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Design for Cost (DFC) and Design to Cost (DTC): Balancing Performance and Affordability in Product Design

In today’s competitive global market, cost-conscious design is a strategic necessity. While innovation, quality, and speed to market remain vital, delivering cost-efficient solutions without compromising performance is essential for product success and customer adoption. Design for Cost (DFC) is a foundational element of the Design for Excellence (DfX) framework, with Design to Cost (DTC) and […]

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Design for Reliability (DFR): Engineering Quality Products That Last

Product reliability is a critical measure of success in industries where failure is not an option. A single malfunction can lead to costly recalls or damaged reputations. In critical applications, a single failure could even be life-threatening. Design for Reliability (DFR) is a proactive engineering philosophy that ensures products meet customer performance specifications under real-world […]

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5‑Axis CNC Machining: Precision Capabilities for Complex Parts

5-axis CNC machining is an advanced form of subtractive manufacturing that allows manufacturers to create highly complex, high-precision parts in a single setup. Like other CNC processes, it works by removing excess material from a workpiece using cutting tools. Parts can be shaped from different materials, such as metals, plastics, and composites. Product teams can […]

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Sheet Metal Welding Design Guide

A crucial part of sheet metal fabrication is planning how the assembly will be welded into a complete unit, known as a weldment. An optimized design makes the weldment process more efficient and cost-effective, while also improving structural strength, reducing the risk of rework, and preventing issues like weak welds or cracking. This guide will […]

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Torlon® (PAI): A High-Performance Plastic With Advanced Material Properties

Torlon®, the brand name for polyamide-imide (PAI), is an ultra-high-performance thermoplastic known for its exceptional mechanical strength, thermal stability, and chemical resistance.  It has the highest strength and thermal resistance of any melt-processable plastic, with continuous use temperatures up to 260°C. Torlon is often used in extreme conditions, such as aerospace, oil & gas, and […]

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Soft Polymers for Product Design: Comparing Flexible Materials

In product design, many situations call for soft or flexible materials. Whether it’s a waterproof seal or a compliant mechanism, these types of materials prove indispensable in many use cases. The right material choice can mean the difference between a product that merely meets basic requirements and one that excels in comfort, durability, and performance. […]

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Fictiv Transforms Injection Molding Services 

Trusted global manufacturing and supply chain leader delivers best-in-class injection molding experience with advanced DFM tools and unmatched mold build visibility San Francisco, CA — July 22, 2025 — Fictiv, the global manufacturing and supply chain company, today announced significant advancements in its injection molding capabilities, reinforcing its position as the easiest and most reliable […]

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Boring vs. Drilling vs. Reaming: A Guide to Precision Hole Machining

High-quality hole machining is critical for manufacturing parts with tight tolerances. Holes need to align with precision and accuracy, especially for functional assemblies and engineering fits. Drilling, boring, and reaming are distinct machining processes used to create or refine holes, each offering different levels of precision and surface finish. However, these terms are often mistakenly […]

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Plastic Fillers: Glass, Carbon, and Mineral-Filled Thermoplastics for Engineering Applications

Filler materials or compounds can be added to thermoplastics to improve their mechanical properties, lower material costs, or achieve a combination of both. The properties of filled thermoplastics can vary depending on the type of base plastic, the type of filler used, and the filler concentration. These improved characteristics make filled thermoplastics valuable across various […]

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FictivMade: Detailed DFM Analysis

Design for Manufacturing (DFM) is a critical component of product development that can make or break your product design. It can be integrated early and often in the process as design revisions are made, ensuring the designer and manufacturer are aligned. However, it can often be more complex and time-consuming than expected. At this stage […]