Manufacturing

A lot of people are not sure what flexo printing is about. Flexography is a printing technology that utilizes in-line rotary features. Thus, you can print different things on paper, metallic film, plastic, and cellophane. The good thing about Flexographic Printing Machines is that they provide the ability to print different lengths, use different inks, and much more.

Flexographic printing is based on rubber stamp printing that was common in the 1900s. The FDA found out that the inks utilized in the process were not safe, a few changes were necessary. For instance, the process was improved and new inks were used. In the past, flexo printing was associated with food packaging. However, with technological advancements, this technology is now used in other applications. It is estimated that about 70% of the food packaging industry uses this technology.

Flexo Printing Process

1. Pre-Press Process

This is an important process when it comes to flexo printing. That is because the process is high speed. As a result, errors in plate making can result in wastage of minerals and ink. There is a need to ensure the ink used can print neatly on the substrate.

2. Printing Process

You should note that each flexographic printing press has different printing stations, based on the number of colors required. At each station, the material passes through different rotary plates. Rollers used in the process can be classified into fountain rollers, anilox roller, impression cylinder, and plate cylinder.

3. Uses of Flexo Printing

Flexography allows for printing on different substrates such as uncoated or coated paper, plastic film, metal, and other substrates. The fact that various substrates can be printed on, means that flexography can be used to print foils, business forms, envelopes, wallpaper, newspapers, cartons, and food packaging.

How Flexography Compares with Other Printing Techniques

The truth is that flexo printing is a growing segment in the printing sector. In fact, advancements being made in this sector result in the production of quality prints. This is how this technology compares with other printing techniques.

1. Flexo Printing Versus Offset Printing

Offset printing and flexographic printing are widely used in producing different forms of prints. You should note that each method has its pros and cons. When it comes to offset printing, the image is transferred from the plate to the substrate. Ideally, flexo printing is more accurate than offset printing in transferring the image. Thus, you can enjoy high color accuracy and better printing speeds. Also, offset printing is limited to only smooth substrates.

2. Flexo Printing Versus Gravure Printing

When it comes to gravure printing technology, images are transferred into the substrate with the help of a metal place. On the other hand, flexo printing utilizes rubber plates. Thus, flexography is considered to be more diverse and versatile as compared to the gravure printing method.

3. Flexo Printing Versus Digital Printing

Digital printing is a new technology where there is no need for using printing plates. In this case, the ink gets to the substrate with the use of positive and negative charges. Since this is a new technology, it is not widely used but it is growing rapidly.

Ddprototype takes pride in being one of the leading prototype service providers in China. The company mainly offers CNC prototyping or machining services, which are fast, cheaper, and more reliable. It is, therefore, the best company to outsource your prototyping services to. In this post, we discuss a few prototyping facts.

Essential facts about prototyping services

Below are some facts about prototyping that you should know

1. What is the aim of prototyping

Prototyping aims to allow companies to test and revise their product designs before spending money on mass production. It also helps companies provide the best products to their clients. This is because the prototypes are tried out and tested in the real world to ensure that they perform the purpose for which they are manufactured. Additionally, prototyping allows organizations to pitch a product to potential investors. The fact that they get to see a real-life model of the product makes it easy for them to move towards investment.

2. Who can use CNC machining for prototype making?

Any company, from any industry, can use CNC technology for prototyping. This is because CNC technology is complex, and it allows for a wide array of applications. However, companies looking to achieve the following elements would do best with choosing CNC prototyping;

• Organizations looking to achieve fast results
• Organizations that are looking towards rapid prototyping (Rapid prototyping is where you have to repeat the process severally and faster until you achieve final results)
• Companies looking to use complex and hard materials like metals since CNC prototyping allows you to make prototypes from a wide range of metals and plastics
• Companies whose products feature intricate designs

It is worth mentioning that CNC prototyping is an excellent option for any organization because it can be used to manufacture the final products in mass after the aim of prototyping is achieved.

How best can you prototype complex parts?

During the introduction of prototyping, companies would only make prototypes of simple parts without complex geometries. The main reason why this was the case is that making complex parts would cost more money. The process also required complex machinery that was currently unavailable on the market. However, recent technology has allowed for prototypes of complex parts to be made.

In CNC machining for prototyping, creating complex prototypes are made using 5-axis milling machines. 5-axis milling machines can achieve complex designs because of the extra axis that allows the part to rotate on the work table. This allows the cutting tools to access areas and angles that other CNC mills cannot reach. 5-axis CNC mills are also large enough to accommodate large workpieces that can be worked on to create complex parts.

Take Note

The only limitation here is that 5-axis CNC mills are very costly. Additionally, they are hard to find as many shops do not carry these products due to their low demand. Regardless, for your prototyping purposes, you do not need to acquire a 5-axis CNC mill. Instead, you can outsource your CNC prototyping services to companies like Ddprototype. The company will create the prototype in the least amount of time possible so that you can get it tested and reproduced.

Final word

CNC prototyping is a better method of creating prototypes. Outsourcing CNC prototyping services are also a great option because it is cheaper, more convenient, and faster. You also get quality results.

The CNC turning manufacturing process is a unique one where the bars are held in a large chunk and it is rotated to remove the unwanted material. With this in place, it is possible to create the desired shape ideal for your manufacturing process.

In this CNC turning machine, a turret is programmed to reach the edge of the material and remove all unwanted material. This helps to create the perfect desired result. If you are looking to get a CNC turning machine for your company, just head over to https://www.china-machining.com/services/cnc-machining/cnc-turning/. They have some of the best CNC turning machine in the industry.

 The process of working with the CNC turning machine during manufacturing is known as subtraction machining. This is called so because it involves the removal of materials.

Features of the CNC turning machine.

The starting material of the machine can be made in other shapes. It comes in a circular shape in custom, but it can also be used with other shapes such as squares or the hexagon.

The CNC turning comes with a tool with the turret. This turret and tool attached can be fully computer-controlled. The good thing is that if the turret can carry more tools, the more complex materials the machine will be able to handle.

Some of the main CNC turning machines have two spindles. These spindles are the main spindle and the sub-spindle. Some of them have one spindle. It all depends on the kind of work you are doing with these machines.

There are various forms of CNC turning machines you can work with. Some of these machines have great tooling, diameter, inner and outer options that are great during the manufacturing process.

There are the turning machines that come with the live tooling options. This is ideal when you want to stop the rotation of the bar, drill holes, and milled surfaces.

How does the CNC turning machine work?

The CNC machine works just like the CNC milling machine. The CNC turning is of the best subtractive processes because materials are slowly removed from the workpiece until all the work is done and the materials finally reach the desired shape.

When the CNC turning machine is at work, the rod helps with a spindle attached to it inside the CNC lathe. With this in place, it is spun at high speeds and the cutting tool removes all the necessary materials from it.

Manufacturers usually adopt this process when it comes to the manufacturing of plastics and metal parts. It works well to give these parts the best cylindrical and radial features. With the CNC machining, quality control is assured, you do not have to worry about checking and re-checking your components after the manufacturing has taken place. You are sure to get the best results.

If you intend to get the best in your manufacturing process, then the CNC turning machine is the right way to go. One thing you must note is that it is best to work with the best manufacturers that will give you the right kind of results that you need.

In the world of welding, it does not get better than pipe rotators. Pipe rotators are often seen as burden carriers. This is because they are there to balance the heavy objects. Most rotators come with rolls that turn. These rolls can often be adjusted to fit the shape of the cylinder being used.

While this sounds impressive, most people struggle with choosing the right pipe rotators for welding. If you face this same struggle, then this article might be of help. It will be discussing several factors that affect the performance of pipe rotators.

Picking the right pipe rotators for welding

Here are some pointers you should consider when selecting the right pipe rotators.

The Number of rolls

You have to consider the number of rolls that are present in your pipe rotators. Generally, the number of rolls will be determined by the length of the pipe you wish to balance.

So, when considering the right pipe rotators to buy, you should have a clear idea of what you are going to use them for. That’s the only way you can make the right decision.

Consider the price

You also have to consider the cost of the pipe rotators. You probably have a budget for your pipe rotators. To stick with it, it might be a good idea to know the price of a standard pipe rotator. The price can range from just $3,000 upwards to more than $100,000.

You also have the option of getting a second-hand product. The final choice remains yours and should be determined by your preferences.

The wheel being used

Another important part of your selection process will involve the wheels of the pipe rotators. The wheels can be made from various materials. These include polyurethane, steel, and rubber. Each of them has its own benefits.

To get the best out of your pipe rotator, you have to know exactly what you are looking for.

The Load capacity

As stated above, the pipe rotators are all about finding the balance. Most of the heavy load goes to the pipe rotators. So, there’s really no point getting a pipe rotator that cannot support the type of pipe you want to use.

So, before selecting a pipe rotator, do well to find its load capacity. That really can be the difference between having a good rotator and a bad one.

What should be your first step?

So, what should be the first step? The first step is finding out exactly what you need it for. You should also find the various specification of the pipe you intend to use. Armed with this information, you should be able to get the right pipe rotator for your company or shop.

Conclusion

Pipe rotators for welding are one of the integral parts of the welding industry. Not having one can leave you exposed to a lot of issues. Having an inefficient one can lead to a loss of precious time and resources.

Making the right decision can be the ultimate game-changer.

Traditional manufacturing has metamorphosed since time immemorial. Several producers have also embraced the introduction of making tailored goods into the consumer market. But more companies have embraced custom manufacturing for reasons well known to themselves! Want to know some of these reasons? Custom manufacturing is a unique process used in designing exceptional products usually ordered by a single customer.

A manufacturer can build products the way they want it to look. A few modifications can always be made before they are launched into the market. But there are different strategies used for manufacturing that companies can indulge in. You should determine the one that will work best for your business.

It is crucial to remember that all manufacturing processes come with certain advantages and disadvantages. No system is ideal for all businesses. For that reason, as a choice is made, the pros and cons must be weighed.

The main objective of using custom manufacturing is reducing costs and increasing productivity. It could also be both at the same time. But you should note that the process is pretty involving and needs tremendous effort to enhance all the techniques used in business. It also demands the manager’s commitment at various organization levels.

Traditional manufacturing

As its name suggests, traditional manufacturing is a viable process used to produce a particular number and volume of products every period to serve several people where there is a shortage.

The strategy works well for several types of manufacturing processes. However, in a few industries, custom manufacturing is replacing it to save time and money. This matches the entire production strategy with the business involved.

Costing is an essential process in traditional manufacturing. It refers to assigning costs to production activity. The objective is apportioning costs to important production parts that produce value. In such a case, costs are categorized by phase and department.

Example of traditional manufacturing Failure

During the Covid-19 Pandemic, there was a shortage of protective wear equipment. This move made many businesses build and buy costly machines to make masks. These machines produced colossal amounts of face masks that could only be used once. All these were done in a short time.

Many companies rushed to get these machines at a go. Their surplus production led to an abundance in supply but no demand. Many people have used their cotton masks rather than disposable, making these machines sit idly in the factories.

Verdict

Note that making thousands of products without a stable market increases the chances of going at a loss. As a result, companies are forced to shut down due to commercial failure. On the other hand, failing businesses share their losses with nature and consumers. When large amounts of products go to waste, then the natural environment suffers greatly.

Bottom Line

Both custom and traditional manufacturing have their advantages and disadvantages. Manufacturers should consider their options before getting into the manufacturing industry. Studying the market and its demands can be essential for producers. Custom manufacturing is the future of manufacturing since it reacts to market demands instead of creating surplus stock for the market.

Laser rust cleaning is an efficient procedure used to clean metal parts. It is a secure and faster way of removing rust from any metal type using a fiber rust cleaning laser machinery without destroying the material beneath. Laser rust cleaning is ideal for chemical and manual cleaning techniques since rust is entirely removed without changing the metal’s quality.

Laser cleaning applications

1. Surface preparation treatment and removal of rust in steel fabrication

Laser cleaning is an efficient technique for discarding scale and rust from metal surfaces. Rust and scale are impurities that form on the surface of metals due to artificial or natural procedures. When you expose metals to moisture, they react, forming ferrous oxides that turn into rust. Rust reduces the quality and purity of the metal, which makes it unfit for use.

Scales are formed on metal surfaces due to heat treatment processes, and the result discolors metal surfaces stopping succeeding operations. These unwanted surface materials are removed by repeatedly passing a top peak power laser beam on the affected layer. The rust quickly absorbs the laser beam’s energy leading to high-temperature levels, and the rust melts and turns into vapor.

2. Surface profiling

Laser cleaning is used to remove all impurities such as grease, oil, and scale from metal surfaces and parts as you prepare to apply a protective coating. For preceding processes, the wires, profiles, and bars must be clean.

3. Removal of coating material from battery foils (Anode cleaning)

The removal of all surface impurities from the anode is necessary before being used for various aluminum smelting processes. Quality is essential for this procedure since the coatings should be entirely discarded without harming the thin foils. You can use laser cleaning to clean anodes through:

• Removing residue from carbon butts
• Removing dirt from cathode bars
• Removing impurities and stain from stub rods and thimbles

4. Adhesive bonding preparation for metals

The metallic surfaces must be joined to be prepared before welding and additional joining requirements.

You can use laser cleaning to prepare metal surfaces before joining them to produce a splendid bond of strength and quality. The result should be durability and corrosion resistance. Laser cleaning discards oxides and other impurities that lower the force of adhesive bonds.

5. Pre-welding treatment and brazing

The removal of rust through laser is a faster way to enhance the fitness of welded parts. Laser cleaning through welding will also help you remove lubricants and other impurities from aluminum and metals’ surface in getting ready for better welds.

Laser cleaning performs the following in pretreatment for brazing and welding:

• To removing hydrates, oxide layers, and shop-primer carefully
• De-oiling and de-greasing for greater tensile strength

6. Pre-coating treatment

Fiber lasers are used to remove a stratum of coating in a specific area. It is done on all surface types to de-coat and discards paint in the aerospace and automotive industries. You can use lasers to remove paint for easy interaction electromagnetically partially.

7. Selective paint removal

Laser cleaning can remove weathered paint coatings in the aerospace and automobile industries before applying new paint.

Final Thoughts

Rust cleaning laser is useful in automotive and aerospace industries, medical technology, and mechanical engineering industrial services.

Rapid prototyping has been useful for manufacturing companies for over 30 years. Today, rapid machining continues to empower the global rapid product innovation. Developments in 3D printing technology have enhanced the functionality of prototypes beyond the necessary form to finished products. Do you remember the replicator, which allowed the voice-controlled creation of objects? If you are a fan of the famous Star Trek, then your imagination should be running wild to the applications of rapid prototyping and the future of this industry. Here is a detailed rundown of what to expect in the future.

The Future

Rapid prototyping is currently expensive and not as rapid as the name suggests. Scientists are working on implementing faster processes. The main materials used in rapid prototyping processes, (titanium, aluminum, and stainless steel) are not enough for the procedure. Researchers are working on expanding these too.

Secondly, rapid prototyping should be made more tolerant of various temperature variations. This would be perfect if a print head can be used to deposit several materials rather than just one material at a time.

Thirdly, it is projected that the industry for rapid prototyping will reach $8 billion in five years. Talent expirations and affordability will aide this.

Rapid prototyping is also changing the way companies design products. At the core are several products to revolutionize manufacturing. Speed is one such improvement. Rapid prototyping machines are slow by a few standards but way faster than human hands.

In the future, faster computers will be used to control complicated systems. Improved materials will also be used. Reductions in the build time will make rapid machining economical for products.

Increased size capacity is another future development to observe. Currently, rapid prototyping machines are limited to various objects measuring 0.12 meters. Larger parts are built in various sections. They are then joined by hand, to solve this, large prototypes are in the works.

Enhanced accuracy is another future development of rapid machining. Today’s machines are accurate in the x and y plane. They are less in the z-axis. Developments in laser optics should increase accuracy in the three directions.

RP companies are also creating new polymers that will be less susceptible to temperature-induced environments. The introduction of polymeric materials such as ceramics and metals is anticipated because they would allow users to develop functional parts.

Today’s prototypes work well for fit tests. However, they are feeble for function testing. The future anticipates the use of rugged materials that can yield stronger prototypes when subjected to service conditions, and metal is one such material. It will expand the product range that can be manufactured by rapid manufacturing.

Many rapid prototyping labs are working to generate new materials. A good example is the University of Dayton that helps with the development of Helisys to manufacture ceramic matrix composites.

Final Thoughts

The rise of rapid prototyping is spurring progress in conventional subtractive methods. Advances in path planning and numeric control are increasing the accuracy and speed of machining. CNC machining companies are experiencing spindle speeds with fast feed rates that translate to shorter build times. For a few applications, machining will still be useful in the manufacturing process. Rapid prototyping will revolutionize machinery by complementing it.

The good thing about the creation of a CNC prototype in China is that it is one of the most valued processes in the entire manufacturing process. For this reason, CNC prototyping services has increasingly become important in China.

CNC stands for Computer Numerical control and it is a method that is used to control small and large machining tools with computer programming.

This process is used by a lot of companies and it involves the use of a 3D design which is created using good CAD software in which the machine can translate and convey the instruction to the machining tools.

Once the code has been sent to the machine, very little supervision will be required because the machine will be able to execute instructions effectively.

The main reason why a lot of manufacturing companies support the CNC prototyping service is that it is very accurate, precise, and indeed, very versatile.

When it comes to creating prototype parts, CNC prototyping also plays a very integral process because when compared to 3D printing, it is one of the least expensive ways to create prototypes.

Prototypes are very important because they serve as a means of representation to a final part of a project or design.

The good thing about prototypes are, they always help in research and development, and if it is a new project, it is very ideal when it comes to pitching to investors. It is very important to note that CNC machining is a good choice when it comes to prototyping.

However, it still depends on the kind of company you work with and how they can help you step up your prototyping game.

Let’s see some pros or advantages you can get from working with the right company.

Why you should find the right Manufacturer

Several benefits can come from getting the right service company. Here are just a few of them.

It is important to keep these points in your mind before making a purchase. You’ll be surprised by how far you can go in making the right decision.

Affordable.

You should always go for a company who makes their services affordable. Granted, CNC prototyping is a really top quality service. However, reasonable prices are expected in every industry.

High-quality.

The center of everything a client looks for is high quality. Your case should not be any different. It’s especially important because of the type of industry you’re dealing with.

So make sure that you find a CNC prototyping service company that understands the need to deliver just quality services and products.

It’s crucial to the success of your business. So try not to overlook that.

Conclusion.

CNC prototypes in China have become even more important because of the industrial boom. I have no doubt that the importance will keep on soaring in the future.

For this reason, you must take the time to choose wisely. It can be the difference between a game-changer and losing precious time and resources.

3D printers are no longer new. They are rampant and can be found pretty much everywhere. While it’s always a good thing that the world makes progress, this can also spell potential danger.

The 3D printer market is getting filled up with various 3D printers and a lot of manufacturers. This causes a lot of mistakes by users when choosing a 3D printer. From the right design to the wrong specifications, it can go awfully wrong for a customer or user very quickly.

If you are looking to avoiding the dangers, here are some things you should keep in mind.

Purpose

First off, you have to know your purpose of getting a 3D printer. Basically, 3D printers can be for either personal use or for professional jobs.

It follows then that the 3D printer which you use for your personal use will not necessarily be a good option when used professionally.

As a beginner or someone who is a bit confused, this can be a gamechanger. Knowing what you want can allow you to structure your thoughts. This eventually leads to a great choice.

Quality and Technology

To choose the right 3D printer, you also have to understand the technology behind it. Most 3D printers use either the Molten Polymer or the Fused Filament.

Each of these methods brings with it pros and cons. For example, 3D printers who use fused filament will usually perform with more accuracy. However, you might spend more in the maintenance department.

Material

When choosing the 3D printer to purchase, you also have to consider the material. While 3D printers that are for personal use will usually go for ABS plastics, this is different when it’s been used for professional purposes.

Most times, it is recommended that you go for a 3D printer that is made from nylon. It endures more than the ABS and has greater stamina. Putting these issues and preferences together before making a decision should keep you on the right track.

Price

The pricing of the product can also be a major decision depending on your budget. This is one area where you have to act wisely.

Sometimes, high prices can be a sign of high quality. Sometimes though, high prices are just a rip-off having no real value for money.

So make sure you put everything into perspective. Try to find a product that allows you to get good quality without breaking the bank. Also, try to take a look at more than one manufacturer. This will give you the complete picture.

Having the complete picture can have some wonderful benefits that you surely will not want to miss.

Getting 3D printers

3D printers can be the difference in your business. There are many 3D printer manufacturers that have printers that match these tips. Taking a look at what they have to offer will be a step in the right direction.

However, it is always a good thing to take in all your options before making a decision. Getting a 3D printer is a right choice.

GE Healthcare Life Sciences is broadening its additive manufacturing impact in Sweden with a brand-new facility in the city of Umeå, the firm introduced this week. The $2-million plant will be committed to the serial manufacturing of 3D-printed components for biomanufacturing equipment, completing a trip the components started in the Uppsala center developed in 2018, where product design and validation is carried out. “The two systems sustain the whole additive journey from design as well as 3D prototyping to serial manufacturing, permitting engineers to make progressively complex components and also manufacture them with sub-millimetric accuracy at substantially decreased lead times,” stated GE Healthcare Life Sciences. As soon as product layout and validation are finished in Uppsala, the serial manufacturing of components begins in Umeå.

“Our most current 3D printing facility uses significant performance gains and adds more stamina to our supply chain,” stated Olivier Loeillot, General Manager BioProcess. “The elements produced with additive modern technology are smaller and a lot more resilient. For our clients, this suggests much better top quality, much less waste and simplified layouts. Our 2 additive manufacturing abilities are purposefully situated in Sweden, where we produce chromatography resins as well as bioprocess devices, to speed the supply of bioprocess technologies to market,” explained Loeillot.

The consolidation of additive manufacturing in R&D and manufacturing boosts the agility of the supply chain, enhances advancement as well as manufacturing processes, and also streamlines logistics as well as sourcing, said GE Healthcare Life Sciences in a news release. Improved efficiencies run the gamut from reducing the cost of distribution and setting up to decreasing scrap and accelerating cycle times, according to the company.

The center is initially equipped with a 3D printer for serial production of polyamide parts, a powder mixing station and advanced post-processing devices. It supports the manufacture of elements used in bioprocess equipment consisting of HiScale columns, Biacore SPR systems as well as the recently launched ÄKTA go chromatography system.