How Does Laser Cutting Work? An Engineer Explains
How Does Laser Cutting Work? The Short Answer Aspect Description What Is It? Laser cutting is a non-contact thermal cutting process that uses a highly concentrated, high-power beam of light to melt, burn, or vaporize material in a precise, computer-controlled path. How Does It Work? A laser resonator generates an intense beam of light. This […]
How to Cut Perspex Without Cracking It: A Pro’s Guide
The Engineer’s Guide to a Perfect Cut Every week, a new client walks into our shop holding a pristine, gleaming sheet of Perspex (also known as acrylic, Plexiglas, or Lucite) with a look of hopeful terror in their eyes. They have a project in mind—a custom PC case window, a protective barrier, a piece of […]
What Does a Metal Fabricator Do?
What Does a Metal Fabricator Do? The Simple Answer The Real Answer A metal fabricator is a skilled tradesperson who cuts, shapes, and assembles metal parts to build products and structures. A metal fabricator is a translator. They take the two-dimensional language of engineering blueprints and translate it into a three-dimensional, functional, and physical reality. They […]
TIG vs MIG for Aluminum: A Pro’s Guide
This guide is written from my personal perspective as a professional engineer and a partner at RM (Rapid Manufacturing). It’s the question that separates the novice from the journeyman. Aluminum is a miracle metal—light, strong, corrosion-resistant—but on the welding table, it’s a temperamental artist with a very specific set of demands. It doesn’t forgive mistakes, […]
What is a CNC System? An Engineer’s Guide
You’ve probably seen the acronym “CNC” online, and if you have, you might be very confused. A quick search reveals that “CNC” is a popular slang term in the world of “dark romance” fiction, with a meaning that is, to put it mildly, completely unrelated to manufacturing. Let’s clear the air right now. In my […]
What is the Gold Melting Point?
For most of my career, I’ve dealt with the titans of industry: steel, titanium, aluminum. These are metals of structure and strength. But in the world of high-tech manufacturing, we also have to be masters of the aristocrats of the periodic table, and none is more famous than gold. Whether we’re dealing with electrical contacts […]
What is Annealing & Why Is It Done?
What is Annealing? The Engineer’s Answer Before we dive deep, let’s get right to the point. The question is two-fold: “What is it?” and “Why do it?” Here is the answer in its simplest form. Question The Short Answer What is Annealing? Annealing is a heat treatment process that involves heating a metal to a […]
What is a Water Jet? An Engineer’s Guide
What is a Water Jet? The Short Answer For those in a hurry, here’s the breakdown. The term “water jet” can refer to several things, but in the world of engineering and manufacturing, it means one thing: a tool of almost unbelievable power. Feature Industrial Abrasive Waterjet Pressure Washer Dental Water Jet (Irrigator) Primary Purpose […]
What is poka-yoke and examples?
This guide is written from my personal perspective as a professional engineer and a partner at RM (Rapid Manufacturing). Of all the lean manufacturing concepts we use, from Kanban to 5S, none is more elegant, more powerful, or more fundamentally human than Poka-Yoke. It’s a Japanese term that translates to “mistake-proofing,” but I prefer to […]
What is Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing?
This guide is written from my personal perspective as a professional engineer and a partner at RM (Rapid Manufacturing). Of all the topics in engineering, none inspires more fear, confusion, and—once you understand it—more respect than GD&T. It is the universal language of precision manufacturing. I’ve seen multi-million dollar projects saved by a single, well-placed […]
