When engineers or manufacturers talk about stainless steel, they usually mean either 304 or 316. Both types belong to the austenitic family and look very similar to the untrained eye, but they differ significantly in terms of performance, cost, and CNC machinability depending on the application. Whether you’re sourcing materials for marine equipment, food processing …
There is a material that achieves a rare balance between mechanical strength and corrosion resistance — 17-4 PH stainless steel. This precipitation-hardened martensitic stainless steel alloy, officially designated UNS S17400, is widely used in demanding industries such as aerospace, medical devices, food processing, and even nuclear reactors. It has become an indispensable solution recommended …
For product designers and mechanical engineers, speed and precision are often at odds. When only 5, 20, or maybe 100 machined parts are required—fast and accurate—traditional manufacturing feels slow, expensive, and unfit. That’s where low volume CNC machining quietly outshines the alternatives. It’s not just a fallback between prototyping and mass production; it’s a solution …
Knurling is widely used in precision machining. It forms textures on part surfaces through rolling. Behind each beautiful pattern lies the engineer’s selection of a knurling tool—a device that forms surface textures or geometries without removing material. For buyers, it is important to understand the types, functions, and selection criteria of knurling tools.
This article …
Passivation is a metal surface treatment process that protects the material surface through chemical treatment and enhances its corrosion resistance.
In certain stainless steel materials, a protective film is formed on the surface. This process has long become a standard procedure in many high-end manufacturing industries.
However, many purchasing personnel or company owners still stay …
The term blech mit laser schneiden—German for “laser cutting sheet metal”—is becoming more common not just in German-speaking countries but also among international manufacturers searching for precise and cost-effective cutting solutions. At JeekRapid, we started getting similar inquiries as early as 2022 from clients in Europe who needed prototype enclosures made from thin stainless steel. …
Snap fit joints are everywhere in product design because they make assembly fast and cheap. Think about phone cases, medical devices, or even household appliances — snap fits hold parts together without screws or glue. But making snap fits work reliably is not easy. If the fit is off by even a tiny amount, the …
Early prototypes often check only form and fit—proportions, feedback, or concept approval. But when a product faces mechanical validation, mere appearance won’t suffice. At this stage, prototypes must endure real-world forces: stress, heat, torque, and precise mating tolerances.
A tiny misalignment or surface flaw can cause a test failure. To replicate production-level behavior quickly—without the …
Transitioning from prototype to production is one of the most critical stages in any product development cycle. What works during prototyping doesn’t always translate smoothly into production, especially when it comes to balancing cost, speed, and precision. Missteps here can lead to delays, increased expenses, and compromised product quality.
CNC machining plays a vital role …
In the product development lifecycle, the transition from design to production often hinges on the reliability of early prototypes. Among various prototyping methods, CNC (Computer Numerical Control) machining remains the most dependable and widely adopted approach for engineering validation before mass production. This article explores the technical advantages of CNC prototyping and its crucial role …
