Author: Anson A Akkara

3D printer bed -Tapes

Kapton Tapes Kapton tape, also known as polyimide tape, serves as an additional layer atop an existing print bed rather than a standalone build plate. This adhesive tape comes in spools with one adhesive side for attachment and one side composed of polyimide. The polyimide side offers exceptional adhesive properties, providing strong adhesion for materials… Continue reading 3D printer bed -Tapes

3D printer bed -Spring steel PEI

Spring steel smooth PEI Spring steel smooth PEI build plates have gained popularity, particularly seen in stock versions of printers like the Prusa i3 MK3S+. These plates feature a base of spring steel, known for its flexibility and ferromagnetic properties, making bed removal and reattachment effortless. The flexible nature of the steel facilitates easy part… Continue reading 3D printer bed -Spring steel PEI

3D printer bed – Glass

Introduction The print bed, also referred to as the build plate, stands out as a critical component in any FDM 3D printer setup. Without a quality build plate, or even without one altogether, your printer’s performance could suffer, potentially leading to print failures. Essentially, the main role of a print bed is to furnish a… Continue reading 3D printer bed – Glass

Introduction to molding – Casting

Casting is a manufacturing process in which molten material, like metal, is poured into a mold and allowed to harden. Once solidified, the mold is broken or ejected to retrieve the casting. This method enables the production of intricate and complex components with specific properties.  How Does Casting Differ From Injection Molding? Casting and injection… Continue reading Introduction to molding – Casting

Introduction to molding – Extrusion molding

What is Extrusion Molding Extrusion moulding is used to form plastic or metal materials into a pre-defined shape. During the process, the material is melted and pushed through an extrusion moulding machine, forming a long, tube-like shape or rod. This is cooled and cut to the required length. Often, extrusion moulding plastic products created in… Continue reading Introduction to molding – Extrusion molding

Introduction to molding – Thermoforming

What is Thermoforming? Thermoforming is a plastic manufacturing process that involves heating a plastic sheet and forming it using a mold to specific shapes. The shaped plastic then gets cooled down and trimmed to result in the finished part. The process is executed using a thermoforming machine to heat and stretch the pliable thermoplastic sheet over the… Continue reading Introduction to molding – Thermoforming

Introduction to molding – Injection molding

Injection moulding is a manufacturing process that allows for parts to be produced in large volumes. It works by injecting molten materials into a mould. It is typically used as a mass production process to manufacture thousands of identical items. Injection moulding materials include metals, glasses, elastomers and confections, although it is most commonly used… Continue reading Introduction to molding – Injection molding

Introduction into Machining – Gear cutting

1. Overview Gears were made by hand from ancient times until the 18th century when mechanization became widespread in Europe with the introduction of clocks and other machines. During the Industrial Revolution, machines dedicated to making gears were developed in quick succession. In gear making, steel cylinders are first cut into circular plates, which are… Continue reading Introduction into Machining – Gear cutting

Introduction into Machining. – NC Lathes

1. Major Functions and Characteristics Numerically controlled (NC) machine tools have drastically advanced metalworking since their emergence in the 1950s. Operations previously performed by hand could now be automated with NC machine tools. Not long after their emergence, NC machine tools began to be embedded with computers, a technical evolution that led to the adoption… Continue reading Introduction into Machining. – NC Lathes