
The Benefits of In-House Tool and Die Design
Comments Off on The Benefits of In-House Tool and Die DesignAre you getting started on a stamped metal part project with your OEM? If so, you’ll likely be looking for vendors who can form your part quickly, accurately, and at a cost that meets your budget. But before you even start your search, consider how the tool and die design process will affect your end […]
Tags: metal stamping, progressive die, stamped metal part, tool and die design

3 Ways Manufacturers Are Powering Eco-Friendly Initiatives
Comments Off on 3 Ways Manufacturers Are Powering Eco-Friendly InitiativesAs consumer demand for sustainable, eco-friendly products and services continues to rise, many major corporations are responding by incorporating green manufacturing processes into their day-to-day operations. One of the best examples of this push toward greater sustainability is the adoption of environmentally friendly packaging. Leading companies such as McDonald’s, Coca-Cola, and Amazon are now choosing […]
Tags: eco-friendly, environment, LED, Packaging, sustainability, sustainable

How Is Technology Changing Manufacturing?
Comments Off on How Is Technology Changing Manufacturing?Over the past several years, advanced technology has come to the forefront in the manufacturing world. This technology not only enhances processes via automation, it has also allowed for a huge resurgence in U.S. manufacturing. In fact, data from the Institute for Supply Management showed that as of October 2017, the U.S. manufacturing industry had […]
Tags: 3D printing, automated assembly, manufacturing, vision-based inspection

Using the Rockwell Hardness Test for Metal Applications
Comments Off on Using the Rockwell Hardness Test for Metal ApplicationsA metal’s hardness indicates its resistance to permanent shape changes when a compressive force is applied. Naturally, it is an important characteristic, and measuring hardness enables a manufacturer to choose an appropriate material for an application. There are various methods (such as Rockwell, Brinell, and Vickers) for measuring metal hardness. Of these, the simplest and […]
Tags: hardness conversion table, hardness measurements, manufacturers, Rockwell Hardness Test

ISO vs. IATF 16949: What Changed with the New ISO/TS Requirements?
Comments Off on ISO vs. IATF 16949: What Changed with the New ISO/TS Requirements?ISO/TS 16949, the automotive industry’s most widely applied international standard for quality, will be replaced by IATF 16949. The new certification, developed by Automotive Industry Action Group members, changes the requirements of quality management systems for all automotive OEMs and suppliers in the industry. It provides for an interdisciplinary approach focused on risk management, customer […]
Tags: automotive, IATF, ISO, quality control

Using Laser Marking for Logos and Serial Numbers
Comments Off on Using Laser Marking for Logos and Serial NumbersProducts across multiple industries must meet label compliance standards, prompting more manufacturers to leverage laser marking to improve product traceability. Cutting-edge fiber laser marking and similar technologies now allow companies to literally make their mark on materials that would be difficult — if not impossible — to alter otherwise. Unlike screen printing or hand engraving, […]

Rockwell, Brinell, and Vickers Metal Hardness Tests: What’s the Difference?
Comments Off on Rockwell, Brinell, and Vickers Metal Hardness Tests: What’s the Difference?Completing a hardness test is a critical step in qualifying metal parts; these tests determine the various properties of a specific metal, such as resistance to wear, toughness, and formability. Different test scales were created to assist engineers in selecting the appropriate metals and hardness for their specific application. To help you understand the different […]
Tags: Brinells Hardness Test, hardness conversion table, Rockwell Hardness Test, Vickers Hardness Test

Q&A with ESI’s President: Why More Aerospace Manufacturers Are Investing in Automation
Comments Off on Q&A with ESI’s President: Why More Aerospace Manufacturers Are Investing in Automation2017 is looking promising for the aerospace industry, driven by increasing military investments and a growing commercial/regional aircraft market. This forecast is increasing jobs and manufacturing work throughout the country, forcing aerospace manufacturers to rely more heavily on automation to complete high-volume projects. Manufacturers serving this industry are also increasingly investing in automated inspection equipment […]
Tags: aerospace, aerospace manufacturing, automated assembly, automation, ESI

Inside ESI: How Our Manufacturing Equipment Works
Comments Off on Inside ESI: How Our Manufacturing Equipment WorksCommitted to continual improvement, the team at ESI is constantly on the lookout for new equipment and processes that will ensure the highest-quality, fastest production — especially for the largest runs. To accomplish this, we’ve even custom-built a few machines of our own. You may have heard about our latest venture in 3D printing to […]
Tags: 3D printing, Assembly, Laser Sensors, manufacturing, metal stamping, Packaging

How to Cut Costs from Your Stamped Metal Product’s Design
2 CommentsWe’ve seen manufacturers go to great lengths to avoid high production costs — from settling for lower quality materials to avoiding much-needed secondary processes. The problem is that these methods generally lead to a completed part of lower quality, prone to breakage and malfunctioning. To achieve the highest quality stamped metal parts at acceptable costs, […]
Tags: fracture angles, production costs, stamped metal, stamping design formulas