The Latest

When facing the choice between CNC machining and additive manufacturing, you'll have to take a look at your project's requirements. Considerations should include precision, complexity, volume, material, and cost.

Understanding what not to do in sheet metal design is crucial for creating manufacturable, cost-effective parts, which keeps readers engaged and focused on practical outcomes.

CNC machining is an automated manufacturing process that is highly precise for real-world applications. From CAD design to finishing, this method of manufacturing allows for the production of complex, high-tolerance components across several industries using a number of materials.

Inevitably, if you're a product designer or engineer, you will probably face the choice of injection molding vs 3D printing. They are both transformative technologies. Injection molding dominates for high-volume production, and is cost-friendly if the volumes are high, a wide variety of materials, and excellent surface qualities. Meanwhile, 3D...

Prototyping is the first step in transforming your ideas into tangible products. With rapid prototyping, designers and engineers can quickly create and test models, refining their designs in record time and at a fraction of the cost. This innovative approach not only accelerates development but also enhances communication among teams...

Stereolithograph (SLA) is an additive manufacturing service that Prototek offers. It is unmatched precision, surface finish, and material versatility for prototyping to low-volume production. The design rules for SLA, material selection, and post-processing or finishing can be incredibly beneficial for engineers and product designers.

When considering injection molding for your project, the surface finish should be part of your product design. It will influence the look and feel of the parts as well as the functionality, durability, and manufacturability. We will discuss the standards, types, processes, and selection criteria that engineers and designers need...

Bronze is a specialized copper-based alloy. Strength, corrosion resistance, and versatility are a few of its favorable properties. Throughout history, beginning with the Bronze Age, it has been a fine choice for applications that need to withstand high-stress environments.

The choice between bronze and brass for your project can come down to cost, performance, durability, and sustainability. Like many material choices, both of these materials have pros and cons depending on the application. In this blog post, we will present a data-driven comparison to help you decide which alloy...

Material hardness testing ensures the quality, durability, and performance of metals and alloys in industries such as aerospace and construction. Our guide covers the four most common methods for testing material hardness: Brinell, Rockwell, Vickers, and Leeb. We will discuss their principles, procedures, applications, and how to choose the right...

Composites are fiber-reinforced plastics. These materials are transforming the manufacturing industry. They offer greater strength, lightweight properties, and design flexibility. Composites are ideal for high-performance applications. In contrast, traditional plastics remain a dependable choice for high-volume, cost-sensitive applications. Choosing between composites and traditional plastics depends on factors such as performance,...

One of the biggest choices in tooling for injection molding projects is what material to use for tooling. Aluminum or steel? The decision will directly affect the mold's cost, lead time, part quality, and longevity. In this blog post, we take a look at a comprehensive, data-driven comparison for your...

Prototek is proud to announce significant advancements in its defense-ready capabilities, achieving CMMC Level 2 certification and expanding its Prototek IQ platform to support ITAR-compliant projects. These milestones enhance Prototek’s role as a trusted partner in the aerospace and defense sectors, ensuring secure and compliant manufacturing solutions.

Polycarbonate and Polypropylene are two of the most common everyday plastics. When deciding which choice is best for your project, focus on performance requirements. Polycarbonate offers superior strength, clarity, and heat resistance. Polypropylene, on the other hand, is a standout for chemical resistance, low cost, and ease of processing.

Discover how aluminum tooling is revolutionizing high-volume injection molding! Once deemed unsuitable for large-scale production, aluminum has become a viable option for manufacturers thanks to advancements in alloy technology and mold design. With significant cost savings, reduced cycle times, and the ability to produce high-quality parts, aluminum molds are now...

Discover how the defense industry is revolutionizing its production processes with 3D printing, transitioning from rapid prototyping to full-scale manufacturing of mission-critical components. This innovative technology is enhancing operational readiness, improving supply chain resilience, and enabling the creation of lightweight, complex designs that were once deemed impossible. From flight helmets...

Prototek announces the appointment of John Sidorowicz as Chief Commercial Officer. This leadership role will guide commercial strategy and strengthen alignment across customer engagement, quoting, and operational execution.

Aluminum is a remarkable metal that plays a crucial role in our daily lives, from the lightweight frames of airplanes to the sleek bodies of smartphones. As the most abundant metal in Earth's crust, it has unique properties—such as exceptional strength, corrosion resistance, and excellent conductivity—that make it a favorite...

ISO 286 is where precision meets compatibility in engineering! This standardized system for tolerances, deviations, and fits ensures that your bolt fasteners and holes work seamlessly together, minimizing issues like friction and wear. Learn about the critical tolerance grades for both holes and bolts, and explore the comprehensive charts that...

Tune into our latest podcast episode featuring John Scott, VP of Metals. With over 30 years of experience, John shares invaluable insights into our precision CNC machining and sheet metal fabrication services. Learn about our unique capabilities, including specialty metals and a wide range of finishes that meet stringent industry...

Understanding tolerances and fits is crucial for ensuring that parts come together seamlessly. From the ease of assembly to the reliability of function, the right combination of tolerances can make or break a project. Whether you're dealing with clearance fits that allow for smooth movement or interference fits that create...

An overview of industrial 3D printing with Ed Graham, VP of Additive Manufacturing at Prototek Digital Manufacturing. In our latest podcast episode, Ed shares his extensive experience and insights on how 3D printing is revolutionizing industries like aerospace, defense, and medical. Learn about the innovative materials and processes that drive...

Jigs are an essential tool in manufacturing. They enable precision, repeatability, and efficiency. Understanding the different types of jigs, the best materials for their construction, and the most effective manufacturing processes are critical for engineers and manufacturers.

In our inaugural episode of the Prototek Pros Podcast, we take a quick look our innovative platform, Prototek IQ, revolutionizes the quoting process for CNC machining and sheet metal fabrication. Join Mitch Eaton, our Director of Product, as he shares insights on instant quotes, seamless online payments, and direct communication...

Our detailed charts cover everything from metric and fractional inch sizes to wire gauges. Say goodbye to costly custom tooling and hello to efficiency and accuracy. Dive into our easy-to-read tables and discover the perfect drill bit sizes to streamline your production process. Are you ready to elevate your manufacturing...