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Gas-Assisted Injection Molding: A Complete Guide 

Gas-assisted injection molding (GAIM) overcomes the challenges of thick-wall molding by using pressurized nitrogen gas to form hollow channels within the part and displace molten resin in its thick areas. This method can add integrity to the exterior surfaces while reducing material usage and cooling cycles. Engineers designing thick-walled or structurally reinforced plastic parts are […]

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Chinese New Year 2026: How the Holiday Impacts Manufacturing Capacity

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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Adhesives for Assembly in Manufacturing: A Guide to Bonding Metal, Polymer, and Composite Components

Adhesive bonding is one of the most versatile and efficient joining techniques for manufacturing assemblies, especially when design constraints limit other options. Unlike mechanical fasteners that add weight and concentrate stress, adhesives create seamless joints that distribute loads evenly and reduce vibration. They enable cleaner aesthetics, dampen noise, and allow designers to bond metals, plastics, […]

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Tabs and Slots for Sheet Metal Part Design

As sheet metal fabrication advances and methods such as laser and waterjet cutting have become standard, designers are integrating sheet metal tabs and slots directly into flat patterns to eliminate alignment issues and accelerate assembly. These interlocking features act as built-in locators, reducing reliance on jigs while improving weld accuracy and repeatability. This ultimately results […]

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3D Printing With TPU: A Practical Guide for Engineers and Product Designers

Thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) is a versatile material that bridges the gap between rigid plastics and soft rubbers in 3D printing. It’s flexible, durable, and strong, so parts made from it can bend, stretch, and absorb impact without breaking. TPU has become a go-to material for applications requiring both flexibility and strength. Typical applications include wearable […]

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Flexible Materials for 3D Printing: A Selection Guide to Elastomeric Filaments for Soft Components 

As additive manufacturing expands beyond rigid plastics, flexible materials are redefining what’s possible—from soft robotic joints to wearable tech. Flexible filaments or source materials enable the printing of functional parts that require flexibility and shock absorption, conformability, and durability under repetitive strain. For mechanical engineers and product designers involved in applications such as robotics, consumer […]

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How On-Demand CNC Manufacturing Accelerates New Product Introduction (NPI)

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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Fictiv Welcomes MISUMI Representative Director and President Ryusei Ono to the U.S. Headquarters to Advance Innovation Across Climate Tech, Robotics, MedTech, EV and Aerospace

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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US Machine Shops: How Tariffs and Recent Supply and Demand Trends Shape the Market

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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Prototype Outsourcing ROI vs. In-House Manufacturing

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, […]