MIM tooling cost amortization guide
Tooling is the line item that stalls most MIM projects. This guide covers what a MIM mold costs, how amortization lands in your unit price, where MIM breaks...
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Procurement Guide
How to read a CNC quote without missing hidden fees
CNC quotes from different shops can differ by 40 percent and both be correct. Setup fees, tolerance assumptions, packaging and documentation costs hide in...
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What is CMM inspection and when do you actually need it?
Coordinate measuring machines verify part dimensions against CAD. They are not always necessary. This guide explains when CMM inspection justifies its cost,...
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How to control shrinkage in metal injection molding parts
MIM parts contract 17 to 20 percent between the mold and the furnace. A tooling engineer explains powder loading, binder systems, sintering profiles, and...
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316L vs 304 stainless steel for marine use
316L and 304 stainless steel look the same but behave very differently near salt water. A manufacturing engineer covers molybdenum and PREN, pitting and...
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How to specify surface roughness requirement on a drawing
A blanket Ra 0.8 note on a drawing adds cost nobody asked for. This guide explains Ra and Rz, ISO 1302 callouts, what casting, MIM, and CNC surfaces hold...
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