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Sheet Metal Welding Design Guide

Weld design plays a critical role in both the strength and appearance of sheet metal assemblies. Whether you’re working on structural brackets or exposed consumer-facing products, understanding how to design for welding can dramatically improve part quality, reduce post-processing, and speed up production. Download Fictiv’s Sheet Metal Welding Design Guide to gain expert insight into […]

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FictivMade: Mold Trials & Revisions for Production-Ready Injection Molds

In earlier chapters of FictivMade, I walked through the detailed design process, DFM analysis, and how to kick off the tooling order. While placing the order is a big milestone, there is still more work to be done before the finish line. Now comes the stage of the multi-tool phone stand project where the injection […]

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Product Development Process: Design Phase of a Multi-Tool Phone Stand From Concept to Prototype

Product Concept Development This article will take you through the process of physical product development, starting with the essential step of developing the product concept.  Problem Statement What product would mechanical engineers want to have by their side at all times? That’s what I asked myself as I embarked on this design project.  As with […]

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Understanding the Types of Fit in Engineering: Clearance, Transition, and Interference

In engineering, the term “fit” describes the relationship between two mating parts, such as a shaft and a hole. The way these parts interact—whether they fit snugly together, move freely, or press into one another—is crucial to the performance and functionality of the mechanical system.  The correct fit ensures that parts function optimally, whether they […]

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The Impact of AI in Mechanical Engineering

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming various industries, and mechanical engineering is no exception. When I started working as a mechanical engineer 13 years ago, I didn’t think much about AI someday replacing my job. Now, with the recent hype around AI, many of us in product development, engineering, and manufacturing have considered how AI affects […]

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Producing Show-Quality Mockups for CES 2025: Top Manufacturing Processes to Elevate Your Prototypes

The Consumer Electronics Show (CES) is the ultimate stage to showcase innovative technology and futuristic designs. High-quality mockups are essential to captivate an audience and stand out in the crowded exhibition halls. Whether you’re unveiling groundbreaking consumer tech or sleek new designs, the manufacturing process you choose for your prototypes can make or break your […]

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Prototyping for the 5 Stages of the Product Development Process

Prototypes are integral to product development, moving a product from initial ideation to fabrication. This article will break the product development process down into five general stages and discuss how various types of prototypes, from visual aids to fully functional test articles, provide tangible benefits to the product development process as a whole.  The project […]

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Women in Engineering Statistics: 32 Notable Facts

While the presence of women in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields has been historically low, there’s a noticeable trend of growth in the number of women pursuing careers in engineering. This shift not only opens up new opportunities for women but also enriches the engineering domain with diverse perspectives and skills.  To illuminate […]

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What are Blind Holes in Engineering and Machining?

In designing and machining, holes are central when constructing and utilizing different parts. Holes fill explicit needs, from enclosures to attaching sensors or pathways to liquids. Among the various sorts of holes, an important classification is blind holes. This article explains blind holes, investigating their definition, importance in designing and machining, and applications across various […]

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DJI Mini 2 SE Drone Teardown

One of this year’s most popular Christmas gifts is the DJI SE 2 Mini Drone. It boasts level 5 wind resistance (up to 23.6 MPH), a maximum takeoff altitude of under 2.5 miles, and up to 31 minutes of flight time. All these capabilities are packed in a tiny package, weighing just over half a […]