The world of manufacturing is constantly evolving. Sometimes we see the introduction of new technologies, while other times the change is seen with the existing ones.

CNC machining is one of the established manufacturing technologies that is continuously evolving and getting better with time.

The best way to understand what has changed recently is not going through the technical details. Explaining in length something like new methods used in the placement of a CNC machining workpiece can be both exhausting and overwhelming.

Instead, the better approach is to go through what all the technological advancement has brought to CNC machining in general. That way, we can have a better understanding of the condition of CNC machining today, and even compare it to its state in the years before. 

Here’s a rundown on all that makes CNC machining great, along with its few limitations. After all, no manufacturing process is perfect and CNC manufacturing is no exception. 

Advantages of CNC Manufacturing

• CNC machines can operate continuously 24/7, 365 days a year without stopping, unless for maintenance purposes.
• CNC machines can replicate one program for as many times as needed and produce the same exact part with the same level of accuracy. 
• CNC machines can be operated by operators that can undergo a speedy training and don’t have years of experience under their belt. 
• CNC machines have plenty of safety protocols and features that prevent accidents. 
• CNC machines can use advanced software solutions like PTC CREO.
• A single person can supervise multiple working CNC machines. In most cases, the operator will need to intervene when the cutting tool needs to be replaced. 
• Modern design software can simulate the entire CNC milling process to its finest details. As a result, there is no need to create a model or a prototype. This saves both money and time. 
• CNC milling is a very flexible process in which it’s easy to change sequences and other parameters on the go to adopt new changes.

Disadvantages of CNC Manufacturing

• CNC machines are still quite expensive compared to manually operated machines. Their costs are slowly going down. 
• CNC operators can be trained fast and relatively easy. At least for the basic operations. That means less demand for trained engineers for operating centers and manually operated machines. This way, the old skills are slowly being lost. 
• The transition from manually operated machines to CNC machines requires less human labor. The need of fewer people means higher unemployment.
• Regular maintenance is needed for smooth operations. That is costly and increases the production cost. 
• Repairing a CNC machine can be a costly process.

In conclusion

Just five years ago, a list such as this would have been way different. It is thanks to technological advancements. From today’s point of stand, the biggest difference is that there are way fewer disadvantages than before. If we judge from what is in development currently, we can expect even fewer drawbacks in the upcoming years, both in performance and cost.

There are different types of ejector pins. To understand these facts, you need to comprehend the definition of an ejector pin, which in this case, is a pin often used in the process of injection molding when it comes to pushing the actual finished plastic product or die.

The pins may be made of alloys as well as stainless steel. They may also be made of iron. This highly depends on their functionality coupled with structure. One vital criterion for selecting an ejector pin is the type of work it shall be performing in the long run. In this case, you will realize that there are:

• Through Hard Pins
  The ejector pins have a consistent hardness throughout the diameter of the ejector pin. This pin is ideal for plastic injection molds with working environment temperatures below 200 degrees Centigrade.

• Nitride H13 Pins 
  Nitride H13 ejector pins have a better life expectancy in environments above 200 degrees centigrade. The pins are ideal for die casting. However, these might not be ideal in temperatures approaching 1000 degrees centigrade.

• Black Ejector Pins
  Black ejector pins are ideal in temperature environments above 1000 degrees centigrade due to a specialized black surface coat on the entire pin. The black surface also doubles up as lubrication hence is ideal for automobile injection molding. In comparison to the other types, the black ejector pins are pricier

Another criterion that is important in choosing the type of ejector pin is in its application. For these criteria we have

• Straight Ejector Pins: As their name suggests, they take a straight shape in general. This implies that even in the machine, it will take a straight shape.

• Stepped ejector pins: Stepped ejector pins help in keeping the die-cast parts from bending and are ideal for aluminum mold casts.

•  Mold Ejector Pins: These are commonly plastic mold parts that are used for the separation of products away from the mold.

There are various kinds of pins found on the market. As with any product, it becomes challenging for users to choose the right ones. Selecting the wrong ejector pin would only brew your trouble. For that reason, the selection process needs to be appropriate. Many people will only comprehend the value of material when choosing an ejector pin. But, in our blog post, we have focused our discussion on the working temperature.

Typically, the working temperature of an ejector pin is important as it impacts the durability of the device. If the temperature happens to be high, and the pin is designed to work in a low-temperature environment, then the pin will not last long. This implies that durability has been interfered with.

Final Thoughts

With the rise in different types of ejector pins, there is the need to select one that suits your needs carefully. The three major types of pins are commonly found on the market. That is why you should always be familiar with them. While they can all be utilized, it is essential to comprehend the facts appended to a typical ejector pin, just like in this article.

Gaskets are used for sealing purposes for both industrial processes and other engineering works, such as car engine fluid systems. When fitted properly and selected appropriately, gaskets provide leak-proof sealing that can withstand high pressure, temperatures, or corrosion from chemicals. At Teflex Gasket Company, you get the luxury of choosing different designs of gasket elements and running through their properties of your product before making the purchase. Before ordering for one, the following are some of the determinants of the suitability of a gasket for your sealing needs in 2020:

Properties: Your gasket sealer should have the right properties that align with the conditions around your gasket sealed area. If the area is subjected to high temperatures, always go for gasket sealing made from materials that can withstand the heat without melting and contaminating the products or damaging other parts. A gasket made from a material that cannot withstand high pressure can easily cause industrial accidents when the machine bursts at the sealed area.

A gasket that freezes under cold temperatures can delay your production process leading to costly longer lead times. If the area requires cryogenic sealing, consider purchasing gaskets made from PTFE or graphite as they are flexible and can withstand extreme temperatures.

Existing rules and regulations: One of the areas that are easily overlooked is the existing rules and regulations. Most people assume that once gaskets are available in the market, it means they can be used globally. Such assumptions are usually costly as it may earn cost your processing plant money in the form of fines and reputational damage. Some of the gaskets available in the market today are made of asbestos.

The substance is banned in many jurisdictions due to health risks. Therefore, take your time to understand the legal landscape in your industry before shelling out your hard-earned money on gasket sealers. If you are specializing in food and drinks production, ensure that the gasket adhesive is safe.

Flange design: The flange design of your gasket of choice is one of the primary determinants of its suitability for your sealing task. Flange designs are determined by the material used in making the gasket, the bolt holes, and the flange types. For the best sealing experience, always ensure that the gasket material matches with the surfaces to be sealed. Match the number of bolt holes on the gasket to the substance and ensure that the shape also aligns properly.

Cost: The suitability of a gasket is also determined by its cost. Always ensure that you purchase a gasket with a high return on investment. Depending on the scale of your sealing task, buying gaskets may require significant financial outlay. If the sealing job does not come with machine performance that equates to the cost, then your return on investment will probably be on the negative column.

Take-Home

When shopping for a gasket, always be intentional in the choices that you make. Arm yourself with information and facts on your needs and work with a budget to ensure that you get a return on your investment.

The human race has come a long way in terms of technological advancement, and one of its finest achievements yet is 3D printing. Some experts have gone on to describe this innovation as an industrial revolution of sorts, and rightly so. Because it literally changes the manufacturing world as we know it. 3D printers now make it possible to pluck any shape out of “thin air” with no abracadabra involved.

With the several benefits associated with the adoption of this tech, it is no surprise that a substantial percentage of world industries have tilted towards it. From the educational sector to the adult film business, below are some of the industries that could benefit from the use of 3D printers. 

Education

Using the 3D printers can improve the education experience for both teachers and learners alike. It provides an avenue for the former to express themselves better while the latter gets a chance at practical exercises. 

Health care

The use of 3D printers has saved thousands of patients’ time, lives, and a ton of money in health bills. Things like organ replicas can now be printed based on individual needs and practiced on pre-surgery. Functional prosthetics and dentures can also be made available in less time and at a lower cost compared to traditional means.  

Construction and Design

Construction and similar industries also benefit immensely from 3D printing. Prototypes that would ordinarily take months to build can now be printed in a matter of days, if not hours. Architects and industrial designers, for instance, can now bring their ideas to life in the form of 3D models, making their presentation feel more life-like.

Jewelry

The Jewelry business is one of the leading users of 3D printing in the world today. This is because the casting process involved in the making of jewelry is better optimized with this ingenious tech. 

Aerospace

Being one of the most expensive industries on the globe, it is only natural that they seek viable alternatives to the status quo. The appropriate 3D printer price may seem high, but on a scale this large, it makes the cost of production incredibly cheaper. Not too long ago, NASA was able to successfully test a rocket engine made from 3D parts.

Engineering

All forms of engineering will find 3D printing useful for reasons similar to others, visualizing prototypes. Using metal or plastic materials, any kind of engineer can create complicated models on-demand, with little or no waste, and in no time too. Mechanical engineers, for one, stands to gain a lot.

Porn

The adult industry also takes advantage of 3D printing. Thanks to this tech, the pleasure business has been taken up a notch with the reworking of toys and dolls. Some manufacturers even offer customizations based on individual specs.  

Conclusion

Based on our current trajectory, the question is being shifted from who could benefit from 3D printing to who wouldn’t? It is hard to imagine any sector in this present time who can’t, in one way or the other make use of this tool. The above industries are merely a cross-section of this tech’s capabilities, but it is not in any way limited to them.

So, you are on the market for a new 3D printer, and you have narrowed your choice to two of Creality’s 3D printers – the Ender 3 and Ender 5. However, you can’t make your mind which one to buy. Here we will compare the main features of the two 3D printers so that it will be easier to decide which one to choose.

But before we start looking at their main differences, we should take some time and consider their common features:

• Both use the same FDM technology.
• They use the same type of 1.75 mm filament (PLA, TPU, and ABS). 
• Both 3D printers come with an LCD screen.
• They use the same 0.4 mm nozzle.
• Minimum layer height +/- 0.1 mm
• Maximum printing speed 200 mm/s
• Identical heated bed
• In terms of connectivity, they can take an SD card or USB.

So it’s more than obvious they share a lot of common features. Now the question is, why should we pay from $50 to $100 for the Ender 5, and why not stick with the cheaper Ender 3?

Well, to get there, we also need to explain the differences between the two 3D printers. Here it is, Ender 3 VS Ender 5 – their main differences.

Differences between Ender 3 and Ender 5

Print volume

Ender 3 has a 220 x 220 x 250 print volume, while the Ender 5 has a 220 x 220 x 300 print volume. That’s 50 mm more in the Y dimension.

Hot end

The Ender 5 comes with a Creality MK 10 hot end, while the Ender 3 features Creality MK 8. 

Assembly process

It sounds too good to be true, but the Ender 5 can be assembled for 20 to 30 minutes, while the Ender 3 can be assembled in three to four hours before being able to print anything. 

Firmware

One of the biggest drawbacks of Ender 5 is that it doesn’t have any thermal runaway protection. The issue has been solved with the newer Ender 3s model in which the protection can stop the machine in less than 20 seconds after an issue with the temperature is noticed.

Electronics

The Ender 5 features a v1.1.3 mainboard, while the Ender 3 comes with a v1.1.4 mainboard. 

Ender 3 comes with a generic power supply, which is somewhat of a fire risk, while Ender 5 has a certified Meanwell power supply.

The verdict

In a head to head comparison, Ender 5 is the clear winner as it can provide bigger prints, offers a better power supply, and much faster assembly. The print quality is also increased.

On the other hand, Ender 3 has better firmware and a lower price point. Then there is the fact that Ender 3 has the support of a massive community from all over the world. So, if you ever got stuck with something, there is an army of people that can help you out. 

So, if you are searching for a reliable machine that can be easily put to work, Ender 5 should be your choice. But if you are into tinkering, then you should go for the Ender 3.