Category: Material knowledge

Vapor Smoothing PLA: Definition, Advantages, and Disadvantages in Laser Cutting Today, laser cutting is one of the most popular methods of fabrication. It is used for a wide variety of applications such as engraving, etching, and cutting of metals, plastics, and other materials. The technology has become increasingly popular due to its accuracy and reliability. One of the materials that is often used in laser cutting is vapor smoothing PLA (polylactic acid), a type of thermoplastic. What is Vapor Smoothing PLA? Vapor smoothing PLA is a thermoplastic that is used in 3D printing and laser cutting. It is made up…

What is Brass: History, Types & Applications Brass is a metal alloy made of copper and zinc. It has been used by civilizations around the world for thousands of years and continues to be an important material in modern industry. In this article, we will explore the history of brass, its different types, and some common applications. History of Brass The earliest known use of brass dates back to ancient Mesopotamia around 3000 BC. It quickly became popular due to its durability, malleability, and resistance to corrosion. By the Middle Ages, it was being used for coins, armor, and weapons…

Various Aluminum Alloys for Manufacturing Aluminum is one of the most versatile and widely used metals in manufacturing and production today. Its unique properties of being lightweight, highly conductive, durable, corrosion resistant, and easily machined make aluminum suitable for a vast range of applications across many industries. However, not all aluminum alloys exhibit the same characteristics and properties. There are numerous different aluminum alloys available, each with its own advantages, disadvantages, and ideal uses. In this comprehensive guide, we will examine the most common aluminum alloys used in manufacturing and discuss their compositions, properties, applications, and production methods. Alloy Classifications…

7 Ways to Avoid Part Deformation in Aluminum CNC Machining Introduction: Aluminum is a popular material choice for CNC machined parts due to its lightweight, high strength-to-weight ratio, corrosion resistance, and excellent thermal and electrical conductivity. However, aluminum's low melting point and high thermal expansion coefficient make it susceptible to distortion and deformation during CNC machining processes like milling, turning, and drilling. Part deformation can lead to scrap parts that are out of tolerance and unusable. In this blog post, we will discuss 7 methods to prevent and minimize part deformation when CNC machining aluminum components. Properly controlling machining factors…

How to Choose CNC Machining Materials for Your CNC Milling Applications Introduction One of the first and most critical choices when CNC machining parts is selecting the optimal material. The workpiece material impacts key factors from machinability and tool wear to dimensional stability, strength, and cosmetic appearance. With the wide range of materials available for CNC milling, deciding on the right one for your application can be challenging. Properties like hardness, rigidity, chemical resistance, friction, thermal behavior, damping, and cost all come into play depending on functional requirements. This article provides a detailed overview of common CNC machining materials, their…

The History and Future of Aluminum Extrusion Aluminum extrusion is a key manufacturing process for producing aluminum profiles and parts with high strength, complex shapes, and precise tolerances. In this article, we trace the evolution of aluminum extrusion technology over the past century and explore emerging trends that will shape its future. A Brief History of Aluminum Extrusion The timeline below highlights major milestones in aluminum extrusion history: 1885 - The first aluminum extrusion patent is filed by Alexander Dick in the US for a hydraulic piston extrusion press to produce seamless piping. 1905 - The direct extrusion process was…