3D Printing Beds: An Overview of How They Work

3D printing has become an increasingly popular solution for manufacturing-related processes, some of which include prototyping, production and the creation of proof-of-concept models. Using a 3D printer, manufacturing companies can build objects from a digitally created model. The object model … Read More

Retraction: How It Works in 3D Printing

It’s not uncommon for 3D printers to drip or leak filament. In fused deposition modeling (FDM) — the most common type of 3D printing — the nozzle at the end of the 3D printer’s head will release filament to build … Read More

Pros and Cons of Lost-Foam Casting

Not to be confused with investment casting, lost-foam casting is a molding process used to create objects or “castings” from a mold. It involves the use of a polystyrene pellets, which are inserted into the mold cavity. Molten metal is … Read More

A Crash Course on Rapid Prototyping in Manufacturing

Manufacturing companies often use computer-aided design (CAD) files to design, as well as fabricate, products and components. After designing a model and saving it as a CAD file, a worker will upload it to a 3D printer. The 3D printer … Read More

How Extrusion Works in Fused Filament Fabrication (FFF)

Extrusion is a core component of fused filament fabrication (FFF). During this 3D printing process, a printer will extrude raw material to build the desired object. Most FFF printers use rods or filaments of material. As the material is extruded … Read More

CO2 vs Nd Laser Cutting: What’s the Difference?

Not all cutting processes involve the use of a physical cutting tool. While lathes and milling machines do, in fact, use a physical cutting tool, laser machines do not. Laser cutting is a cutting process in which a machine projects … Read More

Rotocasting vs Rotational Molding: What’s the Difference?

Molding processes are used in the manufacturing industry to create products and components by filling a mold cavity with material. The material is typically heated, and as it fills the mold cavity, it takes the shape of the mold. Once … Read More