Stephen Ellison

Rapid prototyping is an important product development technique that allows designers and engineers to reduce lead time by creating a production-ready design. There are different techniques used to accomplish rapid prototyping goals. These include 3D printing, CNC machining, and more. Remember that you need to find reputable Prototype companies to work with. These are some of the benefits rapid prototyping offers.

Speed

Usually, rapid prototyping refers to components or products made through additive manufacturing techniques such as 3D printing. However, some prototypes are made through CNC machining. All these processes help reduce lead time depending on the geometries involved and materials used. Usually, the 3D printer acquires data from the CAD model without the setup time as the case with conventional manufacturing techniques.

The truth is that rapid prototypes can be ordered online, made, and then delivered to you. As a result, you can finish your projects sooner than anticipated. In this way, you can deliver products to the market faster.

Cost-Effective

The truth is that 3D printing is more cost-effective as compared to other manufacturing processes. Conventional manufacturing methods have extra associated costs, such as material procurement, configuring setup, and surface finishing. When it comes to 3D printing prototyping, the machine prints the CAD model.

Test Different Designs

With rapid prototyping, it is possible to test even complex designs that may be time-intensive and costly. Ideally, prototyping makes it possible to make items that cannot be made with conventional manufacturing practices. Components with sharp corners can be made by additive manufacturing techniques. It is advisable to make prototypes with different geometries to help engineers test functionality and other parameters.

Component Consolidation

You should note that rapid prototyping makes it possible to test different parts and components before they can be made for end-use. Remember that consolidating different fabricated or machined parts during prototyping is cheaper and helps engineers to explore various designs. There are also some prototyping techniques that can be used to make end-use products. These include carbon DLS, SLS, and DMLS.

Testing of Materials

Rapid prototyping offers designers and engineers the freedom utilize various materials. Some of the materials used include nylon, metal, plastic, and composites. The choice of material depends on the product application or where it will be used. For instance, metals can withstand high pressure and stresses that are common with automotive applications. Ideally, with rapid prototyping, you have a huge combination of materials, finishes, and colors.

Mitigates Risk

In any business, you need to mitigate the risk. The ability to determine the risk level before manufacturing a component gives a business a competitive edge over its rivals. Most manufacturers use 3D printing to make prototypes because of the minimal resources required, and it is cost-effective.

With rapid prototyping, it is easier to minimize the time of the idea formulation to production timeline to a few weeks. For instance, it can take a few days to make prototypes and test them. This allows you to test different materials and component geometries. Also, you have the freedom to choose the method to be used to make rapid prototypes. Some of the common methods include injection molding, casting, 3D printing, and CNC machining.

If you are in the metal finishing industry, you’d definitely know all about tumble finishing and vibratory finishing. These two finishes are part of the bigger mass finishing. They are usually used to remove scale and rust removal. They are also used to deburr as well as for burnishing processes.

In this article, we’ll be looking at tumble finishing and vibratory finishing. We’ll also be explaining why the vibratory finishing system might be the right choice for you.

If this is a topic you’re interested in, you should probably stick around.

The differences between tumble and vibratory finishing

The very first difference between most terms can be seen in their definition. The vibratory finishing system consists of media, parts, and compounds. These items are placed into a tub or bowl that is vibratory in nature.

These parts then grind together which in turn helps to polish various parts. The tumble finishing refers to the placing of parts along with a barrel. The parts are joined by abrasive media and other forms of compounds. The barrel then rotates which helps in creating friction.

This friction combined with other movements helps to perfect the deburring action of the surfaces of the parts.

How the vibratory finishing system beats the tumbling finishing

In the world today, the vibratory finishing system seems to be more favored than the tumbling finishing. One of the main reasons for this is because of its compatibility. It is compatible with automation processes.

This makes it easy to work. That’s not all. It also helps to reduce costs and labor. This helps to save money in the long run.

When dealing with parts that are delicate or large, the vibratory finishing system is also the preferred type. Its tolerance levels are well suited to this form of finished.

Vibratory finishing is also liked because of the ability to provide a smoother finish. This is done without the usual wear and tear that might result.

The production of a smoother finish is important as it helps to make the product and parts more durable.

The Argument for the tumbling finishing

The argument for tumbling finishing is quite clear. They are simpler than the vibratory finishes. This makes them cheaper to get. The tumbling finishing is the best finishing to get when you are on a budget.

The downside of being simpler means that you are going to take a longer time to actually finish. Also, your parts face the risk of being indentations.

How do I know which finishing to get?

If you are still confused about how to approach your mass finishing, then it might be time to actually see an expert on the finishing system. You would get a complete explanation of how each finishing system works.

Verdict

So which vibratory system should you use? To us, we feel that the vibratory system should be your first choice. However, if you are on a budget, then you might find it easier to actually use the tumbling finishing.

The truth is no matter which finishing you choose, make sure that you are making an informed choice.

Anemia is a medical condition associated with the lack of vitamin B12 and low red blood cell count. It is a condition that can be either subclinical or clinical which is way worse. Each person diagnosed with anemia/b12 deficiency is prescribed a custom treatment. Nowadays, there are all sorts of formulations designed to help people battle their anemia. 

Here is an overview of salcaprozate sodium and how it compares to other formulations designed to treat B12 deficiency. 

Formulation

Cyanocobalamin, which is the most popular form of vitamin B12 comes in all sorts of formulations such as nasal spray, sublingual, intramuscular injection, tablet form, and solution. 

Cyanocobalamin/salcaprozate sodium is one of the newest tablet formulations on the market. Unlike other B12 supplements and medications, it features an absorption promoter that goes under the name salcaprozate sodium (SNAC). The thing with SNAC is that it acts as a chaperone for vitamin B12, taking it from the gastric lining to the bloodstream.

Thanks to that, Cyanocobalamin/salcaprozate sodium is classified as a medical food. 

Because medical foods have been classified as food, are not subject to any drug regulation. Yet the FDA has its medical food standards that need to be met before the medical food can be cleared to be sold on the market. Furthermore, the medical food needs to have a label that is not misleading in any way. Prescription in some cases might be needed. Plus, all ingredients that are part of the medical food need to be acknowledged as safe to use. 

So, bringing medical food to the market might not be as rigorous as bringing a new drug, but at the same time, it sure ain’t easy as introducing a dietary supplement on the market.

Cyanocobalamin/salcaprozate sodium efficiency

The goal of every formulation for treating vitamin B12 deficiency is to increase the B12 levels within the bloodstream. Patients that needed an immediate boost mainly depended on IM injections. A cyanocobalamin/salcaprozate sodium tablet can deliver a fast bioavailable response as efficiently as an injection. That’s just one pill of cyanocobalamin/salcaprozate sodium per day and vitamin B12 can be set within their normal levels.

In Conclusion

The thing with vitamin B12 deficiency is that it can be mild when discovered on time. If untreated, or late discovered, it can lead to anemia or even nerve damage. Therefore, the sooner is diagnosed and corrected the better. 

As a result, some people will need to be treated with IV or IM injections which can be somewhat unpleasant and even painful. At least for a big group of people. 

On the other hand, cyanocobalamin/salcaprozate sodium seems to get the same job done, normalizing B12 levels, via a single tablet taken daily. As mentioned earlier, that’s due to the absorption profile of cyanocobalamin/salcaprozate sodium. So far, cyanocobalamin/salcaprozate sodium has proven to be very effective with every patient that used it. 

In comparison to IV or IM injections, it had the identical effect. Yet the fact that it is used orally makes it way more convenient for all users. 

Your manufacturing company needs a big boost. You finally decide that you need some CNC machines to do the trick. While you are excited, you realize that you have a tight budget. You also don’t have a clue on what a CNC machine shop charges for CNC machining. That can be a bummer.

Finding out how much you have to pay is important. It helps you plan for the unexpected. So, in this article, we’re going to look out certain things that influence how much a CNC machine shop will charge for your order.

Let’s begin!

How Does a CNC Machine Shop Calculate Costs?

When dealing with CNC machine shops, you should know that several things affect the final price. I have found at least four things that can sway your price higher or lower. They include

• The cost of labor
• Extra costs incurred during completion
• The particular order that you place
• The cost of the various machines
• The rate at which the CNC machine shops charges for each order.

Now, let’s break it down better.

The Cost Of Labor

We all know that one of the benefits of CNC machining is the reduced labor staff. However, this does not mean that you won’t have to pay for any labor at all. CNC machining has some labor that you just cannot ignore.

One of them is the labor costs as regards to the digitalizing and designing process. No matter how you intend to cut costs, you will need to get an expert to do the design.

If you have a lot of complication designs, chances are that the CNC machine shops are going to charge you more for the design setup.

Other labor costs which you will probably get charged for will include the salaries of the operators. The exact amount that you will spend will be determined by how long your production is going to last.

Finishing costs and assembling might also mean more labor costs. It’s always a good thing to analyze what needs to be spent when making a budget.

Extra Costs Incurred During Completion

Once the project is completed, you will be thrilled to finally get your CNC machines. However, you might need to pay for this. For example, if you use a CNC machine shop that is located in China, you will have to pay shipping costs for it.

The exact shipping costs will determine the urgency of the delivery. The particular material that is used in the production of the machine will also have an impact on the costs of shipping. A good material to go for will be aluminum. Using stainless steel might incur future costs.

The Particular Order That Is Placed

The specific order that you place will also play a very big role. For example, the more complex a design is, the more money will be needed to pull it off. It will also take a long time to do the programming of such a design.

Sometimes, it could more about finding the parts of the design that fit than the programming. The digitalizing part of the order will also incur more operating costs.

In effect, this part of CNC machining takes the bulk of the cost.

If you are trying out CNC machining for the first time, it might be wise to go with a design that is so much simpler. This will save you a lot of cash. It might also be the best option if you are unsure of what you really want.

CNC machine shops will also take into account the volume of your order. Generally, you are going to spend more on a larger order than a smaller order. However, with a bigger order, the price for every individual item you purchase will much lower.

The Cost Of The CNC Machines

Another aspect that is sure to affect the costs will be the CNC machines that you use. Generally, the 3 axis machining and the multi-axis machines are the two popular choices.

If you wish to hire a machine, you’d be charged using an hourly figure. If you want to buy a machine, there are several ways in which the cost can be calculated.

For 3- axis machines, the average price per hour has a range of $30-$50. An example of this machine is the milling machines. The CNC turning machines will also fit into this category.

For the multi-axis machines, it will cost you anything from $75-$150 per hour. This makes sense as the machines are much more expensive than their counterparts. Sometimes, it can even surpass this figure. It’s always a good thing to consider your options before making a deal.

CNC Machine Shop Rates

The CNC machine shops also have their individual rates which they charge. This is up to the particular shop you decide to use. The rates will vary based on certain factors. One of the primary factors will be how long it takes to get it up and running.

To get the best deal, you have to compare more than one CNC machine shop. While it can be difficult, it is essential especially if you run on a tight budget.

Most CNC machine shops will be available or can be contacted for their quotes or inquiries. Also, make sure you do some research yourself to make sure the company you choose is real.

It’ll be disastrous to get scammed without getting the actual value for your money.

So Where Should I Start?

The first step before getting the right CNC machine shop is to do a quick assessment of what you really need. Also, make sure that you have the budget to accommodate these needs. Once this has been done, these tips above should help you find a good financial outcome.

Final Thoughts

Getting familiar which a CNC machine shop and how much they charge will be great for your company. It will help you balance your books as well as get value for your money. With some luck, your CNC machines might last for a long time.

Without a doubt, there is confusion when it comes to stating the noticeable differences between contactors and relays. All too often, the two terms are used interchangeably. The defining differences are often not apparent to users of contactors, especially. In this article, you will find relevant answers to your questions.

According to experts at the prestigious Institute of Electrical Engineers, a relay is referred to as a device with a single contact circuit, which is often operated by a viable change in the conditions within the same circuit or other associated units.

A contactor, on the other hand, refers to a device used repeatedly to establish and interrupt an electric circuit in the normal conditions.

What are the unique features between contactors and relays?

There are unique textbook definitions that seem to be similar enough, even though not so helpful.  From these excerpts, both devices perform the same task, which entails switching the circuit.

So, what really is the difference really?

The load capacity

A relay is generally classified as a device that can carry a load of about 10A. On the other hand, a contactor is defined as a device that can carry a rather higher load than the standard 10A.

While this definition may look simple, it gives an accurate picture of the picture ultimately.

At the same time, it does not capture the standards and physical differences of the devices like in the next paragraph.  

Auxiliary contacts

For those who feel a bit confused about the operating mechanisms of a contactor, the device is often fitted using an auxiliary contact, which may be NO or NC.

But these are often utilized in performing various additional functions that are related to the control of the contactor.

For instance, the DC contactor can transmit power to a motor, even though the auxiliary contact is situated in the motor’s control circuit.

Safety Features- The Spring-Loaded Contacts

The arc suppression is another safety feature found in multiple contactor types. Magnetic arc suppression extends the path a DC contactor’s arc is suppressed.

Because relays are not tailored for high loads, the arcing is not really a concern. So the suppression is somewhat less common on these relays.

Safety Features- Overloads

Contactors are most of the time linked to overloads, which can interfere with the operations of the circuit precisely if the currents exceed a threshold for some time.

This plays a significant role in protecting the downstream of the equipment from damage. On the contrary, relays do not have overloads.

Applications of Relays vs. Contactors

When it comes to their applications, contactors are built and then used in about 3-phase applications. Relays, on the other hand, are commonly used in 1-phase applications.

A contactor will join two poles without a circuit in between. A relay comes with a common contact which connects to the neutral position. Besides, contactors are rated for about 1000V. 

On the other hand, relays are rated to about 250V only.

Final Thoughts

In practice, you need to look at the functionalities of the two devices too. For circuits with an overload condition, a contactor could be the best option. In cases where there is a need for lower switching to power, then a relay is more of an economical choice.

 

With the rapid increase in the world, the need to increase manufacturing is at an unprecedented level. Fortunately for us, many tools can help us achieve that feat.

One of them is without a doubt rapid prototyping. That is why we are going to be considering it in closer detail today.

In this article, we will be looking at the various types of rapid prototypes and their impact on product manufacturing.

It promises to be quite a ride.

First, let’s talking about rapid prototyping itself.

Understanding rapid prototyping

This simply means testing and making sure that the product will actually deliver. Every product that is produced for some specific purpose. Most times, there to solve the problem.

Rapid prototyping aims to check if this product will really be the solution to this problem before it hits the market.

So now that we know exactly what rapid prototyping is all about, let’s take a look at the types of rapid prototyping.

Types of rapid prototyping used in product manufacturing

Here are a few of the most popular ones

Fidelity

Fidelity prototypes are often produced through rapid prototyping. Fidelity prototypes are especially intriguing as they can come in different shapes and sizes.

They can also look less like the final product or so much more alike.

The aim of fidelity products is to test several aspects of the final products. So while a low fidelity can look less like the final product, it tests important parts of the final products.

Fidelity products are one of the main reasons why rapid prototyping is needed in the manufacturing industry today.

Selective laser

This is often called sintering. It is referred to as an additive protocol or tech. this method seeks to sinter materials of varying materials. It’s the most popular materials are nylon and polyamide.

With the use of selective laser sintering, you can find the various spaces that are found on models that are 3D in nature.

Like you already know, prototype manufacturing with the aid of rapid prototyping has so many benefits. From reduced costs to no setup or installations, it’s obvious why most manufacturers choose this method.

How to get the right rapid prototyping service

The most important thing when considering getting rapid prototyping is to make sure you get a good service to get this done.

To do this, several factors will have to be considered. You will have to consider the reputation of the service company.

Another thing worth considering will be price and geographical circumstances. The truth remains that getting the right company can make your manufacturing company really flourish.

Final Thoughts

There is no doubt. Rapid prototyping is here to stay. The various types of prototypes make it possible for us to inspect all forms of the products clearly.

So if you want to start making a difference, try to get rapid prototyping as soon as you can.

Creality is one of the leading manufacturers of 3D printers in China. The company manufactures 3D printers, printing materials, spare parts, 3D scanners, viewers, and all kinds of 3D accessories. The company, which has been in the industry for several years, is known for the quality of its products and the fact that it is always coming up with something new and better. The CR-5 PRO 3D printer is the latest product by Creality. In this write-up, we will be looking at features of the CR-5 Pro enclosure 3d printer by Creality.

Features of the new Creality CR-5 PRO

Below are some of the most significant features of the Creality CR-5 PRO 3D printer.

• Durability

One of the best features of the latest releases by Creality is that it is very durable and stable. The device comes with a metal chamber body that is extremely stable. The metal chamber is also very durable, and it can withstand a variety of harsh conditions, including heat from the nozzle. It is also made from durable metal that can last for a long time.

• Performance

Creality always makes it a point to increase the performance quality with each release. With the new Creality CR-5 PRO 3D printer, the company has introduced a silent motherboard ATMEL 2560 master chip, which is unlike anything the company has ever made. The 3D printer also comes with a newly designed nozzle, which allows for single extrusion. The nozzle also comes with a powerful cooling fan that helps in the production of quality. The cooling fan comes in handy because the nozzle heats up to a temperature of 250 degrees Celsius.

It also comes with a Carborundum glass platform that allows for better glass adhesion. This feature helps to ensure that the printed products are of perfect quality. Additionally, the 3D printer accepts the use of a wide range of materials and delivers quality results for both professionals and consumers in different industries.

• Size

This 3D printer, compared to previous releases by Creality, is enormous. It features dimensions of 300 X 225 X 380 mm. It can, therefore, be used to produce large print sizes and be used in commercial spaces like large industries. It also features a print precision of up to 100 microns. This is better than what most products in the market have to offer.

• Additional Features

The Creality CR-5 PRO comes with a variety of smart, supportive functions. One of these functions is the LED light reminder.

This feature helps the user to operate the device properly. It also comes with a filament runout sensor. This feature notifies the user when the filament has almost run out. It, therefore, allows for prompt refilling and prevents stagnation of work. Finally, it features a resume printing mode that allows the printer to pick up from where it stopped in case of issues like a power outage.

Conclusion

This 3D printer is an enclosure model. Its features make it one of the best products in the market. It’s all-metal chamber body also makes it stand out from other products in the market and provides for high stability.