Fictiv makes it fast, easy and efficient to get the prototype parts you need, precisely when and how you need them.
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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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The information in this article is also available as a free e-book download. Download the Injection Molding Design Guide The Injection Molding Process Injection molding is a fast and efficient way to produce plastic parts. The tool that it uses, an injection mold, has two main parts: the core and the cavity. These two halves […]
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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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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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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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“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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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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The advent of CAD systems, additive manufacturing, and CNC machining has made the design and manufacture of complex part designs almost routine. Engineers today are being asked to design parts that will probably be exposed to many different factors, including extreme weather, chemicals, bodily fluids, high stress/high load, impact, and other elements and situations that […]
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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 […]
