Posts

Sheet Metal Prototyping vs. 3D Printing: Best Approaches for Early Design Testing

Image
  The decisions and the choices you make in prototyping can set the tone for your entire development cycle — from the development speed to the overall cost and how competitive your product can be in the market. For early-stage hardware teams, the decision often comes down to either 3D printing or prototype sheet metal fabrication. Each method brings clear advantages depending on your goals.   Prototype Sheet Metal 3D Printing Material strength High tensile strength and fatigue resistance Depends on material; generally lower than metal Surface quality Smooth, uniform finishes with no layer lines May show visible layer lines; requires post-processing for smoothness Scalability / Cost per unit Cost per part drops with volume due to setup amortization Fixed cost per part; less scalable at higher volumes Setup time Requires too...
Post a Comment
Read more

Why China Leads the CNC Machining Parts Market: Cost, Quality & Speed Compared

Image
  If you need accurate, repeatable parts, outsourcing CNC machining parts to China can help you meet tight specs without inflating costs. Thanks to continued investment in manufacturing technology, China has become a global hub for fast and reliable machining, especially for industries like aerospace and medical. In this blog, we’re breaking down what makes China a strong choice for CNC production and why a supplier like HLH Prototypes can help you get the most out of your next project. What makes China a powerhouse in CNC machining parts? China has built a strong CNC machining sector through large-scale manufacturing capacity and an experienced labor pool. There are thousands of machining facilities operating across the country, giving you more options to get CNC machining parts from China. Over the last twenty years, Chinese manufacturers have upgraded their automation systems and tightened precision standards. Plus, they have strengthened quality management to meet your e...
Post a Comment
Read more

3D Prototype Printing Services: Which Technology Is Best (FDM, SLA, SLS)?

Image
  There are so many additive manufacturing options available today — from FDM to SLS and SLA — each offering unique benefits in terms of print quality and material performance. Understanding the strengths and limitations of these 3D prototype printing services will help you choose the most suitable approach for your project, whether you need simple models or more complex, functional parts.   FDM SLA SLS Best for Simple, functional prototypes High-detail, smooth surface models Durable parts with complex geometries Materials PLA, PETG, ABS Rigid, flexible, and high-temp resins Nylon and other powdered polymers Surface finish Moderate (visible layer lines) Very smooth Slightly grainy Detail and resolution Moderate (~100–300 microns) High (down to 25 microns) High...
Post a Comment
Read more