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3D Printing Tolerances
To help designers looking for advice on the latter, here are some guidelines on the factors that affect 3D-printed part accuracy, and expected tolerances by technology.
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How to 3D-Print Flexible Parts
Explore the 3D printing materials and processes available for making flexible parts.
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Metal Prototyping: How to Choose a Material and Technology
Metal prototyping is the process of taking your CAD model and manufacturing a physical metal version that you can assess and adjust, as needed.
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5 Design Tips for Sheet Metal Assemblies
These five tips will streamline quoting and manufacturing to ensure you get the fastest response and shortest lead times possible.
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Avoiding Sheet Metal DFM Issues
Exploring our automated sheet metal DFM advisories to improve your parts.
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Hole Design for Fast, Cost-Effective Sheet Metal Parts
Improve hole designs in your sheet metal parts with guidance from our automated DFM advisories.
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How Much Does 3D Printing Cost? Key Factors to Consider.
Exploring the multiple ways you can lower your part costs at all stages when developing parts.
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Resin 3D Printing: Use Cases and Key Benefits
Resin 3D printing describes a subset of manufacturing technologies that additively build parts by curing liquid resin.
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Manufacturing Considerations for Plastic Prototyping
Discover if CNC machining, 3D printing, or injection molding is best for your plastic prototype.
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Combining Rigid and Flexible Materials with PolyJet Overmolding
Need 3D printing's geometries but think overmolding is just for injection molding? Try using PolyJet!
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Using Lattice Structures in 3D Printing for Strength and Lightweighting
Using a lattice interior can help lightweight parts while improving strength and durability.
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How to Solve for Size Constraints, Small Gaps, and Thin Walls in 3D-Printed Parts
3DP design for manufacturing (DFM) advisories help avoid production delays and wasted iterations.
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Why You Should Use Vapor Smoothing on 3D-Printed Parts
Vapor smoothing uses chemical vapors to smooth and remove surface impurities from 3D-printed parts.
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Solving Wall Thickness Issues in Molded Parts
Address design change requests related to slot widths and wall thicknesses for molded parts.
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Top Corrosion-Resistant Metals
Parts turning to piles of rust? These materials can help you avoid the scourge of corrosion.
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Plastics that Meet Medical Needs
Safety and longevity are paramount with plastic medical parts. Which work best for your application?
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Common Impact-Resistant Plastics
Need long-lasting plastic parts? Take a dive into the world of impact-resistant plastics.
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UV Resistant Plastics
This design tip evaluates UV-resistant plastic options available for injection molding, 3D printing, and CNC machining.
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Glass Transition Temperature of Polymers
Glass transition temperature (Tg) affects moldability, strength, elasticity, transparency, and more.
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Understanding Powder Bed Fusion Technology
Powder bed fusion (PBF) is a 3D printing technology that sinters (fuses) powder particles together.
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How to Choose a Heat Resistant Plastic
Melted plastic parts stink. Find out what materials will help you avoid this issue in your products.
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Mold Texture Standards and Finishes
Explore your options, including standard and Mold-Tech finishes, for your plastic molded parts.
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Sheet Metal Bend Radius Guidelines
K-factor, bend allowance/deduction, & outside setbacks all affect sheet metal design. Find out more!
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Fine-Tuning Tolerances for CNC Machined Parts
Standard machining tolerances can maximize quality, reduce cost, & simplify designs for your parts.
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How to Design STL Files for 3D Printing in Your CAD Program
Try these tips to optimize your design for STL—the common CAD format used in additive manufacturing
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Plating and Other Finishing Options for CNC Machining, Sheet Metal
Check out these machining and sheet metal finishing options to protect parts and improve function.
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7 Mistakes to Avoid When Designing 3D-Printed Parts
Improve part design in 3D printing by adhering to minimum feature sizes, avoiding warpage, and more.
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Manufacturing Tool Kit for the Aerospace Industry
These four things can improve product development and design for aerospace and defense companies.
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11 Ways to Cut Sheet Metal Fabrication Costs
Explore and try these 11 design tactics that can help you save money on sheet metal parts.
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Optimizing for Higher-Volume Machining
Get quick-turn machined production parts for less & finishing options from a single-source supplier.
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9 Mistakes to Avoid When Designing Injection Molded Parts
Navigate these challenges to improve design, shorten production time, reduce costs on molded parts.
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How to Design for Nylon 3D Printing
Consider these guidelines when designing for Multi Jet Fusion and selective laser sintering.
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A Guide to Medical Parts Manufacturing
Here are eight ways to improve the design, development, and function of medical products and devices.
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6 Mistakes to Avoid When Designing Machined Parts
We’ve compiled six common machining issues to avoid to help you improve part design and reduce cost.
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8 Mistakes to Avoid When Designing Sheet Metal Parts
We’ve compiled the most typical sheet metal design issues to help you avoid delays and added costs.
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Manufacturing Tool Kit for Consumer Electronics
Improve parts with customization, material choices, iterative prototyping, and digital manufacturing.
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CNC Machining Materials
With a universe of metal and plastic options, let your machined parts function determine material.
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Create Production Parts with Carbon 3D Printing
Get tips on designing for Carbon, and see how it compares to stereolithography and Multi Jet Fusion.
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8 Rules to Convert Solid 3D Designs to Flat Sheet Metal
Designing sheet metal parts requires you to think of them and their features as flat and formable.
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A Closer Look at Material Properties
Find out why your material’s mechanical, physical, thermal, & electrical properties can be critical.
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Post-Processing for Metal 3D Printing
Improve dimensional accuracy, surface roughness, and mechanical properties on critical metal parts,
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Integrating Hardware into Sheet Metal
Consider hardware material, placement, and other specifications to help optimize sheet metal parts.
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Balancing CNC Machining and 3D Printing for Metal Parts
Sometimes, combining subtractive and additive manufacturing is great for manufacturing metal parts.
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How to Design 3D-Printed Hinges
Consider material, hinge length, & bend degree when designing 3D-printed parts with living hinges.
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Using 3D Printing for Complex Jigs and Fixtures
3D printing is a great way to produce irregular, intricate, or smaller jigs and fixtures.
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Molded Threads and How to Design Them
Threading for injection-molded plastic parts is complex—these tips can help you navigate the process.
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7 Ways to Enhance 3D-Printed Parts with Secondary Ops
Secondary operations for commercial-grade 3D printing can improve form & function of additive parts.
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Why Material Science is Key to Part Interaction
Explore how material compatibility, adhesion, friction, and wear affect design of molded parts.
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Solving Gating Problems in Injection Molding
Consider three types of gate options and the placement of those gates when designing molded parts.
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Using Ejector Pins Properly on Molded Parts
Proper design and position of ejector pins helps minimize their effect on injection-molded parts.
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7 Ways to Improve Sheet Metal Parts
Consider material and finishing options along with design elements like bends, reliefs, holes, and slots when developing sheet metal components.
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CNC Machining Tips for Complex Parts
Create complex machined parts faster and more efficiently with a few quick tips.
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5 Ways to Master Complex Features in Injection-Molded Parts
Create engaging, efficient parts, and reduce costs with these complex injection molding design ideas.
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How to Use Multi Jet Fusion for Functional 3D-Printed Parts
Create functional prototypes and end-use production parts with HP’s popular 3D printing technology.
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Designing for Overmolding
Overmolding is used to add a second molded part to an existing part, like a grip, handle, or cover.
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Building Strength into Parts with Insert Molding
A combination of both plastic and metal, insert molding can add strength and durability to parts.
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Optical LSR for Lighting Applications
Optical liquid silicone rubber is replacing glass in many optical and lighting applications.
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A Guide to Adding Threading to CNC Machined Parts
Find out how to add threaded features to your CAD and display them in Protolabs’ quoting system.
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Industrial 3D Printing for Production Parts
Consider process, material selection, and part geometry when designing functional 3D-printed parts.
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Prototyping with PolyJet 3D Printing
Use PolyJet to combine elastomeric and rigid properties when prototyping two-material components.
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Exploring Manufacturing Options for Elastomeric Components
Explore your material options for designing elastomeric parts for 3D printing and injection molding.
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6 Ways to Cut Costs, Improve Designs with Industrial 3D Printing
Additive manufacturing can reduce prototyping & low-volume production costs, if you know the rules.
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3D Printing Fully Functional Parts with Selective Laser Sintering
Selective laser sintering prints durable plastic parts for prototyping and low-volume production.
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A Guide to Stereolithography 3D Printing Materials
Compare the array of stereolithography materials with one another & with injection-molded plastics.
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An Introduction to Stereolithography (SLA) 3D Printing
Stereolithography, a staple of 3D printing, can deliver complex prototypes quickly and accurately.
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Creating Complex Undercuts with Bumpoffs
Creating Complex Undercuts with Bumpoffs
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9 Strategies for Designing Multipart Assemblies
Cost-effective assemblies require flexible yet simple designs and alternative manufacturing tech.
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Designing for Liquid Silicone Rubber
Liquid silicone rubber is popular among injection molding materials. Explore optimizing LSR design.
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6 Ways to Achieve Undercut Success in Molded Parts
Side-action cams, bumpoffs, inserts, & other options help with undercuts on injection molded parts.
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11 Tips to Reduce Injection Molding Costs
Stretch your budget with these injection molding design recommendations. Quick hint: Simplify!
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6 Ways to Optimize Part Design for CNC Machining
Consider hole depths, threading, wall thickness, and more to reduce production time and expense.
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Bridging the Gap Between Prototyping and Production
Rapid injection molding and help bridge the time between prototyping and production phases.
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Thermoplastic vs. Thermoset
Explore and compare how high temperatures affect thermoplastics & thermosets for injection molding.
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Selecting the Right Plastic for Your Next Molded Part
Learn the key characteristics of common injection molding materials and recommended applications.
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Finding a Balance with Resin Colorants
Injection-molded parts with colorants and pre-compounds requires knowledge of the base material.
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Thermoplastic Glass Filling, Colorants, and Other Additives
Glass fibers, colorants, and other additives enhance injection-molded parts, but can affect design.
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Improving Part Design with Uniform Wall Thickness
Molded parts can have consistent walls and features with minor adjustments to geometry & materials.
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Adding Text into Part Design
Adding text characters to a part? Be aware of design issues that may emerge. Check out this tip!
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Injection Molding Surface Finishes
Consider these tips for identifying the right surface finishes when you’re designing molded parts.
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Eliminating Side-Actions with Draft
Eliminate side-actions, and save money, on molded parts if your design can support additional draft.
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Incorporating Shut-offs in Injection Molding Design
Shut-offs help engineers and developers solve difficult tooling and design issues in molded parts.
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Adding Crush Ribs to Molded Parts
Trouble with press-fit part ejection when the fit is tight? Add crush ribs to solve your problem.
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Cutting Corners on Injection-Molded Parts
Sharp corners cause trouble when molding plastic parts. Use corner rounding and filleting to help.
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Planning for Parting Lines in Injection Molding
With some proper planning for parting lines you can improve both part cosmetics and functionality.
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5 Design Considerations for Multi-Cavity Molds
When moving from single- to multi-cavity tooling, parts might behave differently. Plan accordingly.
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6 Ways to Simplify Mold Modifications
In some situations, mold modifications can made in the existing mold, saving time and money.
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How to Plan for Design Changes Without Breaking the Bank
Making modifications and prototyping go hand-in-hand. Here are some ways to save time and money.
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Creating self-mating parts in injection molding design
Designing one part that mates to its symmetrical self has benefits, as shown in this design tip.
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Injection Molding for Optical Applications
Injection molding can be useful for prototyping optical components but there are a few caveats.
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Designing Living Hinges that Fold Flat
Living hinges—like the flip-top on a ketchup bottle or weekly pillbox—can be challenging to mold.
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How to Leverage Low-Volume Injection Molding
Use on-demand manufacturing to reduce costs, provide critical inspections, & tame demand volatility.
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Minimizing Knit Lines
Learn how to improve your molded part’s appearance and function by avoiding unsightly knit lines.
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Knit Lines and How to Avoid Them
When injection molding parts, knit lines may be no problem, or can cause a serious structural issue.
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Gate Considerations to Improve Moldability
Consider gate type and location in molded part designs as it could affect quality and moldability.
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Creating Channels in Part Design
Check out these four ways to create channels, tunnels, & holes in your injection-molded part design.
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Draft Angle Guidelines for Injection Molding
Apply proper draft early and often to injection-molded parts to save production time and money.
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Injection Molding Basics
Find out how draft, radii, wall thickness and other design factors improve part manufacturability.
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Cosmetic Defects in Injection Molding and How to Avoid Them
Improve the appearance & performance of injection-molded parts by eliminating cosmetic issues early.
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Conquering Complexities: Mold-Making Techniques Make Complicated Features Possible
Designs for molded parts sometimes require complex features. These mold-making techniques can help.
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Designing Effective Clips for Molded Parts
Well-designed clips on parts handle stress with ease and fully recover after each deflection.
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Using Side-Actions in Molding Design
If you design molded parts that must include undercuts, you need to know about side-actions.
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Plastic Boss Design on Molded Parts
A boss is a raised feature, and its design depends on function. Size is critical to avoid sink.
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How to Choose Core and Cavity Placement for Injection Molding
Designing molded parts requires that parts stay in the mold half containing the ejector system.
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Reinforce Parts With Support Features and Material Selection
Designers build strength into part designs by using support features and choosing the right material.
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Turning to Lathe For Parts with Cylindrical Features
For parts with cylindrical features, as it was in the past, your best option may be using a lathe.
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How to Reduce CNC Machining Costs
Incorporate these design and material ideas to simplify your CNC machining design, and lower expenses.
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Selecting the Best 3D CAD Software for Digital Manufacturing
Enhance your product development and design efforts by using this primer on 3D CAD programs.
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Mastering ProtoQuote: Create Better Parts With Our Design Analysis
Protolabs' interactive quote system and free manufacturing analysis help you improve your designs.
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How to Use Mold Flow Analysis
Flow analysis helps decide gate placement, locate knit lines, and find areas where gas can get trapped.
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How Metal 3D Printing is Redefining Part Design
Direct metal laser sintering brings unprecedented freedom and strategies to traditional part design.
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Designing for Direct Metal Laser Sintering
Direct metal laser sintering (DMLS) reliably produces complex, durable, lightweight metal parts.
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Conquering Undercut Design Issues with Side-actions, Inserts, and Shut-offs
Learn how to solve undercut issues during design phase with side-actions, inserts, and shut-offs.
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8 Mistakes to Avoid When Designing Sheet Metal Parts
We’ve compiled the most typical sheet metal design issues to help you avoid delays and added costs.
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