When deciding on a molding process, you should opt for liquid silicone rubber (LSR) molding over other methods if your product demands high precision, exceptional clarity, or complex shapes. Many engineers choose LSR for these specific reasons: It offers precise control for tight burr management. It provides exceptional clarity, ideal for medical components. It can produce intricate and detailed parts. It has faster cycle times compared to traditional thermoplastic molding. Understanding the differences between liquid silicone molding vs other processes is crucial in selecting the most suitable molding process for your design and manufacturing needs. Key Takeaways Pick liquid silicone…
CNC Machined Nylon Parts: Strength, Precision, and Versatility CNC machined nylon parts have become a top choice for industries requiring durable, lightweight, and chemically resistant components. Nylon’s unique combination of mechanical strength, wear resistance, and low friction makes it ideal for applications where precision and longevity are critical. From automotive gears and bushings to electrical housings and industrial machinery components, machined nylon components deliver reliable performance under demanding conditions. One of the key advantages of nylon in CNC machining is its flexibility and toughness. Unlike metals, nylon can absorb impacts without cracking, while maintaining dimensional stability when exposed to moderate…
Silicone is often the best choice for epoxy resin mold material. Silicone provides flexibility and durability, making it easy to remove your project from the mold. When you pour resin into silicone molds, you quickly understand why they are favored by many. These molds are suitable for both beginners and experts. Silicone mold rubber and platinum-cured silicone mold rubber work exceptionally well with resin casting. If you plan to reuse a mold, silicone is an excellent option as it creates strong molds that last. Rigid molds like polyurethane mold rubber or plastic are ideal for hard shapes and can also…
When you pick the best silicone for prototype molds, Shore A hardness is important. Shore A shows how soft or hard the silicone feels. It goes from very bendy to very stiff. This scale helps you choose a silicone that fits your project. Softer silicone is good for tiny details. Harder silicone lasts longer when used a lot. Here is a quick look at common Shore A values: Shore A HardnessDescription10°Very bendy, for special uses20°Soft, like a rubber band40°Bendy, like a pencil eraser60°Good for tubes and gaskets70°Tough, like tire tread80°Hard, can take the place of plastic You can find top…
You pick the best CNC machining material by matching it to your project. Think about what your part needs to do. Does it need to stand up to heat? Does it need to resist chemicals? Does it need to look a certain way? When considering CNC machining material selection, check the main things to think about: CriteriaDescriptionEnvironmentalStands up to heat, fire, or chemicals.ElectricalCarries or blocks electricity.MechanicalIs strong, tough, or hard to wear out.CosmeticGives color, see-through look, or feel.SizeFits the size of the material you have.CostMakes sure price and quality are balanced. Ask experts for help if you are not sure.…
You can pick from many top moldable plastic materials for vacuum casting. These include urethane resins, ABS-like materials, polycarbonate-like materials, silicone rubber, and epoxy materials. Each moldable plastic material helps you make high-quality prototypes and end-use parts. Many engineers use vacuum casting to test design and function before using plastic injection molding resins. Studies show that picking the right materials for vacuum casting affects the quality of prototypes, casting performance, and product design. The common materials used in vacuum casting help you get accurate casting results for many uses. Key Takeaways Vacuum casting uses plastics like urethane, ABS-like, polycarbonate-like, silicone…
The silver melt temperature is 961°C (1763°F), which is lower than metals like gold and copper but higher than aluminum. Here’s how the silver melt temperature compares to some common metals: Gold: 1063°C Copper: 1084°C Aluminum: 660°C Iron: 1482–1593°C Understanding the silver melt temperature, along with the melting points of other metals, is crucial. It helps in selecting the right materials for tasks such as jewelry making, metalworking, or industrial applications. This knowledge ensures precision and prevents damage during heating processes. Key Takeaways Silver melts at 961°C (1763°F). It melts easier than gold or platinum. Knowing melting points helps pick…
Yield strength vs tensile strength are critical material properties that reveal how materials respond to stress. Yield strength refers to the point at which a material begins to deform permanently, while tensile strength is the maximum stress a material can endure before it fractures. These properties play a vital role in science and engineering, as they help us understand how materials perform under heavy loads or extreme forces. For instance, a 2018 study demonstrated that recycling AlSi10Mg improved tensile strength by 10% but had minimal impact on yield strength. Another study observed a 3-4% reduction in both yield strength vs…
Understanding the melting temperature of plastic is crucial for making informed decisions in various projects. Different plastics have unique melting temperatures when exposed to heat. Being aware of the melting temperature of plastic helps prevent errors and material issues. Manufacturers rely on this knowledge to ensure quality, while designers use it to select plastics that offer the right balance of strength and durability. Hobbyists also benefit by crafting safely and efficiently. By learning about the melting temperature of plastic, you can achieve better outcomes and minimize waste in any project. Key Takeaways Knowing plastic melting points helps pick the right…
Picking the right stainless welding rod is very important. It helps make strong and long-lasting welds. The correct rod works well with the base metal. It lowers the chance of cracks and makes better welds. For example, a 309L rod joins carbon steel to stainless steel. It gives a ferrite content of 14-16 FN, stopping weld problems. High-carbon steel might need a 312 rod. This rod gives ferrite levels of 70-90 FN, which stops cracks. Also, hydrogen moves slower in stainless welds than in carbon steel. So, choosing the right rod avoids mistakes. Here are five reliable brands for stainless…
Want to convert your CAD design into a sample prototype or small-batch production? Upload your files and get a fast and accurate quote.
