Materials & Finishes

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Choosing the right tool steel grade for a high-volume stamping die
hi, I’m designing a cold-formed stamping die for thin stainless-steel sheets (gauge ~1.5 mm) used in an enclosure that will see around 500 k cycles. Given that abrasion resistance and dimensional stability over long... read more
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Dec 08
Blasting and anodizing order on aluminum parts
Hello! need help - am working on a set of 6061-T6 aluminum control knobs for a small instrument panel, and the surface finish is important since they’ll be handled frequently and remain visible. The... read more
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Dec 09
Gasket material for short-term hydrotest on carbon steel piping
Looking for advice on selecting a gasket material for temporary spool joints during a hydrotest on carbon steel piping in a refinery. The test medium will be demineralized water (low conductivity, no additives), and... read more
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Dec 08
Acrylic or pc for outdoor enclosures
hi! For transparent cover for an outdoor sensor needs to stay clear, handle some impacts, and resist sunlight - would you go with acrylic or polycarbonate? Acrylic has better UV and scratch resistance, but... read more
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270
Nov 26
Best flexible 3D printing material for vibration-damping motor mounts
Hi Everyone! We’re designing a vibration-damping mounting bracket (approx. 150×80×40 mm) for a small electric motor housing, and we’re considering 3D printing it in a flexible material. Given the operating environment includes oil exposure,... read more
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Nov 27
Adjustable brackets for 30 mm tubing – MJF PA12 vs CNC POM for strength and stability?
I’m developing a set of adjustable brackets to secure 30 mm diameter aluminum tubing in a display frame. Each bracket will have a split collar design with an M6 through-bolt for clamping and needs... read more
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1.0k
Sep 30
Polyjet for clear wearable casings
Has anyone here used Polyjet for transparent consumer electronics casings? I’m designing a small wearable device that needs a clear front cover to show internal LEDs and sensors. I know polyjet can do translucent... read more
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556
Sep 22
Reliable nylon for 3D-printed living hinges?
Hi, I’m designing snap-fit battery enclosures for a wearable device with living hinges that need to survive ~200 cycles without cracking. My unfilled nylon prints sometimes crack at the hinge line even after annealing.... read more
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Sep 17
Choosing material for high-temp, high-pressure reheater tubes
Hi everyone! I’m working on reheater tubes for an ultra-supercritical boiler operating around 700 °C and 28 MPa. I’m evaluating Inconel 617, 740H, Alloy 263, and Super 304H for their high-temp creep strength, oxidation resistance, and... read more
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Sep 03