As a strong material with a protective layer of oxidized chromium, stainless steel loses its corrosion resistance when the protective surface is abraded. Traditional marking and etching processes often use corrosive chemicals and abrasive materials, while inked markings can wear off over time. To avoid these problems, FZE Manufacturing Solutions uses specialized laser technology to…
What is VMC Machining?
Machining is a broad term encompassing the manufacturing processes that use machine tools to remove layers of material from a workpiece to produce the desired part or product. It can be categorized into numerous classifications, such as manual vs. CNC, three-axis vs. five-axis, and vertical vs. horizontal. Each process variant offers unique advantages and disadvantages…
Guide to Aluminum Laser Marking
Laser marking allows manufacturers to mark pieces or components with high-precision semi-permanent or permanent markings. Unlike laser engraving or laser etching, laser marking is non-subtractive and does no damage to the actual material. This makes it very versatile in an array of industries and applications, letting companies add serial numbers, part numbers, and other details…
MIG Welding vs. TIG Welding
Welding is a highly versatile manufacturing process and it is used to fuse or join metal components and structures for a wide range of industries and applications. The type of welding method utilized to create these different assemblies varies depending on a number of factors, including part design, material, and production requirements. In the following…
Guide to Laser Marking
Laser marking is a non-contact, non-subtractive manufacturing process that uses lasers to create semi-permanent or permanent imprints on the surface of objects. Rather than removing material from the object, it adds slight discoloration to small, localized areas of the surface. Compared to other marking techniques, this quality makes it better suited for use on sensitive or small parts.
Considerations for High Production Swiss Machining
In Swiss machining, a workpiece is strategically mounted on CNC-controlled rotating slide. This slide sets the material at a close proximity to the cutting tool while simultaneously performing several functions via a multi-axis series of cutting tools. This results in parts being carefully machined in such a way that they move concurrently with the cutting…
Guide to CNC Prototyping
CNC machining is a subtractive process that uses precision cutting and shaping tools to sculpt workpieces into preprogramed end products. Because CNC machinery is driven almost entirely by computerized processes, it can design objects to tight tolerances at high production speeds. This means that facilities that use CNC machining can accurately produce highly complex metal, plastic, and…
Understanding the Shaft Manufacturing Process
A gear or shaft is a toothed wheel that meshes with another shaft’s teeth to continually transmit rotational power. Engineers can mix and match gears and shafts of different diameters to vary the force and speed of these components’ rotation. Shafts have several important uses in the aerospace, agriculture, automotive, consumer products, transportation, oil &…
What Is Fiber Laser Marking?
Fiber lasers have been around since 1998 and they became more popular in 2011, when new nanosecond units with a wide range of applications, were introduced to the market. Fiber lasers share the market with Gas lasers that are more common. However, fiber laser marking machines are becoming increasingly popular because of their many benefits….
Electropolishing vs. Passivation
Industry professionals use metal finishing techniques to improve the functional and aesthetic qualities of metal parts and products. For stainless steel materials, electropolishing and passivation are two of the most popular finishing methods. The two processes have some similarities, but ultimately, there are clear distinctions between them. Although both employ chemical baths in their operations,…