Industry

The printed circuit board or PCB is an important feature for any electronic device as it provides a base and mechanical support. There are different technologies associated with them and are available in a variety of forms based on their application. PCB manufacturing is a vital step that needs to be handled with high professionalism to ensure the right item is produced. The manufacturer should advise you on the type and quality of the PCB for the proper functioning of the electric devices. In this extract, we look at parameters for selecting a PCB manufacturer.

Parameters for Selecting a PCB Manufacturer

PCB suppliers are many in the industry but picking the right one is important for your devices. Below are factors to consider when choosing a supplier.

1. Industrial Capabilities

Before choosing a manufacturer, ensure he or she can produce your desired PCB. If you need a multi-layer PCB, don’t settle for a supplier who only produces single-layered PCBs. The manufacturer’s level of expertise should be high. There should be a clear understanding of what you are asking for, the necessary products needed in the process, and the services required to facilitate the production.

The manufacturing world is experiencing technological advancements occasionally, so the factory you use should incorporate these new technologies to increase PCB efficiency. All necessary equipment should be present to cut costs for processes requiring multiple manufacturing steps and save time spent dealing with several manufacturers. Also, find out whether the supplier can facilitate testing of the PCB to ensure it’s functioning properly. Note down all your requirements beforehand and ensure they match that of your service provider.

2. Product Quality and Certification

The PCB quality is a huge consideration as getting a poor quality may affect many factors immediately or in the long run. Product quality relates to the manufacturer’s certification. The certificate ensures the supplier doesn’t go below a certain level in terms of quality. Consider the Quality Management System and know if the company has basic QMS such as quality manual and policy, work rules, employee training, preventive measure, and much more. Select a manufacturer with a competency certificate as proof that he can perform any task safely and in an ideal environment.

3. Price

PCB prices vary with different manufacturers. Foreign suppliers are cheaper than those based locally; however, extra costs may be incurred regarding shipping costs, tariffs, and communication. Most domestic suppliers are expensive, but you can find a few willing to produce for you at a considerable price. If this happens, your overall costs may be lower as there are no shipping costs, and you can also visit the manufacturing plant and the lead times are minimal.

4. Timely Delivery

Choose a manufacturer with good reviews and ratings on delivery services. Ensure they stick to the estimated lead time and deliver your items safely. Late deliveries may ruin your project, and you may seem unreliable to your customers.

Conclusion

Selecting the ideal PCB manufacturer is an important process that determines the success or failure of your product. Choose carefully and don’t compromise on important qualities that touch on your product directly or indirectly. Research widely until you get a supplier worth spending your money on.

JGMarket is a leading 3D printing manufacture. The company makes various types of 3D printers and printing accessories. Click here to read what this brand has to offer. This post focuses on various types of 3D printing.

Forms of 3D printing

Below are some forms of 3D printing that you should understand;

1. Material jetting

Material jetting 3D printing is where the material is deposited through an inkjet printer head. The type of plastic that is used here requires light to harden, hence the term photopolymer. The process can also be used to print waxes and other types of materials. Material jetting can help produce precise parts. It can also incorporate several materials by using additional inkjet printer nozzles. However, it is worth noting that material jetting printers are relatively expensive. Additionally, their build times can also be slow.

2. Binder Jetting

This 3D printing technique uses a thin layer of powder. The powder can be made from plastic, glass, sand, or various types of metals. The thin layer of powder is rolled across the table or build platform. A binding solution resembling glue is sprayed on the powder to fuse it in the areas specified in the digital file. The solution is sprayed through the printer head. This process repeats until the final product is achieved.

Once the printing process is completed, the excess powder is removed and stored for later application. Binder jetting printing method is ideal for creating relatively large parts. However, it can be costly.

3. Powder bed fusion

This 3D printing technique is similar to binder jetting. The difference is that the thin layers of powder are melted or sintered using a heat source like a laser or electron beam. Note that sintering is when heat or pressure is applied to form a mass of material without changing its consistency or melting it. The powder bed fusion process can be used for producing high-quality and strong metal parts. The downside is that the raw materials for this method are limited.

4. Directed Energy Deposition

This 3D printing method comes in many forms. Regardless, they all follow a basic process. Here, a wide or powdered material is deposited on the build bed into thin layers. It is then melted using a high-energy source, like a laser. This 3D printing technique is popularly applied in repairing existing parts or manufacturing large objects. The shortcoming is that the parts made using this technology require extensive post-processing, which takes a lot of time and money.

5. Sheet lamination

Here, thin sheets of material are fused using adhesive and low-temperature sources of heat and other forms of energy. It allows you to print materials that are sensitive to heat. They are used to make low-cost materials. It is a very accurate printing technique.

6. Vat photopolymerization

This is the oldest form of 3D printing. It applies liquid resin cured using special lights. A laser or projector can trigger a chemical reaction, which hardens a thin resin layer.

Conclusion

Note that each 3D printing method is beneficial in its own right. However, they also have their downsides. The parts made by the various 3D printers feature varying qualities. These elements are worth considering when choosing between the methods above.

If you are into metal forging, you probably already know that it can be a long and complex process. to make the work easier, most manufacturing companies are going to use forging supplies or equipment to get the work done.

If you are a rookie in forging, finding the right metal forging supplies or equipment can be difficult. This article can help you with that. It will tell you the various type of forging supplies you might need. These forging supplies will make things so much easier.

The Top Forging Supplies you should definitely have

1. Chisels

The first forging equipment you will need is a chisel. Chisels do most of the hard work when it comes to chipping away at the hard metal.

To make them work effectively, chisels themselves are created from carbon steel. They also have cutting edges at the end. These cutting edges make it easier to cut down metal.

If you are going to get a chisel, you will have to choose between cold and hot chisels. Cold forging will need cold chisels while the hot chisels are better with hot forging.

Choosing the right forging supplies means knowing what you want.

2. Anvils

Anvils are thick metal slabs that are used as a platform for the metal. In other words, there are like the ground or foundation for the work to be done.

Metals are first dropped on the anvil. Once placed correctly, they are then hammered into the preferred size and shape.

Anvils are mostly the same. Thus, you should have little or no problems choosing one that matches your preferences.

3. Tongs

Once you are done with the forging, you are going to need tongs. These are used to successfully move the metal to the anvil.

Tongs are necessary as moving these metals with your hand or even gloves can lead to burns. Tongs come in a variety. Their main goal is to make sure that the metal is probably positioned to avoid accidental drops while being carried to the anvil.

4. Hammers

These are the shakers and movers of the forging processes. They are used for all types of forging processes. The hammer helps to shape the metal into what is needed.

Hammers come in various sizes and shapes. However, the two main hammers are the power and drop hammers. These hammers serve completely different functions.

To know the particular forging supplies you when it comes to hammers, make sure you do enough research into it.

If you don’t, you might be crying to the bank.

Why are Forging Supplies Important?

Without the right forging materials, you probably won’t get them done as quickly as possible. Plus, you are going to have a lot of hazards in your factory. Certainly not something worth exploring.

Bottom Line

So here’s the bottom line. You need forging supplies to get the work done. you have two options. Get some forging supplies or get a metal forging company to do the work for you.

In the end, make sure the option you choose is the most comfortable one.

Computerized Numerical Control or CNC machining is a technology used widely in various industries to manufacture parts. It is a subtractive process where cutting tools are used to cut raw materials into the desired shape. Companies like CNC machining China provide industries with a wide variety of CNC services and precision machined parts using tools like drills and grinders. In this article, we expound on CNC machining applications.

Applications of CNC Machining Technology

Industries where CNC machining technology is used, include;

1. Automotive Industry

The primary use of CNC machining is production and prototyping. The process incorporates different materials like metal and plastics. Extruded metal is used to develop gearboxes, axels, cylinder blocks, and valves, while some types of plastics can be used to create various components like dashboard panels and gas gauges. CNC machining technology allows the customization of parts which often happens in the automotive industry.

2. Aerospace Industry

This is an industry where the use of CNC technology has existed for years. It is ideal for manufacturing metal components that need a high level of accuracy. Manufacturers apply this process to produce aircraft pieces made from metal. In addition, the CNC machines and cutting tools produce parts like engine mounts, fuel access panels, and flow components used in this application.

3. Military and Defense

The military is known for carrying out its activities in many different environments. The government has placed regulations that the industry needs to meet regarding their machining parts. One requirement for those parts is the ability to withstand any environment or terrain they are subjected to.

Thus, the sector had to invest in current CNC machining forms to meet these demands. Metal is the primary material used to customize large parts and is either pure or mixed to form alloys and is durable to last years. CNC technology benefits the industry by developing parts of planes, electronics, transport equipment, communication tools, and many other components.

4. Medical Industry

The development of tools with high precision levels is vital for proper diagnosis and treatment. CNC machining technology manufactures disposable surgical instruments and machine parts and other components like MRI machine parts, monitoring devices, orthotic devices, and implants. It’s a high-speed process that allows the fast production of parts, making it a significant technology in the medical industry.

5. Oil and Gas Industry

Typically, oil machines and their parts run for a long time; thus, the durability of the materials is essential. In addition, robust, sturdy, and high accuracy levels are necessary, so CNC machining is ideal for producing such parts. It develops efficient and leak-proof parts, vital when dealing with substances like oil and gas. CNC also enables the customization of parts with complex details, high tolerance, and dependability.

6. Electronic Industry

CNC machining creates many electronic components for use in different environments and various benefits. Electronics like smartphones, tablets, and laptops are made for consumer use. Parts like housings, fixtures, and jigs are also manufactured for electric purposes.

Conclusion

Many more applications benefit from CNC machining, like the marine industry. The technology is modern, hence sectors that use it stay relevant and up to date with the current trends.

Every member of a prototyping team offering rapid prototyping services or any other form of prototyping has the responsibility to deliver the requested as agreed.

For many, the process of shifting and turning concepts that are abstract into a physical and realistic working object is quite enjoyable and satisfying.

These may take several hours, days, or weeks accompanied by lots of team planning, design changes, and consumer feedback which may lead to more require changes.

The final product is then created from the best-reformed prototype that was designed. There is a level of satisfaction that comes with the successful end of a particular project and it is unquantifiable.

Do your best not to always look to the satisfaction at the end of the project. Crafting an excellent prototype is usually achieved through numerous trial and error phases.

So how do you make an efficient well-crafted prototype?

The Prototype Is Not the Goal

Because this article is primarily about prototypes, it may sound contradictory to some people, but do not be disturbed, this is factual.

A dictionary describes the term prototype to be a typical example of a standard. The purpose of a prototype is supposed to be a model design and not the final product.

Keeping that in mind will help you when the time comes for you to decide if you will accept a job from a client or not.

Designers need to be watchful and look out for the jobs that trap them in what is referred to as working inertia. They should avoid taking up any task from a client irrespective of what the request is.

Designers should learn to analyze potential prototype requests and ask the necessary questions such as: what is needed? Who is the market audience? What is the objective? What are the expectations?

While you consider the answers to these questions, instead of stopping at NO, you should share your ideas based on experience on prototyping services.

Storyboarding Is Essential

Storyboarding is used to visualize the final product of a particular project. The storyboard shows all the processes and specific details on how each process will be successfully achieved.

You are advised to not skip storyboarding as it is essential to crafting an excellent prototype. Storyboarding helps with clarification of actions and components, with flow and map of all necessary screens needed.

Teamwork

The design team is usually made up of experts in their different fields. When you all come together to work on a project, the success of the project is dependent on each member of the design team.

Working as a team allows for numerous inputs to make the job better. It also makes the job easier since each person is focused on a particular phase. It also leads to more efficient and convenient results.

When each member of the team works hard at where they fit best, they get better at it and accelerate the prototyping process.

Though teamwork could raise issues of communication and dependency, regular meetings for alignment should be held to bring everyone to speed.

Conclusion

For you to be successful at prototyping, you need to follow these tips as well as you can. The job can be challenging but can be very rewarding when the team works together.

3D printing is one manufacturing technique that has gradually grown to bring changes to the industry. That’s why most people are beginning to adopt 3D prototyping because it’s affordable, and possesses an uncommon type of flexibility.

Since its beginning to gain some level of attention, 3D printing is expected to be fully adopted by many people I’m different industries soon. Have you ever wondered about the different applications of 3D printing on prototypes? Then stick to this guide; you will find top ways that you can create a prototype with 3D printing.

How Can You Create Prototypes with 3D Printing?

1. Manufacturing as a Service (MaaS)

You may have that there’s something such as software as a service (SaaS), but do you know of MaaS? Well, this term came as a result of the boom of 3D printing. Oftentimes, companies that own different infrastructures used for supporting several designs and efforts made by tons of cinema towards production are seen using 3D printing technology to get things done.

2. Reduced Waste

Most manufacturing companies are concerned about reducing the impact on their environment through carbon footprints. Because of this, governments in different countries began to introduce laws that will coordinate the way materials are wasted.

Different changes made in inefficiency have to lead to the drastic reduction in waste, hence more useful resources are created.

In recent times, there’s just been about 21% of materials that are wasting. 3D printing not only reduces waste but also minimizes the number of carbon emissions.

3. Great Design

Before now, prototypes were mostly used as means of testing already made designs. But with 3D printing, there’s room for flexibility in designs. This will help the designer to always arrive at better final results of the product.

The old methods of manufacturing took different stages, but they mostly relied on different digital models which also has limitations. This further causes fewer opportunities for people to test products and arrive at accurate designs.

4. Better Uses

Die casting or injection molding were all part of the traditional methods of manufacturing, and they didn’t have the same versatility as 3D printing.

However, 3D printers can help you to print or produce up to 20 products of different types. Not just that, but you can rapidly print one after the one without a need to switch your systems. This improvement is big and has increased the general rate of utilization for the whole manufacturing industry.

5. Helps to Overcome Challenges

There are new challenges in the manufacturing industry, despite the many improvements that 3D printing has brought. For example, there’s an increase in the cost of materials. This keeps 3D printing from becoming a standard manufacturing process in the world.

Regardless of these costs, 3D printing technology helps to create new prototypes to benefit most people.

Final Thoughts

In all, 3D printing has come to stay indifferent to manufacturing industries. You can opt to create from the bottom, or simply download one. This article explains how you can use it to create a 3D printing prototype.

Ddprototype is a CNC posted service provider. The company has made a name for itself in China for offering the best CNC machining, CNC milling, rapid prototyping, and aluminum anodizing services. Ddprototype guarantees quality and efficient services to clients from various industries. The company’s anodizing aluminum services are highly beneficial. In this write-up, we discuss anodizing aluminum benefits.

Benefits of anodizing aluminum

You may not realize it, but you interact with a wide range of anodized products every day. This is because the technique is used for a wide range of parts like handheld devices. Its wide range of applications can be attributed to its benefits. Below are some of the main benefits of anodizing aluminum;

1. Enhanced durability

One of the primary and arguably most important benefits of anodizing aluminum is that it enhances its durability. The aluminum oxide coating formed during the anodizing aluminum process makes the surface hard and less susceptible to damaging elements like scratches and corrosion.

2. It prevents corrosion

The barrier or protective layer helps prevent further oxidation of the aluminum part. This is because aluminum oxide is a stable element. Additionally, the layer is also resistant to scratches.

3. It prevents chemical reactions

The barrier layer (aluminum oxide) is highly resistant to chemical reactions of any kind. This is because aluminum oxide is an extremely stable element. This means that it does not react with other natural elements of salts. Even at high temperatures, the surface maintains this property.

4. It helps enhance the appearance of the aluminum part

It is also worth mentioning that anodizing your aluminum parts allows you to paint over them without worrying about the paint peeling off. This happens because the colorant steeps into the pores formed on the anodized surface. This makes it impossible for it to peel or chip.

5. The process is eco-friendly

Another benefit of anodizing aluminum is that it is eco-friendly. This means that it does not emit any chemicals or harm the environment in any way. Additionally, the process produces an environmentally friendly finish. This means that the anodized aluminum parts can be reused or recycled. Therefore, you do not have to worry about disposing of them.

6. The technique is affordable

It is also worth mentioning that anodizing aluminum is an affordable technique. Compared to painting and powder coating methods, you do not need to spend much time and money on anodizing aluminum techniques. In this process, all you need is an electrolyte solution and electric current. There also isn’t much human labor required for the process.

How hard is anodized aluminum

Most people assume that the coating has to be hard to provide the benefits mentioned above. However, the coating is usually thinner than paint. For this reason, anodized parts are usually lightweight. Regardless of their size of the layer, it still makes the parts hard. According to Mohs scale of hardness, anodized aluminum features a rating of 9 out of 10. The only metal harder than anodized aluminum is diamond.

Final word

It is worth mentioning that oxide layers are usually harder than their base metals. This means that the barrier layer on the anodized aluminum is harder than raw or bare aluminum. For this reason, anodizing is highly applied in various industries.

Flexographic printing has become very popular over the years due to its technological advancement. The flexo equipment has excellent functionality, rapid speed and produce high-end products that are appealing to clients. One would prefer reasonably priced goods for mainly personal, family, or other needs. The flexographic printing technology offers just that since total costs are usually low and profits are high. In this write-up, we look at the components that make up a flexographic machine.

Components of a Flexographic Machine

For label printing to happen, some components have to be present for the equipment to operate. They all pose similar features; hence it’s essential to understand whether you plan to buy or operate one. They include;

1. Printing Station

The flexo printing station should be smooth and firm, i.e., stable to ensure the printed images are not affected by any vibration. Each image should match the original one; thus, the printing must be consistent. Printing stations are available for each color. A variety of processes take place in this station, including;

• The anilox cylinder is fed through the inking system.
• Transfer of ink from the system to the plate
• Feeding of the substrate between the press plate and counter-pressure cylinder
• Passing of the substrate through the dryer and then taken to the next printing station

2. Feeding and Unwinding Station

The substrate is fed into the press plate using this component. It controls the tension, keeping it even throughout the process. The unwind system usually comes with a web guide that helps in cleaning the equipment. Treaters are an essential part of this feature as they treat substrates such as synthetics, doing away with bacteria or harmful substances that may be risky to people.

3. Drying Station

Every substrate passes through the dryer for the ink to dry. The same color can get applied again to achieve the desired saturation levels and get a solid color, or a different one can be used. Flexographic printing is known for its high production speed; hence, the intensity levels while drying should match the machine’s speed. Each application’s speed varies, but good machines will allow the press plate’s intensity and speed to be uniform. This station can include an Infrared or Ultraviolet (UV) fan for quicker drying.

4. Die Cutting and Converting

It is used to develop custom print shapes and labels. The designs you have dictate the process of die-cutting. They are converting aims at increasing the speed and performance of the die-cutting procedure. Products are produced in a sheet form, and this is common with narrow web presses. This entire process requires high-pressure levels, and robust, heavy-duty machines are needed to facilitate the printing and avoid breaking down.

5. Outfeeding and Rewinding

This is the final stage of the printing press, and the substrate exits at this point. The tension is still controlled by sensors, which play a significant role in enabling the leaving process. Rewinding helps remove the waste materials out of the system, and the end products are kept in rolls to be inspected before selling them out.

Conclusion

Each component of the flexo machine plays a huge role in the printing process. The points above will help you understand what they are and how they work for more effortless operation.

Several different industries are utilizing CNC machining. That’s because it reduces overall costs and labor works. The process is highly efficient, and creates products within a short time. While CNC machining could be used in a variety of applications, your machine can experience glitches sometimes.

Keep reading this article as it explains different ways you can spot bad CNC machines.

How to spot a Bad CNC machining service

1. If the Tools are Not Aligned Properly

A CNC machining could have issues starting if your tools are not aligned properly. A sign could be having shapes that are not correct or featuring some dimensions that are above the tolerance minute is another sign. To control this, you need to mount the tool properly on the machine. You need to properly check the chuck alignment. Also, Look at the tool and the tailstock before you start your operations.

2. Clamping Improperly

A machine that isn’t clamping properly may lead to your products having a poor surface finish. It can also damage your tool holder in the process of production and an increase in the vibration of your cutting tool and other work piece. To avoid this, you need to be sure your foot-switch and your hydraulic pump are running. The cutting took the axis and the rotating axis needs to be checked too.

3. Chatter Error

Chatter refers to a solution where your machine or your workpiece uncontrollably vibrates. If you do not set your machine properly, this is bound to happen. You need to install your tools accurately to prevent this sort of horrible CNC machining service. All errors obtained from this chatter could damage your machine. Therefore, increasing or reducing the feed rarely helps to control the chatter. You can also use positive chip breakers.

4. Horrible Surface Finish

If you use your CNC machining service and end up with a poor surface finish, your clients would get turned off. This always happens whenever you have a very high feed rate. The feed rate could be too much for your nose radius on your CNC machining. You need to work with low speeds on cutting and also a reduced amount of shearing action. These could all contribute to your very poor finish issues. For proper control purposes, you need to reduce the feed rate and make sure you increase the rate of cutting. You could make use of a larger nose radius. Also, Don’t forget to use a positive chip breaker; this would help your optimal surface finish to look better than before.

Conclusion

No one wants to make use of a bad CNC machine as it may damage the whole production process. To prevent such horrible situations from reoccurring, make sure you install your CNC machine properly. This way, you get to avoid bad Surface Finish, chatter error, and improper clamping. Make sure you align your tools properly; the organization is essential. Following this guide will enable you to enjoy your CNC machine and also your overall costs, while creating high-quality products.

When compared to manual machining services, CNC machining services have a lot of benefits. CNC machining is often referred to as a production process that involves the use of a CNC machine. This machine dictates and controls the movements of machinery and tools found in factories and industries.

There are quite a several factors surrounding decisions regarding CNC machining and manual machining services; Keep reading to find them out below;

Top benefits of using CNC machining

There are many reasons why CNC machining services are far better than manually controlled machining services. Some of the advantages and top benefits of using computer numerically controlled machining services include but not limited to:

1. Accuracy

Accuracy is one of the major reasons why CNC machining services should be adopted. With it, the accuracy level becomes higher than others expected. The entire process involved is precise. This means that any operation carried out can yield the same preferred outputs with ease, regardless of the number of times it’s done. The manual machining service on the other hand may not be able to produce the same result as expected.

2. Increased production speed and efficiency

Since tasks completed with a CNC machine are directly controlled by a computer, they can be calibrated to fit a specified output. These specifications do not change unless the operator decides to recalibrate. This preprogrammed feature in CNC machining allows for an increase in speed during production.

Also, since the program does not change, there is a tendency for increased quality of manufacturing that can be sustained until the program is complete. Due to it being automated, it can also run for longer durations thereby being more efficient. Unlike CNC machining, manual machining uses human energy. This can’t be trusted as humans can easily get exhausted hence, break down at some point.

3. Increase safety

One other important reason why CNC machines are still in use is the increased safety feature it has. Operators of CNC machines need not be close to it during production. This means that in the cause of damage, there are fewer chances of humans getting hurt or injured in the process. While in manual machines, operators stand at a higher risk of getting badly affected by machines.

4. CNC Machining is Affordable

As in the case of every other technological advancement, CNC machining is much more cost-effective. This is because one operator can control multiple machines. Also, only a few operators are needed to handle an entire CNC machine facility. And since the output is usually accurate, there won’t be many occurrences of wastage regarding raw materials. In the case of manual machining, there’s usually a lower level of productivity hence the need to employ the use of more persons.

Conclusion

From the information above, it’s clear that the CNC machining services perform better than its counterpart. Products are manufactured in larger quantities and also within a short time. CNC machining services are the best for anyone hoping to get better at production!