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 […]
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 […]
The global aerospace industry is a hotbed of design and manufacturing innovation, with millions and millions of complex metal parts produced yearly. An important tool at the aerospace industry’s disposal is CNC machining. Aerospace machining leads to advanced aircraft parts made from lightweight metals like titanium and aluminum, while machining is also a valuable prototyping […]
Machined parts are everywhere, and it’s easy to see why: CNC machining is suitable for a range of metals and plastics, and machined parts can be fabricated quickly and affordably with no tooling required. With 3ERP, you can get machined parts and prototypes at fair prices with short lead times, and we have experience working […]
Machined parts are everywhere, and it’s easy to see why: CNC machining is suitable for a range of metals and plastics, and machined parts can be fabricated quickly and affordably with no tooling required. With 3ERP, you can get machined parts and prototypes at fair prices with short lead times, and we have experience working […]
What is a bracket? In short, a bracket is an intermediate component used to fix one thing (like a shelf) to another (like a wall). It may be thought of a kind of fastener, but this is somewhat misleading: actual fasteners like screws are used to connect the bracket to the other parts. In addition […]
Galvanization is a process for adding a coating of zinc to the surface of steel or iron. Since the zinc acts as a sacrificial coating, it protects the steel or iron underneath and can therefore extend the lifespan of metal parts. But galvanization is a complex process that can be carried out in several ways. […]
How accurate is 3D printing? The answer to that question depends on many factors, such as the type of 3D printing technology, the quality of the model of 3D printer, the 3D printing material, the complexity and practicality of the design, and the user-defined printing parameters. Because 3D printers depend on a myriad of moving […]
Electronic devices like personal computers generate heat as they are operated. Electricity runs through the various wires and components of the device, encountering resistance as it goes, and this resistance generates heat, rapidly elevating the temperature of the device. Left unchecked, this heat can have disastrous consequences for the device: components like the central processing […]
For those who dabble in manufacturing or prototyping, terms “jig” and “fixture” appear frequently, especially when talking about machining — a subtractive manufacturing process for plastic and metal parts. But what are jigs and fixtures, what are jigs and fixtures used for, and why are jigs and fixtures so important? Although often grouped together, these […]
Fasteners play a crucial role in part design, manufacturing, and assembly. These little pieces of hardware are simple and inexpensive, but without them we would struggle to make many important things: furniture, architectural structures, computers, flooring, vehicles, and much more. The role of a fastener is to mechanically join two or more components together. You […]
3D printing is a digital prototyping and production technology that fabricates plastic or metal parts one layer at a time. It is also known as additive manufacturing because material is gradually added to build the part, as opposed to subtractive manufacturing processes — such as CNC machining, laser cutting, plasma cutting, water jet, stamping etc. […]
From industrial gaskets to the soles of your shoes, elastomeric parts are both ubiquitous and unique. Made from elastomers, a group of rubber-like polymers, these flexible, stretchy, and shock-absorbing components are easy to make — and can be produced in several ways. One of the ways to produce elastomeric parts is injection molding. Not the […]
Being adopted for fabricating plastic parts and for a huge range of products, Plastic Injection molding is a common manufacturing process. This method is utilized in manufacturing parts that vary in complexity, size, and application, and in this process, there is the utilization of a machine called an injection molding machine along with a mold […]
Metal casting, a metalworking process involving liquid metal and a mold, has existed for thousands of years. Over its history, metal casting has been used to make everything from swords to wind turbines, and today it is one of the most valuable and versatile methods for making high-quality metal parts. This guide looks at the […]
Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), most commonly known by the brand name Teflon, is a synthetic fluoropolymer thermoplastic that can be used for a range of applications, from non-stick frying pans to medical devices. Resistant to chemicals and stable even at high temperatures, Teflon is one of the popular CNC machining and milling plastics for many specific applications, despite its so-so […]
The benefits of 5 axis machining may not be obvious to non-experts. After all, your CNC machined parts are three-dimensional, not five-dimensional, right? Intuitively, you might think that a 3 axis CNC machine should be capable of handling most machining jobs. In actual fact, 5 axis machining is today the most viable solution for all […]
With the promise of low costs and fast turnaround times, Chinese CNC machining services are a popular choice for companies looking to outsource their machining needs. In fact, carrying out CNC machining in China is a vital step for many product developers, since few other countries can match China for cost and efficiency. That being […]
Do you want to market your products quickly? You must consider rapid prototyping to achieve your goals. Among various rapid prototyping methods, Prototype Tooling is the best way to get the job done What is Prototype Tooling? Prototype Tooling is also known as Rapid tooling or soft tooling. According to a basic concept, it is […]
In order to get the best Mold Making Supplies, you need to find a reliable and highly professional mold maker. A company should able to offer a complete line of mold-making products to meet client’s expectations. They should incorporate a broad range of mold-making materials to achieve any need or specific application. 5 frequently asked […]
Clear parts and prototypes have a huge variety of applications. Fortunately, they’re also fairly easy to make, with a wide range of materials and prototyping technologies at your disposal. This article goes over the basics of transparent and translucent parts: why you might need them, what materials you can use, which manufacturing technologies are available, […]
Sheet metal fabrication, the practice of manipulating flat pieces of metal into new shapes, is a practical and low-cost solution for making parts like brackets, enclosures, and kitchen equipment. It is one of the most efficient ways to make very large, simple products that don’t have highly detailed features. However, engineering successful sheet metal parts […]
PEEK is a popular thermoplastic polymer found in objects as diverse as medical implants and electrical cable insulation. The plastic has excellent mechanical properties and a high level of resistance to corrosive substances, making it highly desirable for manufacturers across the world. Despite being regularly used for injection molding and 3D printing, PEEK has a […]
Typically, a mold is a negative impression of the item you want to cast and a professional Mold Maker can do it properly. A mold can able to capture every surface detail of the object. It produces amazing parts according to the client’s needs and specifications. When it comes to developing molds, it needs a […]
Why do use Injection Molding? Injection Molding is typically a manufacturing process for making a large number volume of products and it is hugely used in mass-production processes. It can able to produce the same products thousands or even millions of times in series. There are different benefits customers can reap from this process. Alongside […]
From cars to consumer electronics to kitchenware, Delrin is just about everywhere: the high-strength thermoplastic makes great consumer products and is favored by machinists for its good material properties and high machinability. This article goes over the basics of machining Delrin: what Delrin is, the benefits of machining Delrin, the limitations of machining Delrin, common […]
Technical drawings (and the process of drafting) are a means of conveying information between engineers and manufacturers. Technical drawings usually complement digital CAD files, providing extra information that can’t easily be conveyed by a part’s shape alone. In the world of prototyping and manufacturing, we typically deal with a certain subtype of technical drawings known […]
Like any manufacturing process, injection molding has its advantages and disadvantages. Some parts are easier to mold than others, and things can quickly go wrong if you don’t know what you’re doing. For novices experimenting with their first injection molded parts — or even for experienced engineers who usually go with other processes — it’s […]
Along with injection molding, plastic extrusion is one of the most widely used manufacturing processes for the forming of plastics, and the most widely used for thermoplastics. It is used to create objects with a continuous profile such as pipes, tubing, and door profiles. Thermoplastic extrusion in its current form has existed for almost a […]
As the connecting zone between runners and the mold cavity, gates play a vitally important role in the process of injection molding. Gates — both their style and where they are placed — can affect overall cycle times, the cost of tooling, and the cosmetic finish of a molded part. Because of this, it is […]
Thanks to advances in resin 3D printing technologies, additive manufacturing is becoming a staple technology in the field of dentistry — both in dental practices via “chair-side” 3D printing and in off-site dental laboratories for more demanding print jobs. Dental practices and laboratories can today use 3D printers for a wide variety of applications, from […]
Mold Maker for Automotive Mold Making Services – When it comes to making different sorts of products, it requires different sorts of molds accordingly. And the material used in Mold Making Services depends upon the product that is going to be made. Hence, we can state that the molds play a significant role in this […]
Rapid Injection Molding is precisely defining its name as this process ensures speed and quality during manufacturing. However, it is one of the most convenient, popular, and cost-effective manufacturing processes for critical design during molding procedure and widely appreciated by various industries. All you just need to find out the best source that would meet […]
In recent years, there has been a growing demand for complex and intricate parts in various industries, such as aerospace, medical, automotive, and electronics. All of this has been driven by advancements in technology, increasing the need for precision and accuracy in manufacturing processes. Complex CNC machining has emerged as a crucial manufacturing technique in […]
When we discuss the role of 3D printing in the manufacturing world, we often consider the ways in which additive manufacturing could eventually replace traditional techniques. In fact, many developers of AM hardware effectively market their machinery as a direct replacement for things like CNC machines or injection molding systems. But 3D printing can also […]
How Does Plastic Injection Molding Work? Typically the Plastic Injection Molding process involves aluminum mold that does not require cooling channels. A professional manufacturer can efficiently produce high-quality parts as per clients’ concerns. In this process, the hot melted resin shot into the mold cavity through the gates and hence converted into molded parts. Once […]
Plastic Injection Mold Making is a specialized process that can produce parts precisely and accurately. This process is highly efficient, simple, and cost-effective. Most of the companies are using this technique to meet their clients’ demand in the market. Plastic injection molding has been known as a dependable, deep-rooted manufacturing procedure for many years. All […]
Electrical discharge machining (EDM), sometimes called “spark machining,” is one of the most useful and unique tools in the machinist’s arsenal. Instead of deploying a sharp cutting tool, the process uses sparks to cut through material, opening up new manufacturing possibilities. But it’s not always easy to identify when EDM should be used. In fact, […]
Plastic molding products can be identified everywhere, for instance, jars, protective caps, plastic tubes, grips, accessories, kitchen utensils, and so on. Plastic is typically a synthetically produced non-metallic compound that can be involved in making various sorts of products effectively to meet client’s demands. Looking to hire a plastic mold maker? You can easily find […]
Many products are designed to interact with food in some way or another. Items like containers, packaging, cans and bottles, kitchen utensils, machinery, and appliances can all make direct or indirect contact with edible goods, which are then consumed. It’s important to know what your food is made from, but it’s equally important to know […]
When developing a product, making a physical prototype can help you with research, testing, financing, and much more. And thanks to rapid prototyping service providers like 3ERP, it’s easy to make an affordable prototype in a short timeframe. However, some companies delay prototyping simply because they don’t know where to start; they don’t know which […]
What is Plastic injection molding? In the Plastic injection molding process, usually molten plastic injected into a mold to produce exceptional quality of plastic parts plates, plaques, signs, and product branding elements. After injecting molten plastic, it gets cools and solidifies to yield a wide range of plastic parts from the Plastic Injection Mold. When […]
Prototyping is an important part of the development and commercialization of medical devices. Most medical products have to meet strict safety requirements, so it is important to iterate a variety of prototypes for R&D and testing in order to make a safe and functional end-use part. Different medical prototypes require different materials. The choice between […]
In simple words, injection molding is a manufacturing process that is used to inject molten material. When the molten metal is injected into the mold, the outcome will be your required parts. Plastic Injection Molding is specially intended for the production of plastic parts. Different projects require different sorts of parts and they vary with […]
In certain conditions, even the strongest metal parts can suffer from corrosion, which occurs when metals react with their environment. Corrosion turns the surface of the metal part into a metal oxide, hydroxide, or sulfide. Any metal can suffer from some degree of corrosion, though some react under different circumstances than others. Importantly though, corrosion […]
Prototype molding- what it is? When we talk about Prototype Molding, it is specifically intended to produce prototypes rapidly and small to medium series of plastic parts. In a nutshell, we can say this is the most convenient method to produce samples, prototypes, and small series rapidly in an inexpensive way. To get the best […]
Here at 3ERP, we often receive Requests for Quotation (RfQs) where the customer has a passionate vision for a product but lacks the technical skills to create a digital 3D design that is suitable for production. Unfortunately, if the customer cannot submit a usable 3D design — or at least create a technical drawing that […]
With its excellent strength-to-weight ratio and resistance to corrosion, titanium is one of the most useful and popular metals for industrial engineers, architects, and consumer product designers. It is named after the Titans of Ancient Greek mythology, after all, and it usually lives up to its name. Titanium has desirable material properties, and it is […]
Sheet metal fabrication is a valuable prototyping and production method for making robust functional parts like panels, brackets, and enclosures. However, unlike other manufacturing techniques, sheet metal fabrication actually comprises many different processes, all of which manipulate the sheet metal in different ways. These different processes may involve cutting the sheet metal, shaping it, or […]
Plastic Injection Molding Plastic Injection Molding is a molding process whereby a heat-softened plastic material is injected into a comparatively cool cavity to give an article a required form. It is widely used by many manufacturers to make desired parts from a plastic material. Molten plastic injects into a mold under high pressure to yield […]
What is Rapid Tooling? Rapid Tooling is an advanced method that involves the practice of Rapid Prototyping techniques and conventional tooling to yield a mold quickly. This technique is specially intended to streamline the mold structure for low cost within a deadline. Most often this is used in the field of rapid injection molding when […]
Urethane casting is a low-cost molding process for the fabrication of rigid or rubber-like plastic parts. Suitable for prototypes and certain end-use parts, urethane casting does not require costly hard tooling, instead using silicone molds to make a limited number of castings. Customers have several options when it comes to urethane casting. In addition to […]
Metal fabrication projects are a delicate process due to a number of factors, but the most daunting is building the actual practical version of the design and bringing it to life. Even if you’re outsourcing to a 3rd party fabrication service provider with a lot of experience, things can go wrong. Getting the most of […]
Dive into the art and science of mold making, an essential and intricate process that shapes the backbone of manufacturing industries worldwide. From the precision crafting of automotive parts to the delicate creation of medical devices, mold making enables the mass production of items with unmatched accuracy and consistency. This guide unravels the layers behind […]
Rapid Tooling System – Industrial Applications- In the process of Rapid Tooling, either Rapid Prototyping (RP) technique can be used to create a mold rapidly or the Rapid Prototyping process can be used to fabricate a tool for a limited volume of prototypes. This process consumes less time and cost than a conventional tool. In […]
The Plastic Injection Molding process involves the injection of molten plastic into a mould cavity, which hardens within the mold to produce the final products as per the requirements. This is one of the most sought after the process of manufacturing parts and products at affordable pricing range. This process is reliable and efficient enough […]
Today’s economy is defined by impulse. The ease of online shopping makes life simple — perhaps too simple — for consumers to order products as soon as they want them. Personalized ads are targeted at these potential consumers to encourage spending, and orders can be completed with just a few clicks. In many countries, packages […]
Molds — negative impressions of parts that can be filled with material — are an integral part of manufacturing. In fact, the majority of the world’s plastic parts are made via injection molding. But while metal injection molds are expensive and can only be made by professionals, flexible silicone molds are highly affordable and can […]
Injection molding simulation software is an important part of the IM workflow, allowing designers to assess the feasibility of their molds and moldings. This article looks at how it works. What is injection molding? Injection molding is a manufacturing process behind a huge number of manmade objects, from water bottles to automotive components. It comprises […]
Companies that design and manufacture plastic or metal parts will often require rapid machining services at some point during product development. This article looks at the ins and outs of the manufacturing process and why it is so important. What is rapid machining? Rapid machining is the machining of parts and prototypes with an explicit […]
Injection molding is a manufacturing process that produces strong and durable parts in giant quantities. It is one of the most cost-effective manufacturing processes and works with a wide array of plastic materials, including thermoplastics and thermosets. You can even mold plastic components over other materials using overmolding and insert molding. Sometimes, however, typical injection […]
If there’s a technological device that truly defines our current generation of science and technology, it must be the smartphone. These ever-evolving bars of glass, plastics and electronics have taken on a massive portfolio of functions, offering operations just as diverse as computers (if not more) while providing far more ease of use and portability […]
For developers of electronic products, a robust and aesthetically pleasing enclosure can turn a scrapheap-bound piece of junk into a market-conquering phenomenon. Both prototypes and end-use parts require enclosures, which represent the vital finishing touch of an electronic device and which keep the components and wiring in place to ensure durability, function and a professional […]
For product designers and developers, rapid prototyping can play a crucial role in bringing a commodity from concept to finished product. Thanks to new technologies like CNC machining and 3D printing, developers can iterate prototypes in a short time period, trying out new designs and materials. Rapid prototyping is the process of assembling functional or […]
With more than 10 years in the rapid manufacturing business, 3ERP has built up rich experience in CNC machining parts for both prototyping and mass production. In any form of manufacturing, machining tolerances play a crucial role as they define the allowable variation in dimensions and physical properties of a manufactured part. Maintaining tight tolerances […]
Ordering your first batch of prototypes can be a daunting prospect, especially if you are unfamiliar with the company that will build them. But working with a prototyping company needn’t be a difficult experience once you know what to look out for. This article tells you what to expect from companies that build prototypes. It […]
Injection molding is the world’s most popular process for manufacturing plastic parts. Using durable metal molds, injection molding makes it possible to create hundreds of thousands of units in a short space of time. And molding isn’t expensive. At least, injecting a shot of material into a mold isn’t: the process is lightning-fast, and pellets […]
For quality control of CNC machined parts, most machine shops use a Coordinate Measuring Machine. A CMM checks that the geometry and dimensions of a finished part match the original design, ensuring that the customer does not receive defective parts. It identifies even the most marginal errors and allows the machinist to rework a faulty […]
For prototypes and end-use parts, accuracy is a hugely important aspect of metal machining. Accuracy means you’re getting a part that looks and feels exactly like the one you designed, with no errors that can impact mechanical function. Thanks to the rise of computer numerical control and CNC machining, the subtractive manufacturing process of metal […]
With an abundance of manufacturing technologies making the rounds these days, there are so many to choose from. While all of them have their unique niches and those specifics areas where they excel above others, CNC machining is proving to be the most popular industrial option among the pack. Here are just some of the […]
As a major source of manufacturing revenue, the defense and military industries rely on some very flexible, cost-effective and reliable technologies. With global defense spending expected to grow at a CAGR of about 3 percent over the 2019–2023 period, reaching US$2.1 trillion by 2023, they also invest heavily into modern machining solutions in various different sectors of their workflow. […]
When it comes to custom production parts, there are few faster methods than CNC machining. Thanks to the speed of CAD modeling, the ease of online orders and the availability of global shipping, it is now possible to order and receive custom machined parts in a matter of days. It’s no exaggeration to say that […]
Injection molding is the most widely used manufacturing process for plastic parts. So it’s no surprise that there are many plastics available for injection molding, all of which are available in pellet form. Moldable plastics range from highly durable polycarbonate to impact-resistant ABS. This guide looks at 15 of the most popular plastics used for […]
Magnesium is a lightweight metal with high level of machinability that can be CNC machined to create parts with high strength and excellent corrosion resistance. However, magnesium can be difficult to machine due to its tendency to ignite or explode if proper precautions are not taken. It provides a hazard for CNC machinists: the chips […]
Precision manufacturing is one of the biggest advances in manufacturing in recent times. Unlike some of the other trends in the industry, precision manufacturing has the potential to completely revolutionize how a range of industries operate, allowing to cut costs while simultaneously increasing efficiency, tightening tolerances, and providing a more reliable way of producing parts. […]
