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A

Additive Manufacturing:

The process of creating objects layer by layer using digital 3D models is commonly known as 3D printing.


B

Benchtop Press:

A compact, tabletop machine used in compression molding for smaller-scale production.


C

Casting:

The process of forming metal, plastic, or rubber objects by pouring liquid material into a mold and allowing it to solidify.

 

CNC Machining:

Computer Numerical Control machining is a precise manufacturing process that utilizes automated cutting tools controlled by a computer to create parts from various materials.

 

Contract Manufacturing:

Outsourcing the production of components or products to a third-party manufacturer.


D

Design for Manufacturability (DFM):

Designing a product with the manufacturing process in mind to optimize production efficiency, reduce costs, and improve overall manufacturability.

 
Die Casting:

A manufacturing process that involves forcing molten metal into a mold cavity to create complex metal parts.


E

Electronics Manufacturing Services (EMS):

Contract manufacturers that specialize in producing electronic components, assemblies, and products for original equipment manufacturers (OEMs).


G

Glass Fiber:

A reinforcing material often added to plastic resins to enhance strength and durability.


H

Heatless Compression Molding Machines:

Compression molding machines that operate without external heat sources, relying on the heat generated during the compression process.


I

Insert Molding:

A molding process where a pre-formed component is placed into the mold, and molten material is injected around it.


J

Jig Design:

The creation of specialized devices or tools (jigs) to facilitate and guide the manufacturing process, often used in conjunction with CNC machining or assembly.


K

Kitting:

The process of grouping and packaging together various components needed for assembly.


L

Lean Manufacturing:

A production philosophy focused on minimizing waste, optimizing efficiency, and continuously improving processes to enhance overall productivity and value for the customer.


M

Metal Injection Molding (MIM):

A manufacturing process that combines metal powder with a binding agent to create complex metal parts.


O

Overmolding:

A process where one material is molded over another, typically combining plastic and rubber.


P

Precision Machining:

The manufacturing process that produces highly accurate parts through subtractive methods like milling, turning, or grinding.

 
Prototyping:

The creation of a preliminary model or sample of a product to test and evaluate design concepts before full-scale production.

 
Plastic Injection Molding:

A manufacturing process where molten plastic is injected into a mold cavity to create plastic parts.


R

Rapid Prototyping:

Quickly creating a physical model of a product using 3D printing or other rapid manufacturing methods.


S

Supply Chain Management:

The oversight and optimization of the entire process of sourcing, producing, and delivering products to end-users, ensuring an efficient and cost-effective flow of materials and information.

 
Silicone Molding:

A molding process using silicone rubber to create flexible and durable parts.


T

Thermoplastic-Elastomer (TPE):

A class of polymers combining characteristics of thermoplastics and elastomers, known for flexibility and resilience.

 
Tooling:

The process of designing and creating molds, dies, or other tools required for manufacturing processes like injection molding or stamping.

 
Turnkey Manufacturing:

A comprehensive service where the contract manufacturer manages the entire production process, from design to delivery, offering a complete, ready-to-use solution to the client.


U

Urethane Casting:

A casting process using urethane resin to produce prototypes and low-volume production parts.


V

Vertical Integration:

The strategy of controlling multiple stages of the production process, from raw material procurement to final product assembly, to enhance efficiency and quality control.

 
Vacuum Casting:

A molding process that uses a vacuum to draw liquid material into a mold cavity, often used for creating prototypes.


W

Wet Compression Molding Machines:

Compression molding machines that use liquid compression medium, such as oil or water, during the molding process.


X

XYZ Axis:

The three axes (X, Y, and Z) in a coordinate system used to describe the spatial position of points in three-dimensional space.


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