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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 […]

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How to Start Designing 3D Models

When you’re a mechanical engineer like me, starting a new 3D model design is equally exciting and nerve-wracking as your mind fills with possibilities. Whether it’s a complex CNC part, a simple mechanical assembly, an innovative new product development (NPD) design, or a 3D printed mechanism, every project presents unique challenges and opportunities for innovation.  […]

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Your Guide to Nickel Plating

Nickel plating dates back several centuries and has been used for a variety of purposes over that period. There are two types of nickel plating, electroless and electrolytic. Electrolytic nickel plating or nickel electroplating is an electrochemical process whereby metal is deposited on a surface. Electrochemical processes are fueled by a chemical reaction, along with […]

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Compliant Mechanisms: An Overview

A compliant mechanism is a mechanical system that uses flexible components such as springs, cables, and linkages to absorb energy, provide compliance, and reduce the overall stiffness of a system. Compliant mechanism designs use flexible members (often 3d printed) to achieve a prescribed range of motion and/or force.  There are also secondary benefits to compliant […]

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The Bimetallic Strip Explained

While you may not be familiar with bimetallic strips, you likely have encountered thermometers that utilize them. Bimetallic strips are most often used in modern electronic and mechanical devices such as thermal circuit breakers, thermometers, temperature-sensitive switches, fire alarms, timers, relays, and motor starters. This article discusses what a bimetallic strip is, where it originated, […]

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8 Creative Ways to Recruit Skilled Mechanical Engineers

Recruiting skilled engineers is a daunting task — factors like job security, income, and benefits are a good start in attracting mechanical engineers, but you need to go the extra mile to attract highly skilled, passionate, and motivated engineers. Engineering candidates typically use logic when deciding to take a job and will often utilize a […]

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Consumer Electronics Certifications: FCC Regulations, EMC Testing, and More

You and your team have a killer consumer electronics product idea and the necessary skill set to bring it to market. But 50% of consumer electronics products fail EMC testing during their first pass. A failure in certification testing can stop your product development process dead in its tracks, resulting in large costs and significant […]

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Problems with MCAD-ECAD Integration and How to Solve Them

Designing complex PCBAs for external enclosures requires meticulous attention to detail, ensuring compatibility between both mechanical and electrical aspects. In this article, we’ll discuss the importance of this integration and common problems that often arise during the process, then provide ways to avoid them.  Why MCAD and ECAD Integration is Important  Electronics and mechanical systems […]