Latest

Article

3D Printing With TPU: A Practical Guide for Engineers and Product Designers

Thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) is a versatile material that bridges the gap between rigid plastics and soft rubbers in 3D printing. It’s flexible, durable, and strong, so parts made from it can bend, stretch, and absorb impact without breaking. TPU has become a go-to material for applications requiring both flexibility and strength. Typical applications include wearable […]

Article

Flexible Materials for 3D Printing: A Selection Guide to Elastomeric Filaments for Soft Components 

As additive manufacturing expands beyond rigid plastics, flexible materials are redefining what’s possible—from soft robotic joints to wearable tech. Flexible filaments or source materials enable the printing of functional parts that require flexibility and shock absorption, conformability, and durability under repetitive strain. For mechanical engineers and product designers involved in applications such as robotics, consumer […]

Article

How On-Demand CNC Manufacturing Accelerates New Product Introduction (NPI)

As manufacturers across the U.S. and Canada bring production closer to home, the fastest teams are winning launch windows. Compressing the “design → make → test” cycle isn’t just about efficiency—it’s now a core competitive advantage. On-demand CNC machining, by intelligently routing precision parts to pre-vetted suppliers across regions, enables faster prototyping and pilot production […]

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

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

Audience Q&A: Injection Molding Webinar

During Fictiv’s expert webinar Inside the Digital Tool Bench: How to Engineer for Mold Success From Day One, hosted by PlasticsToday, audience members asked our panelists a wide range of practical questions on injection molding, digital DFM tools, and manufacturing best practices. Our panel included: Here are some of the top audience questions and answers […]

Article

Product Requirements Document (PRD): Purpose & Best Practices

Why PRDs Are Vital for Hardware Development In the fast-paced world of hardware product development, even a small misunderstanding in product intent can lead to costly rework, missed deadlines, or even a failed launch. That’s where a Product Requirements Document (PRD) becomes invaluable.  A PRD serves as the single source of truth that aligns cross-functional […]

Article

Medical Device Injection Molding: A Complete Guide

Looking for a high-precision, cost-effective solution for medical device manufacturing? Injection molding delivers accuracy, regulatory compliance, and scalability for healthcare innovations.  It is a process used to manufacture a wide range of medical devices, from catheters and syringes to surgical instruments and implantable components. This highly precise and efficient method is essential for producing parts […]

Article

New Product Introduction (NPI) for Manufacturing: Tips for Team Alignment

Introducing a new product to the market comes with many challenges and unexpected turns. It’s never as easy as it sounds, but having a structured plan for team alignment goes a long way.  The New Product Introduction (NPI) process follows a structured approach to ensure a product moves efficiently from concept to market launch. Each […]

Article

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 […]