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Article

Keep the Assembly Line Happy: 10 Design for Assembly Rules to Live By

“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 […]

Article

First Article Inspection (FAI): The Guide for Engineers and Manufacturers

In manufacturing, quality control is engineered and measured. Before production launch, you need proof that your design can be built repeatedly as intended. That data comes from a verification process called First Article Inspection (FAI). During product development, engineers put considerable effort into ensuring the design is near perfect—from dialing in dimensions and tolerances to […]

Article

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, […]

Article

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 […]

Article

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 […]

Article

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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