Snap fits are one of the best ways to assemble plastic parts without requiring additional components. When parts are designed to be snap-fit together, pushing the parts together will create a reliable connection point without any tooling necessary. However, designing a perfect snap fit is…
Introduction In the world of engineering, there are numerous technical terms that hold significant importance in various projects and industries. One such term is "boss." No, we're not talking about a managerial figure, but rather a crucial component that plays an essential role in the…
Introduction: In the realm of machining and metalworking, various techniques and processes are used to achieve precise and functional components. One such technique that plays a vital role in achieving accurate and reliable results is back spot facing. If you're curious about what back spot…
Intro Starting with the right connection method between two parts is always a good idea. You wouldn’t weld two parts that need to be disconnected frequently, so why would you use the right connection style for plastic parts? In this guide, we’ll explain how snap…
Intro When you can’t use traditional bolts and nuts, you’ll probably have to fall back on rivets. Rivets are a unique way to fasten things together in a semi-permanent fashion. In this guide, you’ll learn about 5 different types of rivets. We’ll explain how they…
Intro Using threaded holes is one of the most reliable ways to keep parts together while allowing them to be removable. While a threaded hole might look simple, there’s a lot going on under the surface that you should know about. In this beginner guide,…
Intro When you’re designing a part, there are a lot of things to consider: what material will you use, how will you design the features, and what fit will you specify? If you didn’t consider the final question, then you came to the right place…
Intro A lot of people have heard the terms “fillet” and “chamfer”, and they might use them interchangeably. The truth is that these features are very different, and they can dramatically change the function of your parts. In this guide, we’ll explain the real difference…
Intro When it comes to designing a part for manufacturing, there’s a lot to consider. It’s something that takes a lot of practice before you can get really good at it. To speed up your path to perfection, our machinist put together this quick guide. …
Intro We noticed that a lot of people use the terms “jig” and “fixture” interchangeably. These two terms are very different and describe separate parts. In this guide, we’ll explain what a jig is, what a fixture is, and when you might use either option…
Intro Creating a cutout near a bend on a piece of sheet metal is a big red flag for a design. If a machinist follows the print, you’ll likely receive a part that doesn’t have the rigidity you need in this area. The part can…
Intro Did you know that the tolerances on your drawings could be wasting a ton of money each year? They’re just a few numbers on a drawing sheet, but it could result in you paying 45 times more for each part. The simple fact is…