Brass and bronze are often considered one and the same, since they’re part of the world of copper alloys. For engineers, it’s a different story. The slight differences between the two can make enormous impacts on the functionality of the parts, their manufacturability, and the…
When an engineer thinks about lightweight metals, they often come up with two options: titanium and aluminum. Though these two materials are often lumped together, they’re very different. Our machinists at Rapid Axis have experience working with both, and this engineer’s guide will teach you…
For most metal projects, an engineer has to choose between steel and aluminum. Two incredibly common metals, with different mechanical properties. Picking the right option can save you a lot of time and money, and the wrong option can lead to catastrophic failures and parts…
When it comes to steel, the two most common options are alloy steel and stainless steel. Picking between them can be a little confusing, since they both offer strength and versatility, but the right choice can help your parts last longer and do more for…
Titanium and stainless steel are two popular metal choices with wildly different mechanical properties. We’ll explore the differences, pros, and cons of both materials. Ultimately, you’ll understand which metal is the better choice for your next project, and how Rapid Axis can help. What Is…
Picking the correct material for your project is a necessity. The wrong option can cost too much, be too difficult to manufacture, and might break when installed. The good news is that our experts at Rapid Axis have experience working with a wide range of…
In our shop, we manufacture a lot of parts in either carbon or stainless steel. They are among the two most popular metal options on the market, and there are great reasons to use either of these materials. While they might sound like two options…
In our shop, aluminum is one of the most common materials used across industries and applications. It is lightweight, corrosion-resistant, easy to work with, and relatively inexpensive. If you want to take your aluminum parts to the next level, you can consider a finishing treatment…
Urethane casting is a versatile manufacturing process that produces high-quality, functional prototypes and low-volume production parts. One critical aspect that significantly impacts the final product's performance, aesthetics, and feel is the surface finish. The finish itself won’t change the core material properties of your parts,…
Prototype CNC machining is a critical step in the product development process, allowing designers and engineers to create precise and functional prototypes. One important aspect of CNC machining is the surface treatment of machined parts to enhance their properties, such as corrosion resistance and paint…
Intro In the realm of modern manufacturing, machine grade thermoplastics play a crucial role in a wide range of applications across various industries. These versatile materials offer a unique combination of properties, making them ideal for demanding engineering and machining applications. At Rapid Axis, we…
Designers and engineers often opt for chromate conversion coatings in their aluminum pieces. In fact, chromate coatings are one of the most common forms of passivation across industries. This process adds a secondary “skin” to your aluminum piece through this added coating, but why is…