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The 4 Phases of IoT Product Development Made Easy

This article is based on Breadware’s IoT Product Development in 4 Smart Steps, which outlines the four phases of IoT Product Development. The Internet of Things (IoT) market has exploded in recent years, and now IoT-connected devices outnumber non-connected devices. Thus far in 2023, 3.22 billion new IoT devices have come online, so now the […]

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Our Guide to Aluminum Casting

Humans have always produced tools and parts in various ways, and some of the oldest methods leverage the flexibility of metal at or near its melting temperature, such as casting and forging. Aluminum casting is a centuries-old manufacturing process that produces aluminum parts by pouring molten aluminum into a mold, then allowing it to cool […]

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Corrosion vs Oxidation vs Rust

It really grinds my gears when people use the word rust incorrectly. I spent years working as a metallurgist and design engineer analyzing material samples for failure. I love chemistry and have an obsession with relaying factual information. That’s why I dream of the day when all humans understand the difference between corrosion, oxidation, and […]

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Our Favorite Mechanical Inventions Helping the World Right Now

As an engineer, the peak in excitement and job satisfaction is the opportunity to create something that improves the lives of people around the world. While the field of biomedical engineering may be the most obvious area that directly helps people (which is why I began my studies in college in biomedical engineering) there are […]

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Countersink Holes

Countersink holes and countersink compatible fasteners are used in all sorts of products and projects. From cellphones and computers to industrial equipment and cabinets, countersinking is used for machining metal stock, wood, sheet-metal, and even PCBs. Engineers and designers need to know what a countersink hole is and how it can be used (compatible fasteners […]

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Our Guide to Sulfuric Acid Anodizing

Ensuring your parts are sufficiently finished to withstand environmental conditions is a critical consideration for every product. And among the most popular methods of environmental protection is sulfuric acid anodizing. There are several types of anodizing, and the Mil-PRF-8625 specification lays out the different methods: Type I, Type II and Type III.  This article focuses […]

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Plasma Cutting: Everything You Need to Know

As a wee mechanical engineering intern working for a local steel manufacturing company, I will never forget the first time I stepped on the shop floor and saw plasma cutting in progress. It was the summer after my sophomore year, so I didn’t have much experience at that point, but I was mesmerized by the […]

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Our Easy Guide to Hard Anodizing

Anodizing is an electrochemical process that deposits an oxide layer on a metallic surface to provide corrosion protection — and anodized coatings may be dyed in various colors. Hard anodizing, when compared to regular anodizing, creates a thicker, more durable, and wear-resistant aluminum oxide layer. Hard anodizing is also known as “Type III anodizing” per […]

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The Best CAD Software Programs in 2023

Every product design starts with an idea or a request for a quote from a customer and ends with a finished prototype or production part. The process used to start with a hand sketch or simply machining the component, then modifying it and repeating the process to refine the design. In 2023, we can use […]

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Types of Automotive Fasteners Explained

Fasteners are the unsung heroes of the automotive industry. Responsible for supporting engines, mounting bumpers, securing wheels rotating at high speeds, and attaching interior trim, vehicles often have more than 3,500 fasteners keeping cars, trucks and SUVs together. Choosing the right fasteners for each application requires balancing application requirements, cost, safety, lifespan, and serviceability. Automotive […]