RapidDirect offers a frictionless user experience, simplifying the process of finding a reliable manufacturing partner. This is what it’s like to work with us.What is RapidDirect?RapidDirect is a specialist in rapid prototyping and low-volume manufacturing, providing CNC machining, injection molding

The pace of technology innovation is pushing manufacturers to innovate every aspect of their business. This movement is even prevalent in the quotation process. Winning companies decrease the amount of time between the customer’s concept and the finished part. Innovative manufacturers are integratin

The world runs off of ideas. Think about that for a minute. An idea that is put into action creates something that was at one point ​nothing​…but someone’s idea. Then that person acted on that idea and then there is ​something​. Everything you see around you in regards to commerce was nothing bu

Years ago, blacksmiths used heat to shape metals for wagon parts, horseshoes, and more. Once formed to the desired shape, the metal was cooled quickly. This usually made the metal a lot harder and less brittle. This is a basic process called heat treatment of metals. Modern machining and metalworkin

The rise in the demand for custom-made products resulted in research that proved sheet metal to be a versatile material that can be transformed into different forms. The transformation occurs by employing simple sheet forming processes such as metal bending to shape the sheet metal into the desired

Waterjet cutting has gained a lot of popularity among machinists because of its ability to not interfere with your raw material structure while cutting. However, waterjet cost has been a major bone of contention among many clients.Many fabricators believe that waterjet cutting costs so much; thus, t

Galvanized sheet metal is one of the commonly used sheet metal types in the manufacturing industry. Many steelmakers and manufacturers will tell you that galvanization offers one of the best protection from corrosion. However, there are several other interesting tidbits that you can learn about this

The importance of enclosures in electronic products cannot be overemphasized. Regardless of the size and complexity of an electrical product, there needs to be a form of enclosure. A sheet metal enclosure has several associated benefits, including electrical conductivity, emission reductions, a

Before choosing to work with a new manufacturing process, it is important to understand the fundamentals of the technology. That is, you need to get familiar with what it is, how it works, and its various advantages. In this article, we will cover sheet metal fabrication basics. We aim to shed light

Sheet metal fabrication is an important manufacturing process in many industries. For example, it plays a major role in the aerospace and automotive industry, serving as an important backbone. As a designer, to make the best use of the process, you must have a clear set of goals and design strategie

In product manufacturing, one of the most important processes ideals for product durability and aesthetics is the anodizing process. The process is ideal for several materials, however, the most important and commonly used one is aluminum. As a beginner in machining, you might not be familiar with a

Perhaps you’ve seen sheet metals on several occasions used for roofing, welding, auto manufacturing, food industry, or in special sheet metal fabrication, and you’re wondering how the thickness of these smooth, beautiful pieces are determined. A system called the gauge system determines this thickne

Sheet metals are an important component of many industrial processes. They are highly-valued materials resourcefully used in making different products of various industries. Different types of sheet metals are employed in different industrial sectors.This article will take a closer look at the diffe

Laser cutting is an important part of sheet metal fabrication, where it is employed in cutting many materials. This makes it an important process in rapid prototyping. It is versatile due to its compatibility with different materials and several advantages of high precision. However, even though we

Machinists use laser cutting and plasma cutting interchangeably. However, while they perform similar cutting functions, they are different in their applications and principles. These two cutting techniques have been around since the 20th century, but machinists have modernized them for more effectiv

Just like any other computer numerical control (CNC) process, the importance of the laser cutting product design cannot be undermined. This design will determine if the product is feasible for production and how neat the laser cutting finish will be. This design is the blueprint used to make the mac

The metal strength of the material you use for part production is a very huge determinant in the success and integrity of the product. Hence, the importance of a metal strength chart.For instance, an aerospace machining project will require a metal with higher strength than the metal needed for maki

Surfaces in manufacturing applications must remain within desired roughness limits to ensure optimum quality of parts. Surface finishing has a crucial impact on the durability and performance of the product. Therefore, it is essential to learn about the surface roughness chart and its importance.Rou

The Christmas holiday is the time when your inbox is full of coupons and promo codes from a number of different brands. A great coupon from RapidDirect will be one of them. To celebrate the most wonderful time of the year, we offer you the best available discount coupons. Learn more with the followi

The die casting process involves injecting molten metal with low melting points such as zinc and aluminum into the die casting mold and allowing it to cool. Depending on the melting point, it occurs under two different mechanisms (hot and cold chamber casting), and it is suitable for makin