Metal prototypes are important for businesses in many industries, from aerospace to electronics, because an effective metal prototype can lead to a better finished product. This article discusses the importance of metal prototypes and looks at situations in which metal prototyping is favorable over plastic prototyping. It also discusses various effective methods for creating metal […]
CNC machines, particularly in the realm of large CNC machining, are an impressive tool for fabricating a diverse array of products, but they come with their own unique size constraints. The average machine shop or hobbyist is less likely to possess a significantly large machine, as such equipment can be impractical in many situations. This […]
The ability of 3D printing to easily create figurines, models and plastic electronic casings has been a massive boon to the toys and games industries. Manufacturers and enterprising makers have been employing the technology to make a whole bunch of unique tools for gamers to make the most of their play. Customized Miniatures & Tabletop […]
Today’s companies have more options than ever to manufacture parts from almost any materials. And when it comes to producing parts from plastics, most end up opting for either injection molding and 3D printing. While the 3D printing option is generally more well-known because of its availability to even consumer-level users, the injection molding market […]
Injection molding is the most popular method for manufacturing plastic parts on the planet, so it’s not surprising that the global market for the process was valued at almost 260 million U.S. dollars, with projections for continued growth in the foreseeable future. The technology is used in a wide variety of industries, including aerospace, medical […]
As a material widely used in everyday items from clocks to knives to bricks to pottery, machining ceramics can be a great way to expand a company’s materials portfolio. Though they are traditionally made using a kiln, machining them can be a useful endeavor that gives your machine shop a unique selling point. As a […]
There are two broad categories of injection molding tools: soft tooling and hard tooling. Selecting the appropriate material depends on a variety of factors, such as budget limitations, volume requirements, and material selection. Soft tooling is used for prototyping or small production runs while hard tooling is used for high-volume production. What is Soft Tooling? […]
For mass production of simple parts, there are few manufacturing processes more suitable than injection molding, the most widely used plastic manufacturing process in the world. Injection molding is used to make everything from food packaging to aircraft parts, while its speed and cost-effectiveness — especially at scale — make it the top choice of […]
For most people, the knowledge about manufacturing and prototyping technologies of today consists mostly of what they learn in school or what they stumble upon on the internet. Many are at least vaguely familiar with the process of 3D printing, which can offer sustainable and eco-friendly manufacturing possibilities. But even though 3D printing is becoming […]
With supply chains interrupted and demand for products decreasing, the coronavirus pandemic is hitting the manufacturing industry hard. And because several countries are still months away from controlling their local COVID-19 situation, it could be a while before business gets back to normal. But that doesn’t mean the rapid manufacturing world will sit idly by […]
As we enter a more eco-conscious era of manufacturing, there are tons of concerns that new technologies are possibly taking us backwards. The concerns often levied at 3D printing put its abundant use of plastics and power usage under fire, and sometimes these arguments are valid. However, players within the industry are doing their best […]
The modern manufacturing industry is beginning to lean heavily into new capabilities that allow for specially machined custom parts that suit the precise needs of individual buyers. This sort of service and production style offers clients a means of making the best use of their tools, products or any other machined parts they may need, […]
In the US alone, the sports goods industry makes about $45 billion dollars annually, requiring the creation of all sorts of gear, fashion and accessories. The worldwide estimates can go as high as $300 billion. As with most manufacturing industries, the worlds of games and sports are waking up to the possibilities additive manufacturing has […]
When making CNC machined parts, it is important to first figure out the best way to load and hold the workpiece. This step comes before plotting the tool path, and plays an important role in the process. Workholding and loading are crucial aspects of the CNC machining process. Your workpiece is only going to be […]
What is a machine shop? A machine shop is a place where machining, a type of subtractive manufacturing, takes place. It’s not a “shop” like a store, but rather a room or building containing machinery where machinists and other technical staff make things. The shop can be part of a large factory or a room […]
While 3D printing is largely associated with manufacturing and prototyping, it has garnered some attention for its ability to reconstruct, renovate and repair objects as well. This makes it a fairly useful resource for museums, curators and historians looking to reconstruct objects, artifacts and even fossils with the use of printing, scanning and digital models. […]
The electronics industry is one of the largest and most powerful industries in the world, and many of its products — from professional high-tech equipment to consumer electronics — are made with CNC machined parts. Machined components for the electronics industry include both plastic and metal parts, and technologies used to produce them include CNC […]
If you live in a house or apartment in a developed country, chances are your building was built from bricks and mortar — the traditional way, with traditional materials. But if you’ve read much about 3D printing, you’ve probably read a few stories about 3D printed buildings: additive architectural phenomena that forgo bricks and mortar […]
When it comes to CNC milling and turning machines, there are a lot of details that make a significant difference in your workflow. No single machine can handle every possible manufacturing operation so it’s wise to note the characteristics that would be most suitable to one’s operations. There are many such calculations to keep in […]
For precision CNC milling services, the right tools are required. Basically, in order to perform precision machining jobs, you need CNC milling machines. These machines are precise, accurate and fast. We suggest that to providers that offer these services, you outsource the job if you deal in the products of parts. You can use the […]
Mills, lathes and all sorts of CNC machines are marvelous machines, but they all require diligent care to keep them working under optimal conditions. Maintenance can be a hassle but it is necessary for any machine shop or even hobbyist to regularly undertake to avoid breakdown or operational inefficiencies. As such, this article will serve […]
3ERP has covered many of the different ways automobile manufacturers are benefiting from the advantages 3D printing brings to the forefront. As technology is gaining a more mainstream foothold within the automobile industry, many companies are taking note, but many are using it in different capacities and for various purposes. These needs can encompass anything, […]
Pretty much every product we buy comes in some form of casing or package that needs its own set of manufacturing processes. Over the years, these packages and cases require consistent designs, often produced with the fit and geometry of the product in mind. Today, most packaging equipment is automated for efficiency and faster production […]
As the 3D printing industry grows, new trends are emerging and the overall uses of the technology are evolving. Companies around the globe are expanding their efforts in new directions and are embracing what it has to offer in end-use products, prototyping and tooling among its many other uses. Here’s a look at the specific […]
Embarking on a manufacturing project involves several crucial decisions, one of which is selecting the right CNC machine shop. This decision can influence the trajectory of your project significantly. The chosen shop’s capabilities, quality control, technological prowess, and delivery efficiency can either elevate your project or undermine it. Deciphering the Concept: What is a CNC […]
CNC machines are hugely versatile pieces of equipment, in large part thanks to the range of cutting tools they can accommodate. From end mills to thread mills, there’s a tool for every operation, allowing a CNC machine to perform a variety of cuts and incisions in a workpiece. Getting to know these cutting tools is […]
3D printed lattice structures are one of the biggest selling points of additive manufacturing. They are easy to fabricate using the unique process of 3D printing, and there are many practical benefits to using them. Lattice structures are essentially infill patterns — ways of structuring the internal geometry of a 3D printed part. Instead of […]
It is a process in which the liquefied metal is displaced into a cast, which has a hollow enclosed space in a desired form and then allows the metal to cool off and inure. The hollow cavity is denoted as cast and it gives the desired form that resembles the part being manufactured. Now the […]
With the growth of additive manufacturing technologies, there are very few industries that have shown as much promise as that of jewelry production. 3D printing allows for the creation of novel, new forms in these fashion accessory items with a whole range of molds and sometimes direct materials processing. Additive manufacturing has also given various […]
Pressure die casting & invertment casting is not typically considered a rapid prototyping process. It requires costly equipment and a high level of expertise, and is generally suited to large quantities of metal parts. It is, in many ways, the metal equivalent of injection molding, another process favored for mass production over short-run or prototyping. […]
Commercial travel and vehicle manufacturing is about as heavy and factory-intensive as industries get. Even the smallest car is a massive undertaking with tons of components, never mind massive airplanes or locomotives. These vehicles are meant to operate indefinitely and over long periods of time (sometimes decades). This also means that many of these vehicles […]
The music industry is a massive revenue-generating behemoth, with the sales of musical instruments alone amounting to 4.5 billion dollars annually. That cost is justified because, as any musician will know, producing precise electric and acoustic instruments requires a lot of know-how and precision. And precision is where CNC machining comes in. The manufacturing process, used to […]
With the continuing growth of additive manufacturing, companies and researchers have come up with various sub-technologies, add-ons and means of optimizing prints. However, another means of achieving an optimized object is to optimize the material being used. This has given a rise to various materials made for 3D printing, all of which exhibit ideal properties […]
Computer Numerical Control, or CNC in brief, has revolutionized manufacturing. The technology has been developing for over 70 years, becoming the pillar for modern-day production and finding applications in producing end-use parts in every manufacturing sector. CNC prototype machining is one area in which this technology has proven to be a boon. CNC machining prototype […]
The energy sector is the lifeblood of modern society, powering all our devices and industry continuously. Consequently, this constant, vigilant production of energy requires all sorts of advanced equipment, from hydraulic valves for the oil and gas industry to solar cells to wind turbine parts. CNC has been crucial in creating these complex devices. Aside […]
As one of the most prominent technologies in the world, CNC machining is big business. Overall, the industry has seen growth all over the world (see our article on the industry outlook for CNC), but there are finer details worth examining for regional trends. Globally speaking, the largest machine tool consumers are China, the US, […]
CNC machining is still going strong within the world of manufacturing, showing precipitous growth even amidst the slew of competing technologies and new entrants. Even so, CNC machining is a wide ocean with many varying interests and trends within it. With so many sub-technologies it can be hard to keep track of what the latest […]
In a recent game-changing operation in healthcare and the 3D printing industry, a team of surgeons in South Africa has completed a successful middle ear transplant using titanium. Surgeons at the Steve Biko Academic Hospital in Pretoria, South Africa reconstructed the hammer, anvil and stirrup ossicles for a patient from 3D printed titanium. The team […]
For CNC machining projects, aluminum is one of the most popular material choices due to its desirable physical properties. It is strong, which makes it ideal for mechanical parts, and its oxidized outer layer is resistant to corrosion from the elements. These benefits have made aluminum parts common across all industries, though they are particularly […]
Bringing a product design to market – no matter how physically large or small – is no easy feat. Working out a 3D CAD model of your new design is half of the battle, but the steps along the way can make or break your project. In this article we have listed the 5 steps […]
For many businesses, the prospect of hiring a manufacturer for a CNC machining project can seem daunting. Machining is a complex process that requires comprehensive planning, a skilled machinist, and sometimes a large block of material. All of those things require time and money, so businesses often see machining as beyond their financial reach. This […]
From the earliest days of additive manufacturing, providers of 3D printing hardware and materials have identified the aerospace industry as an important target for their products. Aircraft, as highly complex systems with a diverse array of parts, stand to benefit from cutting-edge developments in production tools and materials, especially those that can reduce the weight […]
Stereolithography (SLA) is a versatile and high-quality manufacturing and prototyping process. Although less widely used than extrusion-based additive manufacturing technologies like Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM), SLA was actually the original incarnation of 3D printing, first appearing way back in the 1980s. Today, desktop SLA printers have been popularized by brands like 3D Systems and Formlabs, […]
Innovations in CNC machining, additive manufacturing and casting technologies are giving companies, prosumers and consumers an unprecedented level of design options. However, with so many technologies on the market, the question remains: how are they faring in terms of growth and which industries are employing them most prominently? Here, we take a look at the […]
Every industry and application is different, but metal parts often look and feel superior to their plastic counterparts. Metal provides a gloss and sheen, as well as the appearance of strength and durability. Plastic is incredibly useful, but metal often wins in the overall quality stakes. On the other hand, plastic parts are often much […]
Laser cutting technology has been around since the 60’s but now it’s as relevant as it has ever been due to its growing usage within industrial processes. This non-contact process uses a constant beam of light to create heat and pressure which then reshapes/distorts various materials with precision as the cutting head moves over the […]
3ERP offers a wide variety of prototyping processes, from industrial-grade CNC machining to FDM 3D printing. For small volumes of plastic parts, however, businesses are often torn between injection molding — a commonly used process in which molten material is injected into a metal mold — and vacuum casting, in which more affordable silicone molds […]
Precious metals such as gold, silver and platinum form a major cornerstone of many products. While they serve as core components for electronics, energy creation and the automotive industry, they are most popular in the production of jewelry and accessories. These metals are often irreplaceable in their respective roles and embody a diverse range of […]
Whether your prototype is for user testing or investor pitches, injecting a splash of color can turn a half-finished idea into a part that looks ready for the market. 3ERP offers a range of coloring options for prototypes and end-use parts, offering finishing services like painting, tinting and anodizing, as well as color-friendly manufacturing processes […]
For a long time, making toys in an amateur capacity was a difficult thing to do. You could use wood, or you could piece things together from recycled components, but high-quality toymaking was a practice exclusively carried out by big and medium-size toy companies: giants like Mattel and LEGO and the like on the higher […]
Sheet metal fabrication is a handy set of manufacturing processes used to create parts from flat pieces of metal. Sheet metal comes in a range of materials and thicknesses, and can be used to create parts like appliances, enclosures, brackets, panels and chassis. For those new to sheet metal fabrication, the process can seem daunting. […]
Aluminum is one of the most used metals in the world, along with iron, tin and copper. It’s a cornerstone of so many goods and industrial applications, and it’s easy to see why. It’s lightweight with a density far lower than a lot of its counter parts. It’s durable and a great conductor for both […]
Metal casting, like all industrial methods, necessitates a fair amount of accuracy and fidelity towards the intended design. However, things are rarely as simple as executing a method of production because uncalculated variables can rear their heads and ruin a design with bumps, tiny gaps and today’s topic: shrinkage.
Construction printing has seen a lot of great initiatives in the past few years, from 3D printing drones to massive cable driven, infinite-build machines. However, taking construction to the next level isn’t solely about improving the hardware but also the input materials. It’s no secret that the construction industry can be wasteful, being one of […]
Creating a medical device is an enticing prospect. Although competitive, the medical device market can be extremely lucrative, with innovative devices capable of making millions for their creators. Needless to say, such devices can also save lives. But designing a medical device takes a lot of effort. There are more considerations, potential pitfalls and stringent […]
Both engineers and machinists play an instrumental role in the production process. The engineer designs a product, and the machinist — while attempting to follow the engineer’s precise instructions — turns a piece of metal or other material into the intended product. In an ideal world, this should be a smooth operation: engineers are required […]
The machine-friendliness of aluminum has made it the number one metal for machining. Its material properties make it easy to mill, drill, cut and punch, while aluminum machined parts can be strong, durable and aesthetically pleasing. All in all, aluminum is the most machinable metal on the market. Despite this, aluminum is far from perfect. […]
The Hennessey Venom GT just hit 270 MPH on a runway. The Koenigsegg One:1 thinks that’s cute. And that’s because it should be able to hit 280 MPH. Oh, and it can go around corners like mad. Welcome to the new king of speed and a fast (no pun) look at the technology used to make these cars break new […]
In some form or other, cars have existed since the nineteenth century. Their introduction changed civilization, giving fast personal transport to large sections of the population while creating a new workforce and introducing a new aspect of popular culture. The automotive industry now exists everywhere. Although the U.S. dominated automotive production in the early 20th […]
Digital manufacturing is making a big impact on many areas of medicine, from small things like the machining of aluminum test tube holders to futuristic practices like the 3D printing of titanium implants. Of the many medical applications of digital manufacturing, one particular area coming on leaps and bounds is the creation of anatomical models […]
Recognized for being incredibly lightweight and durable, aluminum is one of the most popular materials used in the production of functional parts and prototypes. It also offers impeccable corrosion resistance, thermal and electrical conductivity, and also retains dimensional stability even in high temperatures and harsh environments. Since this particular metal has such a high melting […]
Whatever your sport — be it running, football, tennis, cycling, swimming or something else — proper equipment can always help improve performance. Even in a relatively basic sport like running, possessing equipment like a technologically optimized pair of shoes and a breathable outfit can be the difference between winning and losing. On the other end […]
When it comes to manufacturing use-end parts and functional prototypes, it’s extremely important that the physical dimensions and geometric characteristics of the object match that of the 3D model. Even if a measurement is just slightly off, it can jeopardize the entire production process and set you back to square one. That’s why 3ERP offers […]
When you’re in need of metal prototypes or parts with superior mechanical properties and specialized aesthetic design, anodizing aluminum is an excellent option. The anodizing process forms a layer of oxide on a metal part, effectively increasing corrosion resistance, and also enhancing visual qualities and keeping the surface from being scratched. Anodizing aluminum is an […]
Additive manufacturing, otherwise known as 3D printing, is beginning to make its mark on a wide range of industries, from medical device manufacturing to aerospace. One of the biggest beneficiaries of additive, however, is the automotive industry, in which car manufacturers are using 3D printing to prototype components, create libraries of spare and customized parts […]
Seeing rust on an iron or steel surface can be cause for alarm. Needless to say, if parts of your car start to turn that distinct shade of reddy brown — a transformation that occurs when iron undergoes the process of oxidation — you might be due a trip to the mechanic… if not the […]
In nearly every single instance of product development, no matter what industry it’s for, prototyping is a necessary stage that will ultimately determine whether your production efforts will be successful or not. The rise of rapid prototyping has made it both easy and affordable to quickly iterate a plastic prototype. However, there are a range […]
When it comes to mass production, traditional manufacturing methods still reign supreme over other production techniques. However, rapid manufacturing and prototyping has become an integral piece of the design and production process, helping businesses actualize their concepts in a quick and cost-efficient manner. Rapid manufacturing is usually centered around additive manufacturing (more popularly known as […]
With the rise of intricate, small-scale parts, manufacturing evolves daily, now heavily relying on advanced techniques like 5-axis CNC machining. Traditional methods often fail to meet these complex demands, leading industry professionals to adopt these sophisticated processes. Any multi-axis CNC method, such as the 5-axis machining, brings in a whole new dimension of capabilities and […]
Aluminum is an important industrial raw material. However, because of its relatively low hardness and large thermal expansion coefficient, it can easily deform when being machined into thin-walled and thin plate parts. In addition to improving tool performance and eliminating the internal stress of the material in advance, there are several steps that can be […]
The CNC machining process is a great way to turn innovative designs into precise working models. However, users can only enjoy the full advantages of the process if they use the right CNC machining materials. Using the most suitable material can produce products that exceed your expectations. In contrast, not choosing the best CNC machining […]
What is on-demand rapid tooling and low-volume molding? From the dashboard of your car to the lid of your coffee cup, billions upon billions of everyday objects are brought into the world by molding, a process in which a hollow container is filled with a molten material to produce large numbers of a single object. […]
CNC milling is one of the most popular options for manufacturing prototypes and parts that entail cutting or drilling. The technology utilizes a rotating cylindrical cutting tool to cut or drill a design from metal or plastic material. Compared to traditional manufacturing techniques, CNC milling offers advantages such as high production speed, greater precision, and […]
At 3ERP, we have a great engineering team who are ready to take challenges. And try to get the best result for our customers. Getting experiences from project to project, with advantage 4-, 5- axis CNC machines, we are able to handle the most difficult prototypes and production parts. Learn more about our CNC machining […]
While the outsourcing of mass production to China is now standard practice for many companies, the outsourcing of prototypes — preliminary versions of products that will be mass produced at a later time — is less common. Like all business decisions, outsourcing prototypes to China has its pros and cons, but when the right steps […]
Prototypes are of critical importance in the development and production of a wide range of medical devices, including anatomical models, hand-held appliances and larger pieces of equipment. Here are the five most utilized rapid prototyping methods commonly used to quickly create prototypes for the medical field. 5 Popular Rapid Prototyping Techniques Here are five methods […]
Fundamentally, you need precision machines. If your machine tolerance is +/- 0.05mm, but you try to make some parts with +/-0.01mm tolerance, that’s not going to happen for sure. An ant won’t be able to lift an elephant. Once you have precision machines ready, does that mean you can start to make precision parts? Not […]
We will be posting more winning workpieces in the next blogs. 3ERP provides cutting-edge CNC Machining Services , if you are curious how these workpieces be made, please read our latest blog “how to make precise parts & mold cavities”.
The mold industry is one of the most long-span industries, and it has relationship with all areas of the manufacturing industry. In modern times, manufacturing and mold are highly dependent, and countless product components are manufactured by molding (injection, blow molding and silicone) or casting (mold casting, fining and spinning). No matter what application, the […]
