What is Rapid Prototyping? Rapid prototyping is the fast fabrication of a physical part, model, or assembly using 3D computer-aided design (CAD). The creation of the part, model, or assembly is usually completed using additive manufacturing, more commonly known as 3D printing. Rapid proto

What Is Oxy-Acetylene Welding? Oxy-acetylene welding commonly referred to as gas welding, is a process that relies on the combustion of oxygen and acetylene. When mixed together in correct proportions within a hand-held torch or blowpipe, a relatively hot flame is produced with a temperatur

Frames of bicycles or motorcycles, trailers for trucks, profiles of rail vehicles, materials in space travel – aluminum is the material when it comes to reducing weight and still achieving stability. In addition, a beautifully welded aluminum seam is a real eye-catcher. Thanks to its low den

What is CNC Machining? CNC stands for Computerized Numerical Control. CNC machining is a computerized manufacturing process in which pre-programmed computer software dictates the movement of factory tools and machinery. The process can be used to control a range of complex machinery, from

What is Shaper Machine? A shaper is a type of machine tool that uses the linear relative motion between the workpiece and a single-point cutting tool to machine a linear toolpath. Its cut is analogous to that of a lathe, except that it is (archetypally) linear instead of helical. A wood s

What is Slotting Machine? Slotting machines are reciprocating machines that are mainly used to manufacture horizontal, vertical, or flat surfaces. The slotting machine is mainly used for cutting planes, forming surfaces and keyways, etc., and is suitable for single or small batch production.

Milling machines are among the most commonly used machine tools in modern manufacturing. You’ll find them in everything from major assembly lines to small tool-and-die shops, and just about anywhere in between. Just about every industry uses milling machines, from mini-mills in high-end scienti

What is Welding? Welding is a manufacturing process that uses heat, pressure, or both to fuse two or more parts together to form a joint as the parts cool. Welding is commonly used with metals and thermoplastics, but can also be used with wood. The completed welded joint can be called weldme

What is Casting? Casting is a manufacturing process in which a liquid material is usually poured into a mold that contains a cavity of the desired shape and then allowed to solidify. The solidified part is also known as the casting, which is ejected or broken from the mold to complete the pr

What is Spot Welding? Spot welding (also known as resistance spot welding) is a resistance welding process. This welding process is used primarily for welding two or more metal sheets together by applying pressure and heat from an electric current to the weld area. It works by contacting

If you were to take apart any electronic device that contains a circuit board, you’ll see the components are attached using soldering techniques. Soldering is the process of joining two or more electronic parts together by melting solder around the connection. Even though soldering can create a

What Is Powder Metallurgy? Powder metallurgy is a term covering a wide range of ways in which materials or components are made from metal powders. This process can avoid, or greatly reduce, the need to use metal removal processes, thereby drastically reducing yield losses in manufacture and

What is Capstan Lathe? Capstan lathe is the modified form of the engine lathe and center lathe in which the tailstock is replaced with a hexagonal turret tool head. It was first developed by Pratt and Whitney in America in 1860. It was necessary to develop a capstan lathe because there wa

What is Plasma Arc Welding? Plasma arc welding (PAW) is an arc welding process very similar to TIG welding in that the arc is created between a pointed tungsten electrode and the workpiece. However, by positioning the electrode inside the torch body, the plasma arc can be separated from the

What Is Gas Tungsten Arc Welding? Gas tungsten arc welding (GTAW), also known as tungsten inert gas (TIG) welding, is an arc welding process that uses a non-consumable tungsten electrode to produce the weld. The weld area and electrode are protected from oxidation or other atmospheric contam

What Is Laser Beam Machining? Laser beam machining (LBM) is a form of machining that uses heat directed from a laser beam. This process uses thermal energy to remove material from metallic or nonmetallic surfaces. The high frequency of monochromatic light will fall on the surface then heatin

What is Thermosetting Plastic? Thermosetting plastic is a polymer that irreversibly becomes rigid when heated. Such a material is also known as a thermoset or thermosetting polymer. Initially, the polymer is a liquid or soft solid. Heat provides energy for chemical reactions that increase th

What Is Stamping? Stamping or pressing is a manufacturing process used to convert flat metal sheets into final shapes. In this process, a flat sheet of metal, either in the form of a blank or in the form of a coil, is placed in a stamping press where a tool and die surface forms the metal in

Laser cutting is a non-traditional processing method that uses an intensely focused stream of coherent light called a laser to cut material. It is a subtractive process in which the material is continuously removed during the cutting process. This is accomplished by vaporization, melting, chemi

Trolleys come in all shapes and sizes. And you’ll see one in dozens of places, from supermarkets to airports, warehouses and workshops. They’re great for their intended use – hauling a range of goods from one place to another quickly, easily and safely.  Where trolleys differ is in their spe