Welcome to 3ERP's blog
We share information, tips and things we've learned from our years in the rapid prototyping and manufacturing industry.
CNC milling machines have revolutionized manufacturing, enabling the creation of complex parts with unprecedented precision. But what makes these machines tick, and how do they achieve such remarkable accuracy in producing CNC milling parts? In this blog post, we’ll dive into the world of CNC milling, exploring the core components, axes, tools, and support systems […]
In the intricate world of manufacturing, molding stands out as a cornerstone technique, pivotal across a spectrum of industries. From the minutiae of micro-components to the expanse of automotive parts, molding has been instrumental in shaping not only materials but also the evolution of modern manufacturing. What is Molding? Molding, often interchangeably used with ‘moulding’, […]
Rapid tooling enables engineers to get moldings much faster than they would with production molds. Via machining or additive manufacturing, rapid tooling massively reduces toolmaking lead times, making it possible to obtain accurate prototypes of molded parts or even low-volume production parts. There are many key advantages to using rapid tooling systems. First and foremost, […]
Overmolding, the process of molding one material over a substrate made from another material, is a highly useful form of multi-material plastic injection molding. By combining soft and hard materials, overmolding makes it possible to make durable tools with soft hand grips, industrial components with built-in seals, and parts with high-friction surfaces. However, before making […]
Milling machines have been around for well over 300 years. It is one of the most applied industrial machining operations due to the quality and speed it brings to the table. Understanding the basics of ‘what is a milling machine?’ can give manufacturers a great alternative to stay ahead of the competition. This article will […]
For industrial manufacturing processes like sheet metal fabrication, machinists have several pieces of cutting equipment available to them. In addition to standard CNC machines that use sharp metal cutting tools, there are other options such as laser cutters, water jet cutters, and plasma cutters. Each of these industrial tools has its own unique advantages and […]
While injection molding is principally used to make plastic parts, the process is also highly effective for manufacturing large volumes of intricate metal components. Metal injection molding (MIM), a variant of the traditional injection molding process, has numerous advantages and can be carried out using standard plastic injection molding machines. However, it is not always […]
The majority of parts made using injection molding are rigid plastic components. Typically, these parts are made from thermoplastics like ABS or PC, with different plastics offering different material properties to suit different applications. However, injection molding can also be used to make flexible moldings: parts that are soft, pliable, shock-absorbing, ductile, or elastic. Products […]
In the world of manufacturing, a machining center (MC) serves as the cornerstone for modern industrial applications. But what exactly is a machining center, and how does it contribute to the field of CNC machining? This comprehensive guide will explore the nuances of machining centers, their functions, types, components, and much more, providing you with […]
Navigating the world of CNC machining can be a complex task, especially when it comes to understanding the intricacies of programming language like M code. In this ultimate guide, we’ll delve into everything you need to know about M code, a critical component in CNC programming. Whether you’re a seasoned machinist, an aspiring CNC programmer, […]
