Injection moulding seems like it would be a straightforward process. Simply insert the plastic pellets into the hopper, inject the molten material into a mould, pop it out and repeat – not much planning or organising involved. That is until you start doing it on a large scale. This is where ERP software becomes imperative for large-scale operations. ERP software not only allows for greater asset management, but it can also be essential for optimising output. Smart companies use data to improve output and increase productivity; from keeping track of inventory to ensuring quality control process ..read more

Surface modelling is a powerful way of using SolidWorks to create 3D models but it can be daunting for users who used to solid modelling. As a stepping stone to full surface modelling there are two ‘pseudo-surfacing’ tools which are often overlooked. These are the Move Face and the Delete Face – both with quite self-explanatory names – and they are more like standalone features that can be very useful in all sorts of different situations. The Delete Face Tool As the name suggests, this tool deletes faces, but it also allows you to easily patch or fill faces. The Delete Face tool can be found o ..read more

LOD Definition LOD, or Level of Detail, is a fundamental concept in the realm of CAD design. It refers to the systematic approach of defining and representing different levels of complexity and detail within a CAD model. LOD determines the level of intricacy and information included in a model, allowing designers to strike a balance between accuracy, performance, and usability.   Introduction CAD design plays a crucial role in a wide range of industries, from architecture and engineering to manufacturing and product development. It enables the creation of precise and detailed virtual mode ..read more

  Carbon steel is an alloy of iron and carbon, with a carbon content of up to 2.1 wt.%. Unlike other types of steel, carbon steel does not have a minimum requirement for other alloying elements, but it often contains manganese. The maximum allowed content of other elements in carbon steel is 1.65 wt.% for manganese, 0.6 wt.% for silicon, and 0.6 wt.% for copper. Carbon steel manufacturing process: Image by kjpargeter on Freepik Carbon steel is a widely used material that is essential to many industries due to its unique properties, which include high strength, good ductility, and excellen ..read more

AI in mechanical engineering is revolutionizing some of its most critical areas. Machine learning has been widely used in the engineering industry for years. The complexity of mechanical engineering problems requires engineers to have a diverse set of skills and knowledge, which is often acquired through experience and learning from colleagues. However, with the advent of artificial intelligence (AI) technology, it is now possible to leverage AI-powered tools like ChatGPT to enhance the capabilities of mechanical engineers. ChatGPT is an AI-powered tool that uses natural language processing (N ..read more

This article is a SOLIDWORKS price guide for the United States. For British prices, please see SOLIDWORKS prices in the UK section of this article. As an engineer interested in SolidWorks, the first question is usually ‘how much does it cost?’. Since the company does not publish its pricing on their website (they ask for your contact info for a custom quote and will send these details to a local reseller in your area), this SolidWorks Price Guide was created to give you an idea of what you should expect to pay for each version of the software. Pricing is of course subject to change, so please ..read more

What are wooden 3D puzzles?   Wooden 3D puzzles are a type of puzzle that consists of interlocking wooden pieces that can be assembled to form a three-dimensional object or scene. These puzzles can range in complexity, with some having just a few pieces and others having many small pieces that must be precisely fit together. Many wooden 3D puzzles are designed to look like familiar objects or scenes, such as animals, buildings, vehicles, or landscapes. Some popular themes for wooden 3D puzzles include animals, architecture, transportation, and nature. Wooden 3D puzzles can be a fun and ch ..read more

Considering a career in energy? Let us help you make an informed decision with this article outlining if energy is a good career! Here’s what’s going to be covered in this artcle: Is Energy a good career path? Does the energy industry pay well? What opportunities are available for a career in energy? What engineering opportunities are available for a career in energy? Are energy engineers in demand? Is Energy Engineering a good career? What Are the Best Paying Jobs in Energy? Is Energy a Good Career Path? The short answer is yes. A world without energy is an impossible thought due to the adv ..read more

Top Aerospace Companies to work for Are you considering a career in aerospace? This article will go over a list of 15 top aerospace companies you should consider if you are studying mechanical engineering, or looking for the best aeronautical and similar companies that hire aerospace engineers. If you also wondering which university would be best for aerospace careers, check out our Top 10 Mechanical Engineering Courses and Degrees in the USA or Top 10 Mechanical Engineering University Courses in the UK articles. “Aerospace companies” are usually aerospace manufacturers, and they research, des ..read more

Geometric Dimensioning & Tolerancing (GD&T) is an engineering language that can be difficult to understand. Often you attend training, and everything seems clear, then you get back to your desk and the questions start. Sometimes getting answers can be difficult. Wouldn’t it be nice to have one location to find answers related to GD&T and the Y14.5 Standard? What is GD&T? Designers and engineers use GD&T to describe the exact specifications of a particular component or assembly. This allows for greater precision in the manufacturing process, as well as ensuring that all part ..read more