Here at Key Tech, we often use physical prototypes in our design process to literally get a feel for the part. While 3D computer models can be helpful, there is simply no substitute for actually holding a part in your hands and feeling it....
Harvard's Microrobotics Lab is publishing some amazing work regarding a MEMS fabrication technique for creating 3-dimensional millimeter-scale robots from 2-dimensional multi-layer components....
Product by Process aggregates published generally high-quality videos of behind-the-scenes tours of how various products are manufactured. ...
There are three major rapid prototyping techniques for making plastic parts fast; layer building, low-pressure molding/casting, and machining. Each has its advantages and drawbacks, depending on how you intend to use the part. Let's start with the various layer-building processes....
Whether to build a custom product or go with something off the shelf can be a tough decision. There are several factors to consider when shopping for off-the-shelf solutions, and cost is only one of them....
Recently, I published an article in MicroManufacturing Magazine about the challenges of designing microparts for manufacture. Not unlike any collaborative process, good communication is the key to a successful project....
A good designer must often think like a manufacturer. The question, “Can this be made?” is asked over and over again during the design process. Shortly thereafter, the question also becomes, “Can this be made cheaply?”...
A good designer must often think like a manufacturer. The question, “Can this be made?” is asked over and over again during the design process. Shortly thereafter, the question also becomes, “Can this be made cheaply?”...
I was recently interviewed for an article regarding the state of rapid prototyping as it pertains to micro-scale manufacturing and product development. From what I’ve seen, the prototyping processes are just not down to the micro-scale, yet. Granted, the micromanufacturing industry is still pretty young,...
By now, most mechanical design engineers are used to sending off a solid model and having plastic parts show up in less than a week. While this technique is perfectly suitable and cost-effective for rapid prototyping, it doesn’t quite make the grade for production....
