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 is one of the most impressive technological advances of this century. Although most people are more familiar with 3D printing as a way to produce precise physical prints, CNC milling has been around for longer and is still widely used today. From its wide range of applications in the electronics industry to its […]
From engine blocks to door handles, die casting is a fast, accurate, and repeatable metal production technique suitable for large or small parts. Die casting parts have an excellent surface finish, and the process is compatible with a range of non-ferrous metals. Because of the high startup costs associated with die casting, the process is […]
3ERP’s polyurethane casting service lets you make small batches of plastic parts at a much lower cost than injection molding. These high-quality prototypes have a great surface finish and can provide a pathway to mass produced molded parts. Many product designers are, however, unfamiliar with polyurethane casting, which requires a unique set of design considerations […]
Digital 3D files have changed the way engineers work with manufacturers. Engineers can now design a part using CAD software, send the digital file to a manufacturer, and have the manufacturer make the part directly from the file using digital manufacturing techniques like CNC machining. But although digital files have made manufacturing faster and simpler, […]
The manufacturing process of machining is a versatile and effective means of cutting metal and plastic. It can create very fine details with tight tolerances, and it is highly cost-effective for making prototypes and small batches of parts. However, machining doesn’t work equally well for all materials. Because the process uses a powerful rotating cutting […]
Electrical discharge machining (EDM) is a non-conventional subtractive manufacturing process that excels at cutting through very hard materials. Unlike ordinary machining, EDM can cut through metals without making contact. It does this by creating an electrical spark that erodes material from the metal workpiece. EDM isn’t suitable for all applications, but it is an essential […]
Additive manufacturing can be used with a wide range of materials, from high-performance thermoplastics like PEEK to aerospace-ready metals like titanium. Sometimes, however, engineers want to combine the properties of two different materials, and one of the best ways to do this is by using composites. Used in processes like FDM and SLS (as well […]
Milling is a machining process in which rotary cutters remove material from a workpiece. It is one of the most important forms of machining, along with turning. Milling can be carried out manually, but these days CNC mills — controlled by computer instructions — are prominent. Importantly, CNC mills can be oriented in two ways: […]
Die casting is a highly accurate and efficient metal manufacturing process for industrial, commercial, and consumer goods. With tooling that lasts a very long time, die casting is suitable for the manufacturing of complex metal parts, offering great value when it comes to mass production. Several metals can make suitable die casting materials. These are […]
Plastic fabrication is essential to most industries. From polystyrene food packaging to industrial components made from engineering-grade PEEK, plastic fabrication contributes hugely to life as we know it. Without the ability to make plastic parts, we would need to develop radically new systems of production. But plastic fabrication comprises many different methods. Injection molding, plastic […]
