Hybrid CNC Parts

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Corrosion and abrasion are two big factors in the world of plastics processing that affect not just product quality, but overall efficiency and costs. Traditional durability solutions offer some protection, but there's a better way. Read our latest article on mitigating corrosion and abrasion in plastics processing with hybrid manufacturing.

Let's talk about how hybrid manufacturing improves ROI for manufacturers. ? Increased Flexibility and Customization Hybrid manufacturing allows for rapid prototyping—even for components with complex geometries. It supports the production of customized solutions at scale, ranging from patient-specific medical implants and customized automotive parts to tailored molds for plastic manufacturing. ? Integrated Functionality Related to customization is the ability to design for integrated functionality. Think molds with internal conformal cooling channels that would be impossible to fabricate using subtractive-only methods. Targeted functional grading can enhance specific component parts, improving aspects such as durability and performance. ? Enhanced Efficiency and Productivity Precise and efficient, hybrid manufacturing enables faster production cycles. It streamlines processes by eliminating the need for multiple setups, thereby reducing downtime and increasing throughput. ? Cost Reduction Waste is a huge concern, especially when using expensive materials. Since parts are produced near net shape, hybrid manufacturing minimizes material waste—significantly lowering material costs. It also reduces tooling costs, since it eliminates the need for costly molds and dies in early production stages. ? Improved Product Quality Hybrid manufacturing—particularly Wire-Laser Metal Deposition (w-LMD)—produces intricate, durable parts with high accuracy. W-LMD is also capability of combining materials with varying properties to enhance product performance and longevity. ? Scalability Hybrid manufacturing facilities transitioning from prototypes to manufacturing at scale without requiring entirely new workflows or equipment. ? Sustainability and Resource Optimization W-LMD hybrid manufacturing reduces material waste and energy consumption compared to traditional manufacturing alone. ? Competitive Advantage Hybrid manufacturing is used to create innovative products with improved functionality, reduced weight, and higher durability. It's an invaluable tool for adapting quickly to changing customer and market demands. In short, hybrid manufacturing empowers industries to achieve better ROI by increasing cost-effectiveness, improving efficiencies, and driving innovation, making it indispensable in today’s competitive and rapidly evolving market. ?? If you're interested in advanced or hybrid manufacturing, be sure to follow our account for more insights.

Thermal management is a constant challenge for blow molders, injection molders, and die casters. Uneven heat dissipation often leads to defects like warping, residual stress, and inconsistent product quality. Conformal cooling offers a game-changing solution. This advanced thermal management method not only enhances product quality but also delivers significant long-term cost savings. Our latest article dives deep into conformal cooling for molds—covering its design variations, materials, manufacturing techniques, challenges, and benefits. Discover how conformal cooling can transform your processes. Click below to read more ??

Learn how hybrid manufacturing can boost your ROI by reducing material waste, streamlining processes, and strengthening innovation.

??? Manufacturers who work with the DoD must follow specific cybersecurity guidelines, but it can seem complicated. Where do you start? As cyber threats continue to grow—like the "Salt Typhoon" hacking campaign that was announced by the White House just last week—it's vitally important to ensure sensitive information is kept secure. We wrote this quick-start guide to cybersecurity compliance for defense manufacturers for those who are interested in working with the DoD. While it can seem overwhelming at first, many of the regulations are basic cyber hygiene practices—and you're probably already doing some of them right now. We discuss: ?? The various regulations (NIST 800-171, CMMC, and DFARS) ?? How the regulations relate to one another ?? Basic cyber hygiene practices ?? Some pitfalls to avoid ?? A roadmap on how to get started We've also included some useful links in the additional resources section. Cybersecurity isn't just a good idea–it's a necessity. ?? Are you already compliant and have some tips for those getting started? Are you looking to become compliant yourself? Leave a comment and let us know where you are on your cybersecurity compliance journey. #cybersecurity #defense #manufacturing

Interested in hybrid manufacturing... with polymers? Check this out ??? While Hybrid CNC Parts specializes in metal hybrid manufacturing, we also have polymer 3D printing capabilities, including for high-temperature thermoplastics, like PEEK. So when we read this article in Additive Manufacturing Media, we got excited. Rapid Fusion, a UK company that creates large-format additive manufacturing systems, has been working on a electro spindle CNC milling tool that can be used for polymer 3D prints and integrated into their future AM systems. Martin Jewell, Rapid Fusion's R&D Director, mentions that they were able to reduce the lead time for a mold tool from 6-8 weeks down to five days. That's huge. Here's the article if you want to learn more about this emerging technology: https://lnkd.in/eXM4fT5V What do you think? Is hybrid polymer manufacturing the next big thing in AM?

Nuclear energy is making a comeback. But the latest generation of reactors come with some serious engineering challenges. ?? ?? ?? Generation IV reactors offer an opportunity for long-term, sustainable energy. Solving for the challenges posed by these new systems will require a combination of learning from past lessons and cutting-edge manufacturing technologies. Gen IV reactors are designed to tackle the limitations of earlier power plants in areas like waste management, accident prevention, and operational efficiency. They fall into four main categories: ?? Sodium-Cooled Fast Reactors ?? Lead-Cooled Fast Reactors ?? Molten Salt Reactors ?? Gas-Cooled Fast Reactors Each of these reactor types comes with its own set of engineering hurdles. Corrosive environments, temperatures exceeding 1000°C, and intense radiation exposure push materials and mechanical systems to their limits. Developing components for these systems isn’t just a matter of tweaking old designs—it requires a complete rethinking of materials, designs, and manufacturing techniques. ?? Learn more about the challenges faced by the newest cohort reactors and how advanced manufacturing is playing a pivotal role in creating components—bearings, gears, impellers, and more—for these essential energy systems: https://lnkd.in/epUyiiEh

Do you find your regular industry newsletters a bit outmoded? Do you fatigue while slogging through another boring email? (Unless, of course, it's actually about boring–in that case, carry on). Craving something shiny and new to replace those legacy updates? May we recommend Fresh from the Forge, Hybrid CNC Parts' monthly manufacturing newsletter? You'll be served bite-sized takes on manufacturing news, trends, and happenings. Written by Hybrid’s CTO Art Evans, we guarantee a refreshing point of view (and maybe a sprinkle of irreverence). Also, a new recipe each month. Really. Once-a-month. Unsubscribe anytime. We will never sell or give away your info.

Short, but sweet, this clip of a Phillips Additive Hybrid system demonstrates 5-axis, laser-wire metal deposition in action. We know firsthand how cool this looks in person (we have one). And it doesn't even show the subtractive side of the hybrid process. If you'd like to see for yourself, hit the message button and let us know. #hybridmanufacturing #additivemanufacturing #moldmaking #cncmachining #technology #innovation