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The information in this article is also available as a free e-book download. Download the Injection Molding Design Guide The Injection Molding Process Injection molding is a fast and efficient way to produce plastic parts. The tool that it uses, an injection mold, has two main parts: the core and the cavity. These two halves […]
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Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T or GD and T) is a standardized system that uses symbolic language to define and communicate product geometry, design intent, and engineering dimensions and tolerances, ensuring precise control over manufacturing variations. Download the free eBook version and master the fundamentals of GD&T— including tips, terms, and best practices, all in […]
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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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Fictiv’s guide to fasteners for 3D printed parts includes an overview of threaded inserts, self-threading screws, captured hex nuts, as well as how to design threads and cut threads with a tap. In this article, we’ll examine plastic fastening assemblies for CNC machined and 3D printed parts, including: This guide will help you choose the […]
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This article was revised by Tessa Axsom in September 2023 Even in 2023, with the rising popularity of model-based definitions, engineering drawings are still a great way to communicate design intent for CNC machined parts that require tight tolerances, material specifications, or other special requirements. That’s why many Fictiv customers in the robotics, aerospace, automotive, […]
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A robot performing parkour was impossible 30 years ago, but now, Boston Dynamic’s Atlas robot can traverse an obstacle course gracefully and precisely. Boston Dynamics uses Atlas as an exercise to unlock the next generation of mobility, perception, and athletic intelligence in robotics. The Atlas robot is constructed of a beautiful combination of 3D-printed titanium […]
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Foamcore (also known as foam board or foam core) is a lightweight building material typically consisting of an inner foam layer sandwiched by paper or another thin, lightweight material. If you have put together a poster for a school project or a work-related presentation, odds are you’re familiar with rigid foam core poster board. Foamcore […]
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This article was originally published in February 2017 by Humberto Villasenor. The content has been updated. Understanding the differences between the mechanical properties of strength vs. stiffness vs. hardness is foundational in mechanical engineering, yet these properties are often confused. These properties are related, but they have important differences: For this article, we’ll review the […]
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Springs are common in all kinds of machines — from consumer products to heavy industrial equipment. Take apart anything that involves a mechanism, and chances are, you’ll find a spring inside. Springs are storage devices for mechanical energy, analogous to the electrical storage capacity of batteries. The earliest spring-driven clocks appeared in the 1400s. Fast-forward […]
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Fillets are one of those mysterious design features for which there seem to be no clearly defined rules. Either a part is entirely devoid of fillets, and most or all edges are well-defined, or the part’s designer decided to take the opposite route, and every single edge and corner is rounded with some size of […]
