Bend radius is the inside arc a material can tolerate without cracking, kinking, or losing strength. Set the radius too tight and you waste parts; set it too generous and you add weight and cost. This guide explains how to…
Spot welding fuses sheet metal by squeezing two copper electrodes on each side of an overlap and pushing high electric current through the stack. The metal softens, a “nugget” of molten steel grows, and pressure forges the spot solid again—all…
Plastic coatings form a critical protective barrier for metal components across countless industries. These specialized polymer layers shield precision parts from environmental damage, chemical corrosion, and mechanical wear. In today’s demanding industrial environments, plastic coatings extend product lifespans significantly while…
A burr is a tiny ridge of metal left after cutting, drilling, or stamping. If you ignore burrs, parts snag during assembly, crack under fatigue, and fail safety audits. This guide explains why burrs form, how to predict them, and…
Polypropylene (PP) is the workhorse plastic that becomes crates, caps, live hinges, and hot-fill packaging. To form strong parts you must heat PP above its melting range yet avoid thermal damage. This article explains that range, factors that shift it,…
Soldering joins metals with a filler that melts at a lower temperature than the parts you bond. From printed-circuit boards to copper pipes and jewelry, this age-old process delivers electrical contact, fluid seals, and structural support with basic tools. The…
Machinable plastics give designers lightweight parts without the high tooling costs of metal. When you mill, turn, or drill these polymers, you must know which grade fits your job, how to hold it, and how to keep the chips cool.…
Plastic sandblasting, also called plastic media blasting (PMB), uses recycled plastic grit instead of traditional sand or mineral abrasives. The gentle action strips paint, powder coat, and surface films without gouging soft metals, carbon fiber, or composite panels. This guide…
CNC milling of plastic creates accurate parts from sheets, plates, and billets of engineering polymers. Compared with metal cutting, plastic milling calls for different tool shapes, speeds, and work-holding plans. This tutorial walks through every stage—from plastic selection to final…
Nylon parts leave most machines with fine tool marks or a matte mold texture. A proper polishing routine upgrades that dull look to a clear, sealed surface that resists dirt and delivers visual appeal. This hands-on guide describes proven ways…
