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The VMT blog is dedicated to sharing our hard-earned knowledge in prototype manufacturing. We hope these articles will help you optimize your product designs and gain deeper insight into the world of rapid prototyping. Enjoy the read!
Get an Instant Quote308 stainless steel is ideal for welding applications and offers excellent corrosion resistance in moderate environments, while 316 stainless steel contains molybdenum, enhancing its strength and corrosion resistance in harsh, marine, or chemical conditions. Choose 308 for general industrial use and weldability, and 316 for superior durability in corrosive environments and CNC machining parts requiring high performance.
Ultem® (polyetherimide or PEI) is a high-performance, amber-to-transparent thermoplastic known for its excellent mechanical strength, thermal stability, and chemical resistance. Used in aerospace, medical, and electronics industries, it is ideal for high-precision applications. Ultem offers long-term heat resistance and is commonly used in plastic CNC machining parts due to its dimensional stability and easy machinability.
High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) is a thermoplastic polymer known for its high strength-to-density ratio, chemical resistance, and versatility. Commonly used in applications ranging from piping systems to food containers, HDPE's properties make it suitable for various industries, including construction, healthcare, and consumer goods.
Sheet metal punching and stamping differ in process, tooling, and application: punching uses a press to shear holes or shapes in flat metal, while stamping shapes or forms the material using dies. Punching is ideal for simpler, high-speed jobs, while stamping is better for detailed, high-volume parts. Choose based on complexity, volume, and cost.
Metal fabrication is the process of designing, cutting, shaping, assembling, and finishing metal to create durable, functional components for a wide range of industries. It involves various methods—like welding, CNC machining, and forming—and is used to produce everything from structural beams to precision medical parts. This guide covers all key steps, technologies, materials, and applications involved.
Step turning is a lathe machining process used to create multiple diameters or "steps" along the length of a cylindrical workpiece. It involves turning the part in stages, typically using a CNC lathe, and is ideal for producing shafts and mechanical components with varying cross-sections. This process improves efficiency, accuracy, and part uniformity in CNC turning operations.
Down milling, also known as climb milling, involves the cutter rotating in the same direction as the feed, resulting in a smoother finish and reduced tool wear. Conversely, reverse milling, or conventional milling, has the cutter rotating against the feed direction, offering better control on harder materials but potentially leading to increased tool wear and surface imperfections. The choice between these methods depends on material properties, desired surface finish, and machine capabilities.
Mill-Turn machining integrates milling and turning operations into a single setup, enhancing efficiency for complex parts. Traditional CNC machining, involving separate milling and turning processes, is often more cost-effective for simpler components. The optimal choice depends on part complexity, production volume, and precision requirements.
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