CNC Router Bits – Selection, Use, and Buying Guide
I. Introduction to CNC Router Bits If you’ve ever worked with a CNC router, you already know the bit you choose can make or break your project. When I first got into CNC machining, I underestimated how important CNC router bits were. I thought they were all the same — until I burned a slab of oak, […]
Acetal vs Delrin for Machining: A Complete Guide for Engineers and Designers
Introduction When I first started working with plastics in CNC machining, one question kept coming up: Acetal vs Delrin – what’s the difference, and which one should I use? It sounded like a simple choice, but it wasn’t. Both materials are part of the same plastic family, yet they perform differently depending on the use case. This […]
Tensile Strength of Steel Explained for Engineers and Machinist
Introduction The tensile strength of steel is the heartbeat of engineering and machining. It’s the maximum stress a steel part can endure before snapping, and it’s a make-or-break factor for safe bridges, durable gears, or reliable chassis. I learned this lesson painfully early in my career. While designing a steel bracket for an industrial press, […]
Master STL File Creation for Machining Success
Introduction STL files are the heart of CNC machining, turning digital designs into tangible parts. An STL file, short for Stereolithography, uses a mesh of triangles to define a 3D model’s surface, guiding CNC machines to carve materials like aluminum, wood, or plastic with precision. CNC machining, or computer numerical control, relies on these files […]
Riveting Quality Starts with Precision: Why CNC Machining Matters
Introduction Riveting is one of those processes people often take for granted. I’ve seen it used in aircraft panels, metal furniture, elevator enclosures, HVAC ducting, and even on high-end kitchen cabinets. It’s reliable, fast, and usually cheap. But here’s the catch—riveting is only as good as the parts you’re joining. That’s a lesson I learned […]
How Urethane is Machined in Modern Manufacturing: Tips, Tools, and Real-World Use Cases
Introduction I’ve been fascinated by the way Urethane shapes modern manufacturing ever since I first encountered this material in a small prototyping workshop. It was early in my career, and I remember wondering if it could be machined as easily as metals or more common plastics. Back then, I was juggling multiple projects, and I […]
Cam Bearing Machining with CNC: Precision Fit, Installation, and Repair Guide
Introduction: Why Cam Bearings Matter in CNC Applications Cam bearings may seem minor, but in precision machining and engine performance, their importance is substantial. Over my years working with engine rebuilds and CNC machining, I’ve seen firsthand how the correct handling of cam bearings directly affects engine performance, durability, and efficiency. Even small inaccuracies in […]
STP File Compatibility with CAM Software: Best Tools Compared and Use Guide
Chapter 1: What is an STP File and Why It Matters in CNC An STP file (also called STEP file, with extensions .stp or .step) is a common 3D file format used to transfer data between different CAD/CAM software. It’s like a universal translator that ensures your design can be opened, viewed, and edited across multiple software […]
The Ultimate Guide to Stress Relieving for CNC Parts: When, Why, and How
Introduction Stress relieving has always been a point of fascination for me. I remember the first time I discovered how much of a difference it makes in CNC machined parts. I was visiting a friend’s small fabrication shop in the Midwest. We were working on a batch of steel components for a heavy machinery client. […]
Annealed Metals in Manufacturing Explained: Softening, Stress Relief, and More
Chapter 1: What Does “Annealed” Mean in Manufacturing? If you’re involved in manufacturing or machining, you’ve probably come across the term “annealed” before. But if you’re new to the term, don’t worry. I’ll explain clearly, based on my own experiences and insights from the field. Annealing is a heat treatment process used primarily on metals to soften […]
Do You Need Tempering Before or After Machining? A Practical Guide for Engineers
Introduction Tempering is one of those topics that I’ve seen spark a lot of debate in custom manufacturing circles.I remember the first time I tried to machine a batch of hardened steel shafts without the right tempering strategy.I spent countless hours adjusting cutting parameters, swapping out tools, and trying to figure out why everything kept […]
Custom Ball Bearing Manufacturing with CNC: Who Needs It and What’s Possible
Introduction: Why Custom Ball Bearings Are Gaining Popularity I’ve been fascinated by mechanical components ever since I first saw the inside of a small gearbox in college. Back then, I had no idea how important a ball bearing could be in keeping everything running smoothly. Over time, I learned that standard bearings often work just […]