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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 Quote All uploads files are safe and confidentialWhen comparing anodized aluminum vs. anodized steel, anodized aluminum generally emerges as the more cost-effective choice due to lower material costs and easier machining processes. However, the final decision should consider factors like application requirements, durability, and specific CNC machining services to ensure optimal performance and cost efficiency.
Engineering design is a methodical approach used to develop functional products and systems that solve specific problems or fulfill particular needs. It involves applying scientific principles, creativity, and technical knowledge to conceive, design, and produce products that are efficient, reliable, and cost-effective. The engineering design process encompasses various stages, including problem identification, research, concept development, prototyping, testing, and final production.
Copper machining refers to the process of shaping copper and its alloys into precise and intricate parts using CNC (Computer Numerical Control) machines. Unlike conventional machining methods, Copper CNC Machining employs advanced CNC lathes and milling machines equipped with specialized tools designed to handle the unique properties of copper. This method ensures high accuracy, smooth surface finishes, and the ability to produce complex geometries that are difficult to achieve with traditional machining techniques.
Swiss machining is a specialized CNC machining process designed to produce highly precise and complex parts with exceptional accuracy and surface finish. Unlike conventional CNC lathes, Swiss machining employs a sliding headstock that supports the workpiece close to the cutting tool, minimizing deflection and vibration during the machining process. This unique setup allows for the production of small, intricate components with tight tolerances, making Swiss machining ideal for industries such as medical devices, aerospace, electronics, and watchmaking.
On-demand manufacturing is a modern production strategy that enables manufacturers to produce products or components only when they are needed, rather than maintaining large inventories. This approach leverages advanced technologies and streamlined processes to deliver custom CNC machining parts with high precision and efficiency, tailored to specific customer requirements. On-demand manufacturing is characterized by its flexibility, responsiveness, and ability to scale production up or down based on demand fluctuations, minimizing waste and reducing inventory costs.
Die casting is a manufacturing process that involves forcing molten metal under high pressure into a mold cavity. The molds, known as dies, are typically made from hardened steel and are designed to produce intricate shapes with tight tolerances. Aluminum, as a die-casting material, offers several advantages over other metals. Its low density contributes to lighter parts without compromising strength, making it ideal for applications where weight reduction is critical, such as in the automotive and aerospace industries. Additionally, aluminum’s excellent thermal and electrical conductivity, along with its inherent corrosion resistance, further enhances the performance and longevity of die-cast components.
Alodine, also known as a chromate conversion coating, is a chemical surface treatment primarily applied to aluminum alloys to improve corrosion resistance and enhance paint adhesion. Unlike thicker finishes like anodizing or plating, Alodine forms a very thin, protective film on the metal’s surface. This minimal thickness ensures that dimensional changes to your precision machining parts remain negligible, preserving critical tolerances essential in custom CNC machining operations.
PEEK, short for Polyetheretherketone, emerges as a standout engineering thermoplastic known for its exceptional performance in demanding conditions. Over the years, it has gained prominence in high-value industries that require materials capable of withstanding extreme environments, be it harsh chemicals, high temperatures, or continuous mechanical stress. The driving force behind PEEK’s popularity is its remarkable balance of mechanical strength, chemical inertness, and thermal stability—qualities that allow it to surpass conventional plastics and even challenge metals in certain applications.
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