Contract Manufacturing and Fabrication Reference Materials
Reference Articles 1 - 100 of 587
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Digital Cigarettes? Yes, digital technology is everywhere.
From: Critical Link, LLCDescription: I'm probably not the only one who's been seeing more kids "vaping" with their e-cigarettes. And I'm probably not the only out there who's been seeing ads for a "digital" vapor cigarette called VUSE ...
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Prototyping and Low-Volume Production for Medical Applications
From: Proto Labs, Inc.Description: How rapid manufacturing can increase speed to market for devices and components ...
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Rapid Manufacturing for Metal Prototypes and Production Parts
From: Proto Labs, Inc.Description: Exploring material selection and manufacturing methods for metal ...
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Design Considerations for Liquid Silicone Rubber
From: Proto Labs, Inc.Description: LSR is a thermoset material with a unique set of design characteristics that differ from thermoplastic injection molding ...
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Thermoplastic Material Selection for Injection Molding
From: Proto Labs, Inc.Description: Learn about material properties to quantitatively analyze parts before selecting a thermoplastic resin ...
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Selecting the Right Material for Industrial 3D Printing
From: Proto Labs, Inc.Description: Explore the material properties available with direct metal laser sintering, selective laser sintering, and stereolithography ...
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Designing for Sheet Metal Fabrication
From: Proto Labs, Inc.Description: An exploration of materials, manufacturing processes, design considerations, and finishing options for sheet metal prototypes and low-volume production parts ...
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Enhancing Cosmetic Appearance on Molded Parts
From: Proto Labs, Inc.Description: See how part geometry, material selection, and mold design can minimize or eliminate cosmetic flaws that can arise during molding ...
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Designing for Moldability: Complex Features
From: Proto Labs, Inc.Description: See how the use of side-actions, sliding shutoffs, and pickouts can be used to mold undercuts and through-holes ...
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Designing for Moldability: Fundamental Elements
From: Proto Labs, Inc.Description: A quick reference guide to wall thicknesses, surface finishes, materials, and other thermoplastic injection molding insights ...
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3D Printing for End-Use Production
From: Proto Labs, Inc.Description: An analysis of additive technologies that are redefining 3D printing as an end-use manufacturing method ...
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3D Printing Technologies for Prototyping and Production
From: Proto Labs, Inc.Description: How to leverage additive manufacturing to build better products ...
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Selecting a Rapid Prototyping Process
From: Proto Labs, Inc.Description: Compare various 3D printing, CNC machining, and injection molding technologies to find a process best suited for your project ...
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The Diverse Performance of Thin-Film Optical Coatings
From: Cascade Optical Corp.Description: Optical coatings are composed of either thin-film dielectric or metallic material layers, combinations of which impart specific transmittance or reflectiveness, as well as mechanical properties. ...
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ASTM D 3297
From: Fluoro-Plastics, Inc.Description: Standard Practice for Molding and Machining Tolerances for PTFE Resin Parts ...
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From EOLs to LTBs: Managing the Inevitable Obsolescence of Your Connected Product
From: Logic PDDescription: Advantages of using system on module (SOM) over "chip down" design. ...
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How Precision Metal Stampers Use 3D Simulation Software to Design Tooling
Description: Learn how precision metal stampers use 3D simulation software when working with design engineers to build high quality tooling and components. ...
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If You're Around: TI Tech Days
From: Critical Link, LLCDescription: We'll be participating in some upcoming TI Tech Days, so if you're going to be there, please swing by and say hello. ...
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Mide's New Light-weight Atmospheric Diving Suit Joint Design Featured in Sea Power Magazine
Description: Midé is actively working on a project for the Office of Naval Research Undersea Medicine Program to develop a next generation Atmospheric Diving Suit (ADS). The effort has focused on creating a new ...
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Is Your Supplier's Quality Certification Putting You at Risk?
Description: Are you working with component suppliers who have met the latest quality certification requirements? If not, you may be putting your project designs at risk of being rejected further downstream. In ...
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Why Metal Stamping Buyers Are Carefully Watching Steel Prices
Description: Domestic steel prices have motivated buyers and manufacturers of metal stamping components to consider their options. Here's what you should know. ...
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Manage the Inevitable Obsolescence of Your Connected Product
From: Logic PDDescription: End-of-life doesn't have to mean end of the road for your connected device. But how can an OEM ensure they're ready to close the loop on one product's lifecycle while it likely prepares for the ...
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How to Optimize Your Circuit Layouts To Perfect Substrate Processing
From: Laser Services, Inc.Description: Choice of ceramic materials, circuit layouts, and singulation methods are key to achieving the required cost, fabrication time, size, weight, and yield of your laserprocessed microelectronics ...
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Laser Ablation: The Alternative to Chemical Etching and Solder Dams
From: Laser Services, Inc.Description: Laser ablation is a process that product manufacturers may wish to consider when looking to remove unwanted materials from a part's surface or when they wish to control solder flow on a PCB - ...
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An Engineering Approach to Mold-Cooling Circuit Design
Description: The Energy Density vs. ?T/in. relationship is an important step forward in pursuit of a science-based approach to cooling-circuit design. Here's why. ...
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Induction Soldering 101: An Introduction For Beginners
Description: If you're wondering, "why should I use induction soldering?" then you've come to the right place. Induction soldering is an induction process in which two separate pieces are fused together using a ...
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Top Reasons To Choose Brazing (Part 1)
Description: Brazing, which can be done with induction, is a process in which two or more materials are joined together by a filler metal that has a lower melting point than the base materials. Various industries ...
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Uses & Applications of Thermosetting Plastics
From: Osborne Industries, Inc.Description: The applications and uses for thermosetting plastics have grown substantially over the years. The success and benefits of this type of plastic is due in large part to its favorable plastic properties. ...
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Facts About Waterjet Abrasive Cutting
Description: Things ?To ?Consider When Evaluating The Method Over time,? ?we've reviewed many different ways of cutting metal? - ?for instance,? ?just last month we talked about some of the pros and cons of wire ...
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3 Reasons to Choose a Full-Service Blow Molding Supplier
From: Custom-Pak, Inc.Description: Most blow molding suppliers can follow a CAD drawing and create a part according to your specifications. But, you want more than just a manufacturer. You want a blow molding supply team who will be ...
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5 Pieces of Information to Have at the Ready When You Contact a Blow Molding Supplier
From: Custom-Pak, Inc.Description: Taking those first steps toward creating your product is exciting. So, you want to make sure you’re fully prepared as you are shopping for a blow molding supplier. Here’s the ...
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A Beginner's Guide to the Blow Molding Design Process
From: Custom-Pak, Inc.Description: The first step is to create a mockup of the part. Most projects start with an idea or a sketch. Then, the blow molding design team creates a three-dimensional CAD or e-drawing of the part. A ...
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A Guide to Plastics Commonly Used in Blow Molding
From: Custom-Pak, Inc.Description: Choosing the right plastic resin for your blow molding project can be a challenge. Cost, density, flexibility, strength, and more all factor into what resin is best for your part. HDPE is the world's ...
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Advantages of Different Blow Molding Distribution Methods
From: Custom-Pak, Inc.Description: You probably know that there are different types of blow molding processes, each of which is beneficial for different products. In the same way, there are different distribution methods that may ...
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Blow Molding and Sustainability: Why Being Eco-Friendly is Good Business
From: Custom-Pak, Inc.Description: Many people think that profit and sustainability are at odds. But this is a misconception. In reality, going green and saving money often go hand in hand. For example, if businesses were to cut carbon ...
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Blow Molding Design Guide
From: Custom-Pak, Inc.Description: The Custom-Pak blow molding design guide provides you with basic design tools for making engineered blow molded parts. This guide focuses on the extrusion blow molding process. No two designs are ...
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Global Plastics Sourcing: Where Do Plastics Come From?
From: Custom-Pak, Inc.Description: Most of the plastic used in manufacturing in the United States is created domestically. But, like many other markets, plastics are becoming more globalized. This article examines issues and ...
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How to Design a Successful Blow Molded Product
From: Custom-Pak, Inc.Description: To realize your product idea, you need to perfect your concept, work with a strong team, and know your product inside and out. Here's how to design a successful blow molded product. You can start the ...
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How Your Blow Molding Supplier Optimizes Your Product Design
From: Custom-Pak, Inc.Description: You’ve put a lot of work into your product design. Now, your blow molding supplier will help you make your product its very best. This may include alterations that ease the production process, ...
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Planning a Blow Molded Product: 5 Things You Need to Know
From: Custom-Pak, Inc.Description: Blow molding is an economical way to build versatile and unique parts. In today’s world, blow molded parts are everywhere, from the cars we drive to the office chairs we sit in. Before you ...
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What Factors Affect the Price of a Blow Molded Part?
From: Custom-Pak, Inc.Description: You want to manufacture the best part possible while being kind to your budget. To understand how much your blow molding project will cost, it’s important to dig into the elements of the ...
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What Qualities Should You Look for in a Blow Molding Supplier?
From: Custom-Pak, Inc.Description: You and your blow molding supplier will be working closely to put your best product forward. This often involves a lot of back and forth. From concept discussions to mold revisions, the process of ...
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Why Choose HDPE for Your Next Blow Molding Project?
From: Custom-Pak, Inc.Description: According to Wayne Johnston, Sales Account Manager at Custom-Pak, approximately 90% of customers choose to work with High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) for their blow molding projects. Why is this ...
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5 Signs You're Ready for a Product Development Partnership
From: Logic PDDescription: You've got a great idea for a new product but need help getting it to market. What should OEMs do to "prepare for take-off" before contacting prospective product development partners? Here are five ...
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Hydraulic Diameter Calculator
Description: Using your input, this page calculates the Hydraulic Diameter of cooling passages that are round, annular, rectangular and round with a baffle. Hydraulic Diameter is used to calculate Turbulent Flow ...
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Scientific Cooling Calculator
Description: Find your required cooling water flow rate and circuit length by entering injection molding variables such as Polymer, Cycle Time, Shot Weight, Molding Room Temperature, etc. User guidelines in the ...
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How Surface Treatments Can Lead to Big Savings in LED Assembly
Description: there is one more component of LED manufacturing that can extend the lives of painted or anodized aluminum housings and components, as well as ornamental brackets, lamp poles and bases - the right ...
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5 Fascinating Facts About Eddy Current Testing
Description: 5 interesting things to know about eddy current testing. ...
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Variables that Affect the Eddy Current Testing Procedure
Description: a closer look at some of the variables that? ?have an effect on? ?eddy current testing,? ?what it can find,? ?and? ?what it cannot find. ...
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Wire Cut EDM Advantages and Disadvantages
Description: Pros and Cons of EDM for 2-Axis Cutoff ...
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4 Methods for Monetizing Smart Device Data
From: Logic PDDescription: The future of the OEM is not just a question of products or services, but also of "Information as a Product" - a business model made possible by the dramatic growth in the volume of data available. ...
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Replacing Failed Bellows? Consider These Reverse Engineering Guidelines
Description: Seasoned expertise is required when the OEM is out of the picture and off-the-shelf replacements won't do ...
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Solving Problems in Medical Equipment Design with Electroforms
Description: Electroforms have provided flexible joints, hermetic seals, electromagnetic shields, and other special functions. With knowledgeable technical support, medical equipment designers can use them to meet ...
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A Concise Chronicle of Thin-film Maturation
From: Cascade Optical Corp.Description: From coating architectural glass to manipulate light and heat transmission, to the design of absorber layers for solar cells to magnetic thin films for electronic data storage. The technology may be ...
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Breaking Down The Sheet Metal Fabrication Process
From: Midwest Metal ProductsDescription: Sheet metal fabrication is a vital part of the many technological advancements we've seen in fields like aerospace, electronics, medicine, and many more. Metal fabrication is key in producing aviation ...
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Discover More Revenue by Taking 3 Steps in Your Customer's Shoes
From: Logic PDDescription: As OEMs work to exploit the opportunities created by vast amounts of product data generated by connected devices, they need to understand the value of that information. But not all information is ...
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Advancing Thermal Management With Additive Manufacturing
Description: Thermal management is an integral engineering element across a variety of major industries, including electronics, aerospace and automotive. Maintaining acceptable temperature ranges can require ...
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Circular Runout vs. Total Runout
Description: For those of us who make parts, the concept of circular runout versus total runout is not as simple as it may at first seem. ...
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Measuring Straightness in Small Metal Parts
Description: t Metal Cutting Corporation,...straightness is a feature that we work with frequently. Straightness is especially important for wires, pins, tubes, and other cylindrical parts that need to fit into a ...
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Perpendicularity of Precision Cut Small Metal Parts
Description: This week, we take a look at perpendicularity, yet another of the GD&T features sometimes indicted on an engineering drawing to communicate how a small metal part should be produced and to specify the ...
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Profile of a Line vs. Profile of a Surface
Description: Controlling Feature Variation in Two vs. Three Dimensions and general discussion on the similarities and differences between Profile of a Line vs. Profile of a Surface ...
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3 Roads to Driving More Revenue Out of Your Digital Device
From: Logic PDDescription: OEMs can maximize their natural advantage as device creator by carefully exploring, testing and exploiting information opportunities created by their digital device's data. But OEMs can only take full ...
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Evolutionary Innovation in the Digital MedTech World
From: Logic PDDescription: No one argues that revolutionary, or disruptive, innovation can be valuable, but those opportunities in the medical device market are rare and difficult to execute effectively. You are likely to find ...
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Metal Stamping Defects Not an Option for Automotive Stamped Parts - Manufacturers Require Suppliers Use Automotive Quality Core Tools
Description: This article reviews how those Quality Core Tools are used to prevent and detect metal stamping defects. ...
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How to Increase Production and Save Money with a Custom Converter
From: Can-Do National TapeDescription: Advantages of Outsourcing to a Custom Converter ...
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Don't Drive Off a Cliff on the Road to Your Product's Launch
From: Logic PDDescription: How can insights help OEMs detect signals of change, understand who may win and why those winners are set up for success, and make strategic choices based on these findings? Find out here in Part 1 of ...
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Cylindricity in GD&T
Description: It's Round, It's Straight, It's 3D! As part of our continuing exploration of the Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T) standards that are used to communicate how parts should be manufactured ...
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Flatness Tolerance in GD&T
Description: This week, we take a quick look at surface flatness, another aspect of the Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T) standards use to communicate how a part should be manufactured. Along with ...
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Geometric Tolerancing in Parts Manufacturing
Description: Geometric tolerancing is an aspect of Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T), a method of communicating how a part is to be produced. Typically using a series of 14 standard symbols to help ...
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Honing and Lapping Compared
Description: When talking about the distinctions between honing and lapping in the world of precision small metal parts, the best response might be the two processes are remarkably similar yet fundamentally ...
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The Sampling Plan in Quality Control
Description: We have talked before about how important inspections are to the manufacture of small metal parts, helping to ensure the quality of components that make up thousands, if not millions, of products. ...
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A Takeover Tool Study - Blood Filtration Systems for Surgery
From: Spectrum Plastics GroupDescription: A leading medical device manufacturing firm, accustomed to only molding internally for more than thirty years, wanted to focus on its core capability and expand its assembly operations by outsourcing. ...
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8 Questions to Keep You from Drowning in Data
From: Logic PDDescription: Data from smart, connected medical devices is growing exponentially and faster than organizations can keep up. And device users are suffering from data overload with a suite of devices that measure a ...
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Linear Benefits Of Friction Welding
Description: Linear Friction Welded joints equal or exceed the strength of parent materials. The joint is non-porous, leak-proof, and fully machinable like solid billet. ...
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Smart Partnering, Smarter Bombs
Description: Today's military munitions are more powerful and precise than ever before. By providing weaponry guidance systems, collateral damage can be greatly reduced. Highly sophisticated smart bombs can hit ...
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Metal Stamping Defects Can Spell Disaster for Medical Devices
Description: Precision metal stampers employ advanced technology and proven quality management to prevent, detect and manage metal stamping defects. ...
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Automotive OEMs Save Big with Switch to Metal Stamping
Description: Metal stamping of automotive parts can yield significant savings for OEMs by replacing costlier processes like casting and fine blanking. ...
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Accurate Perforating: World-class, Customer-centric Services
Description: Accurate Perforating is a trusted provider of perforation services and perforated products serving architectural and industrial markets around the world. A leader and valuable partner in providing ...
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Device Security in the Digital Age
From: Logic PDDescription: Virtually every industry is under increasing attacks from cyber criminals. Yet in the race to bring connected solutions to the market, security is often an afterthought. A truly successful strategy ...
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Inconel and Other "Exotic Alloys"
From: Weiss-Aug Co., Inc.Description: The use of metal alloys has really expanded in today's technical manufacturing industry. The traditional use of whole metals has, to a large extent, been replaced by the process of merging and ...
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Reel-to-Reel Molding: Precision Assembly for Critical Applications
From: Weiss-Aug Co., Inc.Description: Specialized molding and assembly processes help companies to get precise results for industries like medical, aerospace, technology and general manufacturing. Multi-material molding and assembly ...
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Design Suggestions That Take Advantage Of The Benefits Of Rollforming
From: MP Metal ProductsDescription: This Design Guide will help you receive the greatest value for your rollforming dollar ...
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4 Crucial Early-Stage Decisions for Connected Device Developers
From: Logic PDDescription: Creating a new connected device? You know the big obstacles to getting it to market. But these may be the 4 most important decisions early in development. ...
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4 Reasons Why Most New Products Fail
From: Logic PDDescription: What are the odds your new product will be on the market in two years? A report from Nielsen showed that new products generally have only a 10% chance of succeeding. Booz & Allen puts the new product ...
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A Digital Strategy Enhancement to Counter the Copycats
From: Logic PDDescription: Updating your medical device business to compete today - and tomorrow. ...
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Miracle or Money Pit? Avoiding Tragic Product Development Plotlines
From: Logic PDDescription: Throughout the history of our human experience, tales of adventure and intrigue have fueled the imagination and propelled us to action. To this day, stories remain one of the most effective methods ...
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5 Interconnect Technologies That Help Keep You Safe During Bad Weather
From: Weiss-Aug Co., Inc.Description: In the field of aerospace, products and parts made with metal stamping or other processes have to be made to a higher standard, because the stakes are higher. It's simply unacceptable to have any ...
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6 Quality Indicators for Metal Stamping Suppliers
From: Weiss-Aug Co., Inc.Description: Whether it's for a medical, aviation or automotive company, or some other industrial client, metal stamping services play a vital role in product development. Companies need highly qualified companies ...
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RoHS and WEEE Information
From: ZeusDescription: The Restriction on Hazardous Substances, or RoHS, is a guideline for European Union (EU) markets restricting several hazardous materials found in electrical devices and components. Implemented in 2006 ...
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Sutures and Aeos® ePTFE Monofilament
From: ZeusDescription: Sutures are fibers, filaments, or thread-like materials used to hold tissue or a wound together. In surgical terms, sutures are used for apposition - that is, the placing (of tissue) side by side to ...
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A Revolution in Tooling Qualifications
From: Weiss-Aug Co., Inc.Description: Weiss-Aug provides custom insert molding, precision metal stamping, and assembly solutions. With over 45 years of experience serving the automotive, medical, electronics and semiconductor industries, ...
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Why Use a Surface Finish Chart?
Description: A surface finish chart is a reference material we at Metal Cutting sometimes use internally as part of our quality assurance process. (You can read more about our quality measures on the Quality ...
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How do North American Blow Molders Compare to Offshore Companies
From: Custom-Pak, Inc.Description: There's a common belief out there that offshore companies always provide the best value when it comes to blow molding. That belief is often misguided. Here's why North American blow molders have the ...
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Is a Local Blow Molding Supplier Really Less Expensive?
From: Custom-Pak, Inc.Description: While it's true that a shorter distance means lower freight costs, shipping costs alone don't tell the whole story. A full-service supplier that offers superior quality, more innovation, and a greater ...
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Product Development Hand-Offs: Redesigning the Transition Process
From: Logic PDDescription: The three questions every stage gate review must answer, the three cognitive biases that stand in your way, and the three simple changes that can fix it. ...
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6 Things to Know About ISO 9000
Description: Throughout our industry, ISO 9000 is a common tool used by companies in developing, deploying, and documenting their internal quality standards. Yet surprisingly, there are some misconceptions about ...
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Deburring in Mass Production of Small Metal Parts
Description: Without a doubt, the key to deburring of small metal parts is to not form a burr in the first place - which, not coincidentally, is one of the underpinnings of our metal cutting business. Our ...
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Metal Finishing to Prevent Corrosion of Precision Parts
Description: In our industry, the term *metal finishing* is used in regard to many different processes, but in general it pertains to when, for various reasons, parts need to be made smoother, shinier, duller, or ...
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What You Need To Know About Swiss Turning
From: PrecipartDescription: From the Swiss Turning experts, with a lineage that dates back to the invention of the sliding headstock lathe, we present an overview on what Swiss Turning is. ...
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Barriers to Lights Out Operation in Precision Machining
Description: Fantasy vs. Reality in Small Parts Manufacturing *"My father had worked for the same firm for twelve years. They fired him. They replaced him with a tiny gadget, this big, that does everything my ...