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Share your experiences, thoughts and seek advice in manufacturing. Create your own topics for discussion, ask questions, and participate in conversations.

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Solidworks or Inventor for sheet metal design?
Hey, I need to create a small sheet metal enclosure for a power supply unit—mostly bent parts in 1.5 mm steel, with tabs, cutouts, and a few fastener points. I’m new to CAD and... read more
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May 27
Best way to mount NEMA 17 motor on 2 mm aluminum base?
I'm working on a compact test rig where I need to mount a NEMA 17 stepper motor onto a 2 mm thick aluminum sheet (EN AW-5754). The base has to stay as light as possible,... read more
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May 28
Sheet metal hem
Hello, I'm trying to create a hem on the edge of steel sheets between 200mm and 400mm long. I can't find any manufacturer in France who can perform such bending/rolling/shaping with a radius of... read more
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May 23
Cracking at snap-fit hook base in SLS PA12
Hello everyone, I'm using SLS 3D printing (PA12, 0.12 mm layer height) to create a snap-fit enclosure for a handheld sensor device. The enclosure has three internal hooks that flex about 1.5 mm during... read more
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May 26
Choosing sheet metal thickness for a lightweight bracket
Hey, working on a small mounting bracket for a consumer electronics housing, cut and bent from stainless steel sheet (304 or 316). The part needs to stay under 200g, but it also has to... read more
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May 23
Best file format for tight-tolerance parts with GD&T annotations
Hi, I'm designing a housing component for an optical assembly, machined from anodized 7075-T6 aluminum, with several ±0.01 mm tolerances and GD&T callouts for perpendicularity and flatness. The part is quite compact (80x60x40 mm)... read more
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May 13
SLA material for outdoor indicator lenses
hi,  I'm recreating two small indicator lenses for a 1980s motorcycle restoration. These need to be clear, UV-stable, and able to handle exposure to sun and rain long-term. I’m planning to go with SLA... read more
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May 08
Visibility of parting line on GF30 PA6 injection molded handle
Hello everyone, how visible can the parting line be on final molded parts? My team is currently designing a handle cover for an industrial machine, injection molded in PA6 with 30% glass fiber. Aesthetics... read more
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May 06
Steel Advice
HelloI would like to request a quote for cold cutting tools (no temperature problems). I usually work with high-speed steels, for their hardness and the relative ease of re-sharpening, but none is offered in... read more
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Apr 30
Fuel-resistant material for 3D printing
Hi! I'm restoring an older two-stroke motorcycle and need to replace a worn-out venturi nozzle that draws in fuel-air mix. I’m considering having it 3D printed, but I’m unsure which material would best hold... read more
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May 02