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Article

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 […]

Article

Prototyping In-House vs Outsourcing: The ROI for Mechanical Engineering Teams

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, […]

Article

Rapid Prototyping: A Complete Guide to Fast Manufacturing for Product Development

Whether you’re in early development of a medical device, a consumer electronics accessory, or a simple cable clip for your desk, the goal is usually the same: to test the concept as quickly as possible. When it comes to getting your product from a digital idea on screen to something physical in hand, prototyping is […]

Article

Design for Sustainability (DFS): A Guide for Engineering More Eco-Friendly Products

We want the products we design to last — to perform reliably, win market adoption, and deliver long-term value. But it’s not ideal if they last forever in a landfill, or negatively impact the planet we depend on.  That balance is at the heart of sustainable product design. As environmental awareness grows and regulations become […]

Article

Design for Cost (DFC) and Design to Cost (DTC): Balancing Performance and Affordability in Product Design

In today’s competitive global market, cost-conscious design is a strategic necessity. While innovation, quality, and speed to market remain vital, delivering cost-efficient solutions without compromising performance is essential for product success and customer adoption. Design for Cost (DFC) is a foundational element of the Design for Excellence (DfX) framework, with Design to Cost (DTC) and […]

Article

Design for Reliability (DFR): Engineering Quality Products That Last

Product reliability is a critical measure of success in industries where failure is not an option. A single malfunction can lead to costly recalls or damaged reputations. In critical applications, a single failure could even be life-threatening. Design for Reliability (DFR) is a proactive engineering philosophy that ensures products meet customer performance specifications under real-world […]

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