Latest

Article

CNC vs Die Casting Qualification Scorecard 

Quick Evaluation Tool for Process Selection Compare die casting and CNC machining to determine the best process for your prototyping or production requirements. CNC vs Die Casting Scorecard Score each category from 0–2 based on your part requirements. Category 0 (CNC) 1 (Neutral) 2 (Casting) Your Score Production Volume <1,000 1,000–5,000 >5,000 012 Target Lead […]

Article

The CNC Periodic Table: A Visual Guide to the Core Elements of Machining

CNC machining involves far more than simply uploading a CAD model and cutting parts. Every part is shaped by the material, machine types, cutting tools, finishes, and design constraints that work together to determine cost, quality, and performance. To help engineers better understand these relationships, the Fictiv team created the CNC Periodic Table of Elements—a […]

Article

Manufacturing Process Cost & Lead Time Comparison 

How to choose between CNC vs. Injection Molding vs. Sheet Metal vs. 3D Printing vs. Die Casting Finding the lowest-cost manufacturing process can be harder than you might think. Cost isn’t a static attribute of a part; it’s a dynamic variable influenced by volume, part geometry, speed to market, and many other factors. Industry data […]

Article

Rugged Hardware Design for Harsh Environments: Materials, Sealing, and Reliability Strategies

Harsh environments call for rugged hardware. Just how rugged depends on the specific environmental conditions the product will face. Designing ruggedized hardware for unforgiving environments requires understanding the conditions a product will encounter in service and accounting for them before the design is finalized. Engineers must anticipate how temperature extremes, moisture, vibration, UV exposure, and […]

Article

Teardown: The Breville Bambino Plus

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: […]

Article

The 7 Most Common Tolerance Mistakes Mechanical Engineers Make—and How to Fix Them in Minutes

In mechanical and manufacturing design, tolerances are the unsung heroes (or villains) of product quality, cost, manufacturability, and design intent. Not the ability to tolerate scope creep, schedule changes, or miscommunication in DFM collaboration—though that helps too. We’re talking dimensional and geometric tolerances. Every part, whether a simple bracket or a complex aerospace component, is […]

eBook

Product Assembly Guide

Build products that assemble faster, cost less, and scale with confidence What The Assembly Guide Covers Download the guide now to start improving your assembly design.

Article

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, […]

Article

Metal Assemblies: Fabrication Methods, Joining Techniques, and Design Guidelines

Metal assemblies refer to both the process and the finished result of connecting multiple metal parts to form a durable, functional product or subassembly. This can be achieved through methods such as welding, riveting, brazing, or fastening with screws and bolts. The approach used depends on the required strength, precision, and application of the final […]

Article

Product Development Expo (PDX) 2025: Training Session Recap 

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 […]