Quality and Inspection
First article inspection: what it proves and what a good report contains
How first article inspection works: AS9102 forms, ballooned drawings, measurement and certificates, triggers for repeat FAI and tips for buyers.
Resources Center
Resources Center
Practical guides for designing, specifying and sourcing manufactured parts, written by the 3DWK engineering team.
Quality and Inspection
GD&T basics for buyers: reading feature control frames and datums
A plain-language introduction to GD&T for buyers: feature control frames, datums, basic dimensions, symbol families, MMC, cost drivers and inspection.
Process Knowledge
CNC machining vs die casting vs injection molding: choosing by volume
How tooling cost, per-part cost, design maturity, tolerances and materials decide between machining, die casting and injection molding as quantities grow.
Design Guides
Designing threads and tapped holes for machined parts
A step-by-step guide to thread size, engagement depth, blind hole design, thread class, tapping methods, inserts and coating effects on machined parts.
Finishing
Passivation vs electropolishing for stainless steel parts
What passivation and electropolishing do to machined stainless steel, the common specifications, testing, design considerations and how to choose between them.
Finishing
Powder coating vs liquid paint for metal parts
How powder coating and liquid paint compare in durability, film build, edge coverage, color, masking and cost, and design rules that help either finish perform.
Finishing
Anodizing Type II vs Type III: thickness, growth, masking and callouts
What anodizing is, how Type II and Type III hard anodize differ, how coating growth affects dimensions and threads, and how to write a clear anodizing callout.
Material Selection
Stainless steel 304 vs 316 vs 17-4PH: matching the grade to the environment
How 304, 316 and 17-4PH stainless steels differ in corrosion resistance, strength, magnetism, heat treatment, machining and welding, and how to choose between them.
Material Selection
Choosing engineering plastics: PEEK, POM, nylon and other machinable polymers
How to select a machinable engineering plastic by temperature, chemicals, wear, moisture and compliance, with profiles of POM, nylon, PTFE, UHMW-PE, PEI and PEEK.
Material Selection
6061 vs 7075 aluminum: choosing the right alloy for machined parts
A practical comparison of 6061 and 7075 aluminum: strength, stiffness, machining, welding, corrosion, anodizing and which alloy suits which job.
Process Knowledge
SLA vs SLS vs MJF: choosing a 3D printing process for prototypes
How SLA, SLS and MJF differ in surface, toughness, supports and accuracy, and how to choose by what your prototype has to prove.
Design Guides
Injection molded ABS covers: wall thickness, draft, ribs and common defects
Typical design rules for molded ABS covers, why they matter, and how to design out sink marks, warp, short shots, weld lines and drag marks.
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Our existing collection of process guides and resource articles.
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