be converted into a huge brain, which […]
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Now that 3D printing is a more developed technology, the advantages it offers in the mechanical world are vast. But the power of 3D printing isn’t limited to building car parts and iPhone cases. When its vast capabilities of personalization and customization are applied to the medical field, the results are continuously pushing boundaries. From […]
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For almost 5 years, James Olander worked as Senior Systems Engineer for Lockheed Martin, a large aerospace company, leveraging his degrees in Aerospace and Space Systems Engineering to develop innovative satellite technology and launch vehicles. But to be a small piece of a massive organization like Lockheed Martin, no matter how great the company or […]
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So you’re thinking of making a food-related product that needs to be food-safe — great! This article will help guide you toward the right materials, necessary regulations and approvals, best production processes, and design considerations. Which Products and Components Need to be Food-Safe? It’s easy to remember that packaging and tableware need to be food-safe, but […]
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Beauty and function encompass two critical elements of a hardware product: one tangible and the other intangible. For Endless Mobile, these two elements encapsulate the overarching vision for the product they sought to create: an affordable, yet delightful and luxurious computer for the developing world. For hardware companies, mechanical engineering and industrial design can sometimes appear […]
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You’ve ran your tests and iterated until you can iterate no more (well, you could but you won’t). Now finally, (finally!) you’re ready to bring your product to the masses. But what’s the best way to get it out there? Kickstarter and Indiegogo have brought some real success stories to market over the past few years and […]
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When it comes to manufacturing in China, there’s one idea that seems to dominate the conversation: relationships are everything. Success seems to revolve around your ability to build strong relationships with the right people who will introduce you to the right factories. Moreover, continued success depends on maintaining a strong relationship with that factory so […]
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Each startup begins with a dream, an idea. But to discover the courage, strategy, and means to actually move toward realizing that idea is a exceptional task and for most Founders that period of transition is both challenging and transformative. Clifton Roozeboom is in the midst of such a transition as he moves from completing […]
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For this week’s Hardware Spotlight, we’re chatting with Alex Neskin, the CTO at Petcube, an innovative product that connects owners with their pets using remote wireless camera streaming, 2-way audio, and a built-in laser pointer. Often the greatest lessons are born out of challenges encountered and Alex Neskin, CTO at Petcube, relates to this sentiment all too […]
Article
If you’re developing your first product, the process to take a prototype and transform it into a commercially viable product may seem overwhelming. Should you find a contract manufacturer or use several independent manufacturers? Should you work with local vendors or consider overseas? How finished should your prototype be before you start talking to a […]
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WeIn this Spotlight we’re lucky to share our conversation with Lisa Fetterman, CEO and Co-founder of Nomiku, the company behind an at-home sous vide machine. Lisa is a dedicated entrepreneur included in this 2015’s Forbes Food and Wine 30 under 30 and a young hardware veteran with hard-earned product development and manufacturing experience, having lived 2 years next to her factory […]
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In this week’s Hardware Spotlight, we had the chance to sit down with Sergiu Dogaru, co-founder at AnyMote. Sergiu Dogaru, Alina Dogaru and their co-founder, Michal Simkovic, created the AnyMote Smart Remote to give us the truly universal remote we’ve all dreamed of. We chatted with Sergiu about manufacturing in China, prepping for a successful Kickstarter, […]
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We recently took a look at a study which measures the material properties of ABS and PLA printed on RepRap printers in comparison to parts printed on commercial machines. The study showed that PLA and ABS parts printed on RepRap printers are relatively comparable to parts printed on commercial machines in terms of tensile strength and elastic […]
Article
We’re seeking out the best hardware companies and engineers to help uncover the many challenges, lessons, and philosophies behind hardware product development. In this week’s Hardware Spotlight, we’re learning about the exciting possibilities of Virtual Reality with Patrick Buckley from DODOcase. He’s launched a Kickstarter to raise funds for the development of open web-based Virtual Reality software tools to support […]
Article
This week we’re spotlighting the development of a product we created for Menlo Ventures with industrial designer Mark Kelley. We took the opportunity to ask Mark a few questions about the industrial design process and how his skills fit into this collaborative project with Fictiv co-founder and engineer Dave Evans. Mark, can you describe where your design skills […]
Article
We’re seeking out the most amazing hardware companies and engineers to help uncover the many challenges, lessons, and philosophies behind what makes them so awesome and how they develop their products. In this week’s Hardware Spotlight, we had the chance to sit down with Taylor Umphreys co-founder and CEO at Zuli. Taylor and his co-founders, Sid […]
Article
Successful product development involves a rigorous and detailed process of testing, breaking, and fixing. However without the right system in place, it can be difficult to parse out the details of effective changes versus ineffective ones. Nathan Hall-Snyder, VP of Engineering at Kespry, a commercial drone technology company that recently raised $10M in Series A funding, knows […]
Article
We’re seeking out the most amazing hardware companies and engineers to help uncover the many challenges, lessons, and philosophies behind what makes them so awesome and how they develop their products. In this week’s Hardware Spotlight we had the chance to chat with Chris McKleroy, Co-founder and Product Designer at Boombotix. He shared with us his […]
Article
We’re seeking out the best hardware companies and engineers to help uncover the many challenges, lessons, and philosophies behind hardware product development. In this Hardware Spotlight, we had the chance to sit down with Alex Selig, co-founder at SoundFocus. Alex, and his co-founder Varun Srinivasan, founded the company with the goal of building revolutionary audio processing technologies […]
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In this Hardware Spotlight, we’re learning a lot about neurons and photons from Sam Malanowski, Product Engineer at Inscopix. Inscopix makes a miniaturized microscope system that allows for researchers to view large-scale neural circuit dynamics in freely behaving rodents. Sam shares with us his experience working as an engineer amongst a majority group of PhD researchers, […]
Article
We’re seeking out the best hardware companies to help uncover the many challenges, lessons, and philosophies behind hardware product development. In this week’s Hardware Spotlight, we had the chance to sit down with Tyler and Lei, co-founders at DrumPants. They founded the company with the vision to pioneer a more natural way for humans to interact with their […]
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