Throughout the United States, thousands of people with small, at-home machine shops and metalworking studios as well as hobbyists and jewelry makers use a variety of metals such as aluminum, brass, copper, steel, titanium, and many of their alloys to machine replacement components, fabricate custom

When most people think about manufacturing, they picture a mass production facility specializing in a specific product or product family. High-mix, low-volume manufacturing (HMLV)—or make-to-order manufacturing—is a very different kind of operation. These manufacturers make a large variety of produc

The maker movement has revolutionized manufacturing in the 21st century. Tools, technology, and training have never been more accessible, allowing a return to self-sufficiency and cottage industry for those who would rather create than just consume. Makers are not just hobbyists or DIY-ers. They’re

Most business owners of small-scale manufacturing operations would love to use premium materials in all their products, but they have to consider costs, manufacturing timelines, material performance, and countless other factors. High-spec materials may be ideal, but small-scale manufacturers must ba

Inconel and stainless steel are highly popular metal alloys that offer superior dimensional stability under extremely corrosive environments. However, each has different application areas. When it comes to Inconel vs. stainless steel, three major deciding factors come into play: cost, temperature to

Aluminum is an extremely versatile material, which is why it’s one of the first metals home metalworkers and hobbyists learn to work with. It is much softer than steel, making it easier to machine and weld with less powerful equipment. Aluminum is lightweight, strong, corrosion-resistant, and durabl

Small shops and individual fabricators are taking on more large jobs that used to be reserved for major manufacturers. However, the margins are slim, and these smaller operations are often less equipped to deal with major disruptions like the current metal supply chain issues. Between soaring materi

Galvanic corrosion, also known as dissimilar metal corrosion, is a phenomenon commonly seen in the oil and marine industries as well as in domestic scenarios dealing with damp environments. Galvanic corrosion may occur in thousands of combinations of metals, including those used in washing machines,

There are as many types of metal fabrication techniques as there are types of metal alloys to choose from. Whether you’re a beginner, a specialist in a particular technique, or a metalworking virtuoso, there is always something new to learn. Metal fabrication techniques can be additive or subtractiv

1-2-3 blocks are trusted components in many machine shops. But what are they? The name is pretty self-explanatory—1-2-3 blocks are essentially just rectangular metal blocks measuring 1 by 2 by 3 inches. But what are they for, and why should you care? 1-2-3 blocks are indispensable tools that are che

The strength of a metal plays an important role in designing products or structural architectures. There are different elements to a metal’s strength, including tensile strength, yield strength, hardness, and density. Tension vs. compression forces can have an effect on the amount of stress or press

A cupronickel alloy contains copper and nickel as well as iron, aluminum, manganese, tin, niobium, or chromium, depending on the grade. The excellent water corrosion resistance of copper, when combined with nickel, improves the strength and durability of cupronickel alloys. Saltwater corrosion resis

It’s important to analyze the different mechanical properties of any metal before considering its application for a project. In this regard, tensile strength and yield strength are two of the most important properties to consider, as they offer deep insight into a material’s ability to withsta

Conductivity refers to how easily heat or an electric charge can pass through a material. Metals are known for their electrical and thermal conductivity, as the molecular structure of metals makes them effective conductors. The electrical conductivity of metals lets an electrical current move about

Fabricating parts and components can be a challenge if the metals you purchase aren’t already sized to the dimensions you require. However, cutting these metals to size can prove to be an expensive and time-consuming process, as there is a wide range of metal alloys available with unique machining p

No two metals have the same physical, chemical, and mechanical properties, as many metals are available in different alloys and tempers that change their compositions. This also means that each metal comes with unique machining challenges. For example, metals like titanium require a lower cutting re

For serious manufacturing, nothing beats the power of an industrial CNC machine; however, while full-size machines are incredibly powerful, they’re a bit much for home workshops–-not just in power, but in price. Hobbyists, DIY enthusiasts, and smaller machine shops need an affordable CNC machine for

Metal plates, which generally have a thickness of more than ¼” (6 mm), are capable of holding very high tolerances and dimensional stability and are often used to machine parts and building and construction materials as well as to create fixtures, molds, gauges, PCB substrates, or even high pr

Engineering drawings are more than just drawings—they’re detailed illustrations that show all the information and specifications required to build a part using a standard format and terminology. An engineering drawing completely defines every detail of the part, including its: Dimensions. Geometry.

Unlike drill bits that only move in the axial direction, end mills are designed to produce lateral cuts as well, making them versatile. End mills can be used to create slots, plunge, drill, trace, and ream in all directions. When selecting end mill types for your CNC application, at least three fact