How Aluminum Anodizing Works
To begin the anodizing process, three things are needed: an anodizing tank, a positive electrode (anode), and a negative electrode (cathode). First, the aluminum needs to be cleaned and its natural oxide layer removed. It’s then dipped into the anodizing tank, which has an electrically conductive solution in it. The solution is zapped with a […]
Choose The Right Laser Cutting Service
In choosing a laser cutting service, consider experience first; meaning that the provider should own an impressive reputation and necessary qualifications concerning dealing with your project’s specific materials. Check their technological capabilities, accuracy levels, and design support customization. Quality assurance is evaluated based on lead times, cost comparison and value for money. Besides, assess customer […]
What is Aluminum Anodizing?
When exposed to the air, aluminum will naturally form a very thin oxide layer that builds up and keeps the material protected, but not for long. Anodizing is an electrolytic process that can ramp up this protection by making the oxide layer thicker and with an ordered structure. The new anodized layer is porous, which helps […]
Accuracy of Laser Cutting Service
The accuracy of laser cutting services depends on the method of laser cutting used to perform the cutting operations. The gas laser cutters will give you the least accuracy. The crystal laser cutting method can give you better accuracy. But if you are looking for the highest accuracy, you should opt for a fiber […]
Applications and Advantages of Sheet Metal Fabrication
Rapid Tooling Sheet metal can be quickly cut into 2D profile shapes and formed out of a variety of high-strength materials, making it perfect for rapid tooling. Rapid Prototyping With lead times starting at 3 days, no minimum order volumes, and low-per-unit costs, rapid sheet metal is a great option for prototyping. End-Use […]
Materials You Can Choose For Laser Cutting Services
For your laser cutting services, you can choose from more than 200 types of materials. The common materials include: Acrylic (clear) Brass (with low hardness) Acrylic (colored) Silicone Polyurethane foam Aluminum Stainless steel Plywood The polarizing film, etc. But there are some materials that you must avoid for laser cutting. The common ones are PVC […]
Available Sheet Metal Finishes
Standard Minimal post-processing or treatment on parts is done. Bead Blast The part surface is left with a smooth, matte appearance. Anodize (Type II Or Type III) Type II (MIL-A-8625/MIL-PRF-8625, Type II) creates a corrosion-resistant finish. Sheet metal parts can be anodized in different colors—clear, black, red, and gold are most common—and are usually […]
Cost Consideration of Laser Cutting Services
There is a significant margin difference between the laser cutting service compared to service involved with other cutting methods. There are few reasons why laser cutting services are expensive. The main reason behind these high prices is initial costs. The cost of each laser cutting machine is very expensive. So, the service providers need to […]
How Sheet Metal Fabrication Works
Sheet metal fabricators first convert CAD and drawing data into machine code. A laser cutting, waterjet, or plasma cutting machine will then precisely remove sheet metal material. The raw material is formed into angular bends and features using brakes, punches, and dies. If any assembly or post-processing is required, our sheet metal manufacturers will weld, […]
What is Sheet Metal Forming?
Sheet stock is procured in a flat state and cut then formed into its final state through a series of progressive steps. For a typical sheet metal project, the first step is equivalent to sheet cutting, where a shear, laser, waterjet, plasma, or punch press is used to create the internal holes and edge features […]
