Additive manufacturing is an innovative manufacturing process in which material is added layer by layer to create three-dimensional objects. This approach enables the production of complex geometries and customized components that are often not feasible with traditional manufacturing methods. In industry, additive manufacturing is used to create prototypes quickly, shorten production times and increase material efficiency. It also offers flexibility for design adjustments without additional tooling costs, making development and production more agile. By reducing waste and optimizing the use of materials, additive manufacturing contributes to sustainable production and strengthens the competitiveness of companies in a wide range of industries.
The bend radius is a radius that indicates how a material must be bent without causing cracks or permanent deformation. The bend radius varies from material to material and is therefore often specified in technical drawings to ensure the final product meets expectations. The smaller the bend radius, the tighter the product curves can be, but it also increases the demands on the material.
Biocompatibility refers to the ability of a material to interact with living tissue without causing undesirable biological reactions. In the manufacturing industry, especially in the production of medical devices, implants and prostheses, biocompatibility is crucial. Materials must be carefully selected and tested to ensure that they are neither toxic nor irritating and that they can function permanently in the body. High biocompatibility ensures patient safety and well-being, minimizes the risk of rejection and meets regulatory requirements. Biocompatibility therefore plays a central role in the development and production of medical products in order to provide effective and trustworthy solutions for the healthcare sector.
A blank is a semi-finished product that is created after the primary machining process and serves as the starting material for further production. In industrial production, the blank forms the basis for various downstream processing steps such as machining, shaping or surface treatment. Blanks can come in different shapes and materials, for example as metal ingots, plastic granules or blocks of wood, depending on the desired end product. The quality and precision of the blank are crucial for the efficiency and accuracy of the subsequent production steps, as they form the basis for the dimensional accuracy and technical properties of the finished product. By using standardized blanks, production processes can be optimized and costs reduced, thereby increasing competitiveness in the manufacturing industry.
The Blue Angel certification is a globally recognized environmental label that was introduced in Germany in 1978 and identifies products that are particularly environmentally friendly. Criteria for assessing the environmental friendliness of the product are, for example, resource conservation, energy efficiency and reduction of pollutants. The label is intended to help consumers find environmentally friendly products and thus make their purchasing decisions easier. Conversely, it is also an opportunity for companies to have their efforts with regard to the environment labeled and thus make the product more attractive.
CAD (Computer-Aided Design) software is best suited for creating technical drawings. This software helps with the creation, modification, and optimization of drawings and can display models in 3D. CAD software is particularly helpful for standardizing drawings, as it significantly improves accuracy and efficiency and facilitates functional simulation.
CAM (Computer-Aided Manufacturing) software is a digital aid for the manufacturing process. By programming machines and tools, CAD models are translated into instructions that enable the machines to perform highly precise and efficient machining operations. CAM software is particularly important for metal and plastics processing because it automates manufacturing processes, reduces human errors, and improves product quality. Examples of CAM programs include Mastercam and SolidCAM.
The casting radius is an important factor when planning castings in order to avoid cracks, fractures and other limitations of the casting. The casting radius includes all corners and edges of a casting that are created during the manufacturing process. The better the casting radius is selected for the respective part, the higher the material flowability as well as the removal of the parts from the mold. In order to implement precise casting radii during production, it is necessary to record these in the technical drawings using minimum and maximum radii. Well-chosen casting radii can significantly improve the service life and reliability of components.
In manufacturing technology, the cavity refers to the cavity within a tool or mold that determines the shape of the part to be produced. In the injection molding process in particular, the cavity is crucial for the precision and quality of the plastic parts produced. It has a significant influence on the surface finish, dimensional accuracy and structural integrity of the end product. A carefully designed cavity ensures efficient material distribution, minimizes production errors such as blowholes or warpage and optimizes the cycle process. The precise design and maintenance of cavities are therefore essential for the profitability and competitiveness of manufacturing companies.
Learn more →The CE mark is known throughout Europe and is mandatory for many products such as toys, electrical appliances and machines. If a product bears the mark, this indicates that the product meets the safety, health and environmental requirements of the EU directives. It is important to note that the label is not automatically a guarantee of good quality, but rather shows that the manufacturer takes responsibility for ensuring that the product meets the requirements. If a product has the seal, it is approved for the free movement of goods within the European Economic Area (EEA) and can therefore be sold freely.
Centrifugal force is an apparent force that occurs in a rotating system and acts outward. Centrifugal force occurs when a body moves with inertia in a circular orbit. In mechanical engineering and, for example, in the automotive industry, centrifugal force is measured when cornering or the functioning of centrifuges needs to be determined. It depends on the mass, the rotational speed, and the radius of the circular orbit.
CFR (Cost and Freight) is an international trade clause and part of the Incoterms. It is very similar to the CIF clause, but does not include insurance cover. This means that, as with CIF, the seller bears the costs of loading and transportation of the freight to the port of destination, but insurance cover for the risk of loss or damage must be assumed by the buyer from the time of loading. CFR is used exclusively in maritime shipping and is particularly interesting for buyers who organize the insurance cover themselves, while other costs are covered up to the port of destination.
CIF (Cost, Insurance and Freight) belongs to the group of Incoterms and is an international trade term for delivery. Under this clause, the shipper bears the freight and insurance costs of transportation to the port of destination. Once the goods arrive at the port of destination, all further responsibilities are assumed by the buyer. The CIF clause is intended exclusively for sea transport and facilitates the organization of freight and reduces the buyer's risk. It is particularly suitable for those buyers who wish to leave the main transportation and insurance obligations to the seller.
The international trade term CIP (Carriage and Insurance Paid to) is part of the Incoterms and describes the case where the seller assumes the costs and minimum insurance of the freight up to the destination, but not the risk of loss or damage once it has been handed over to the first carrier. Overall, CIP is very similar to CPT, with the difference of additional insurance coverage. CIP can be applied to all types of transportation.
Corrosion resistance is the ability of a material to withstand all influences, including chemical or electrochemical attacks. Materials with high corrosion resistance can withstand even aggressive influences such as salt or acids and are therefore not only suitable for a wide range of applications, but also retain their full functionality and strength. In part, high corrosion resistance is caused by the natural properties, but it can also be significantly improved by numerous coatings or other surface treatments afterwards.
CPT (Carriage Paid To) is an international trade term and states that the seller assumes all freight costs up to the previously named destination. However, the risk of loss or damage is no longer covered from the first carrier, so the buyer must take out appropriate insurance himself. CPT is part of the Incoterms and can be used for any type of transportation.
The cutting tool is a special type of tool that is required for cutting, dividing or machining a workpiece. It is particularly needed in various CNC processes such as turning, milling or drilling. Cutting tools are usually made of hard materials such as steel or diamond to improve precision and tool life. This is particularly important when the workpieces themselves are made of hard materials. The choice of the right cutting tool depends on various factors, such as the material hardness, surface quality or type of machining.
DAP (Delivered at Place) is a trade term of the international Incoterms. DAP states that the seller assumes all costs and insurance of the freight until delivery to the destination. Risk of loss or damage passes to the buyer only after the goods have been placed at the destination for unloading. Unloading and import duties are usually borne by the buyer. The advantage of this clause is that the seller assumes full responsibility for logistics. It can also be applied to all types of transportation.
DDP (Delivered Duty Paid) is one of the best known international trade clauses as it is the one-stop solution for buyers. This clause states that the seller assumes all costs and risks of the complete delivery and logistics up to the delivery to the final destination. This includes any customs duties and taxes as well as insurance and transportation. The buyer therefore simply has to take delivery of the goods, and thus has the most convenient variant of the trade term. This clause is particularly often used when the buyer has no experience of the legal and logistical requirements of international transportation.
De-molding refers to the process of removing a finished workpiece from a mold or tool after the manufacturing process has been completed, for example during injection molding or casting. This step is crucial to maintain the integrity and quality of the product. In industrial manufacturing, demolding requires precise control of process parameters to prevent damage to the part and ensure high repeatability. Effective demolding contributes to production line efficiency, reduces scrap rates and improves overall productivity. It is also a key factor in maintaining quality standards and ensuring the functionality of manufactured parts, which is essential for competitiveness in the manufacturing industry.
Density describes the mass of a material per unit volume and is measured in kilograms per cubic meter (kg/m³). It describes how dense, or compact, the mass is in a given volume. It is one of the most important physical properties of a material, as important conclusions can be drawn from density, for example, in aerospace and packaging.
A die is a specialized tool in manufacturing technology that is used for forming, punching or cutting materials. It typically consists of two main components - the upper and lower die - which work together precisely to ensure accurate and repeatable production processes. Dies are essential in industries such as metalworking, plastics and automotive production as they increase efficiency and ensure the quality of end products. By using dies, complex components can be manufactured in high volumes, saving both time and costs while ensuring consistent precision and surface quality of the manufactured parts.
Dimensional accuracy refers to the precision with which manufactured components comply with the specified dimensions and tolerances. It is a key quality factor in production, as it ensures the accuracy of fit and functionality of the end products. Dimensional accuracy is achieved through precise machines, careful process control and regular quality checks. High dimensional accuracy minimizes waste and rework, increases production efficiency and boosts customer satisfaction. It is also crucial for compliance with industry standards and a company's competitiveness on the market. In practice, consistent dimensional accuracy enables reliable series production and promotes long-term success in the manufacturing industry.
A supplementary clause to DAP is the DPU (Delivered at Place Unloaded). It is part of the international Incoterms and states that the seller bears all costs and risks for the freight up to the final destination and also assumes responsibility for unloading. Only after successful unloading do the remaining responsibilities, such as onward transportation or import duties, pass to the buyer. The clause is particularly useful for those buyers who want to transfer the entire logistics to the seller and also do not have a suitable unloading infrastructure themselves.
The DXF file is a special CAD file format that enables the exchange of 2D and 3D drawing data between CAD programs. The file format can capture information, texts and other details of a drawing and is therefore often used in architecture, mechanical engineering or graphic design. DXF files are platform-independent and therefore enable smooth transfer between different programs. Geometric shapes supported by the format include circles, lines and arcs, making the format particularly suitable for sheet metal working to place parts on a sheet.
Elasticity is the ability of a material to return to its original shape when the deformation is removed by a released load. Elasticity is typically measured by the Young's modulus, which expresses the relationship between stress and strain. Materials with high elasticity, such as rubber, can return to their original shape even after high stress or deformation without compromising their mechanical properties.
Electrical conductivity indicates how well a material can conduct electrical current. This is characterized by the conductivity coefficient and is measured in siemens per meter (S/m). Materials with very high electrical conductivity, such as copper, are essential for use in electrical cables and circuit boards. Electrical conductivity depends on the freely available electrons in the material.
The international trade term EXW (Ex Works) is part of the Incoterms (International Commercial Terms) and states that the seller fulfills their delivery obligation as soon as they have made the goods available for collection at their location. This type of delivery is therefore also called "ex works." The seller is therefore not responsible for transport and shipping, so the buyer must bear the logistics and costs themselves. This type of delivery is particularly suitable if the buyer already has a large existing logistics network or has sufficient experience and resources for logistics handling.
FAS (Free Alongside Ship) is an international trade term and part of the Incoterms. It describes that the seller delivers the goods to the port of shipment and places them alongside the ship. Up to this point, the seller bears all costs and risks, which are then transferred to the buyer on an ongoing basis. Thus, the seller bears all costs and risks including loading and unloading, insurance and freight. This clause is used exclusively for maritime transport and is particularly suitable for bulky and bulk goods.
Fatigue occurs whenever a material fails under repeated cyclic loading. Over the course of a component's service, irreversible damage such as microcracks can develop over time, which can ultimately lead to fracture. Fatigue is an important factor that must be considered in a component's life cycle analysis. The time to fatigue can be determined in fatigue tests, where the component is subjected to cyclic loads. Design optimizations and the selection of suitable materials can reduce or delay the risk of fatigue.
One international trade clause of the Incoterms is the FCA (Free Carrier). This states that the seller delivers the goods to a specified location or to a named carrier and must bear all costs and risks up to this point, including insurance and export duties. From the point of delivery, the buyer then assumes all duties and responsibilities for the remaining stages of delivery. The clause can be used flexibly for various transportation routes such as ship or plane.
Die FCM (Food Contact Materials) sind Materialien oder Gegenstände, die mit Lebensmitteln in Kontakt kommen können, wie Verpackungen, Maschinen oder Küchengeräte. Damit diese Materialien in Kombination mit Lebensmitteln unbedenklich sind, müssen sie strenge Sicherheitsanforderungen erfüllen. Diese Anforderungen sind z.B. in der EU durch die Verordnung (EG) Nr. 1935/2004 und in den USA durch die FDA (Food and Drug Administration) festgelegt. Diese Zertifizierung ist somit sehr wichtig für die Lebensmittelsicherheit und das Vertrauen in entsprechende Produkte und garantiert, dass keine gesundheitsschädlichen Stoffe in die Lebensmittel übergehen.
A special form of 3D printing is the FDM (Fused Deposition Modeling) process. In this process, thermoplastic materials are extruded layer by layer and deposited on top of one another to create a 3D object. This 3D printing method is primarily used when prototypes and small series need to be produced cost-effectively and without great demands on surface quality. Plastics such as ABS, PLA or nylon are usually used for production; these are melted through a nozzle and then precisely applied. The layer-by-layer production makes it possible to depict complex geometries and shapes. This allows design features to be precisely represented and optimized, especially during the development phase of a product.
The feed rate is the speed at which a component is moved along the machining axis during CNC machining such as turning, milling or drilling. The feed rate is usually measured in millimetres per minute (mm/min) or millimetres per revolution (mm/rev). Adapting the feed rate to the material is crucial to ensure high quality machining and optimum machine service life. As a rule, the harder the material, the lower the feed rate, as otherwise there will be high wear and poor surface quality.
Filaments is a long, thin strand of material that is used in additive manufacturing, particularly in 3D printing. It often consists of thermoplastics such as PLA, ABS or PETG, which are melted through an extrusion process and applied in layers to create three-dimensional objects. In industrial manufacturing, filament enables the precise and cost-efficient production of complex components and prototypes. The material properties of the filament, such as strength, flexibility and temperature resistance, directly influence the quality and functionality of the manufactured products. Therefore, the selection of the appropriate filament type is crucial for the efficiency and reliability of production processes in the modern manufacturing industry.
Fluidity describes the ability of a material to deform or flow under certain conditions. In the manufacturing industry, flowability is crucial for processes such as casting, injection molding and extrusion, as it influences the formability and surface quality of the end product. High flowability allows the material to be evenly distributed in complex shapes and reduces the occurrence of defects such as shrinkage cavities or cracks. From an academic point of view, flowability depends on factors such as temperature, viscosity and shear stress. In practice, optimizing flowability is essential to ensure efficient production processes, enable material savings and maximize product quality, which ultimately strengthens a company's competitiveness.
FOB (Free on Board) is one of the clauses defined in the Incoterms for recording responsibilities for buyers and sellers in the transportation of goods. This clause describes that the seller fulfills his delivery obligation as soon as the goods have been loaded onto the vessel designated by the buyer. After loading onto the selected vessel, the buyer bears all further costs and risks, including freight, insurance and unloading. FOB is used exclusively in shipping and facilitates the drafting of contracts for delivery.
The forgeability of a material comprises the ability to deform the material plastically using pressure and heat without breaking it. Individual materials, such as aluminum or steel, can be forged particularly well and thus processed into geometrically complex shapes. Forgeability essentially depends on the chemical composition, the temperature and the specific processing conditions of the metal.
Hardening refers to the process of targeted strengthening of materials, particularly metals and plastics. Thermal or chemical processes are used to improve the mechanical properties of the material by strengthening its structure. In industrial production, hardening is used in the manufacture of components that require increased strength and wear resistance, such as in the automotive or mechanical engineering industries. This process is crucial to ensure the durability and reliability of products. In addition, curing enables the optimization of material properties, which increases both the performance and safety of the end products. Overall, curing makes a significant contribution to quality assurance and increased efficiency in the manufacturing industry.
Hardness significantly influences the wear resistance and durability of materials and describes the ability of a material to protect itself from the penetration of another body and thus to resist permanent plastic deformation. In order to measure the resistance to external influences such as scratches or abrasion, the indentation or scratch hardness is usually determined. In particular, materials with a strong internal structure such as diamond have a high hardness.
Homogenization refers to the industrial process of creating a uniform, stable mixture of different substances. Through mechanical action, such as high-pressure homogenization, particles are reduced to microscopic levels and evenly distributed. This process is essential in the food, pharmaceutical and chemical industries to ensure the consistency, quality and shelf life of products. Homogenization prevents the separation of phases, improves the texture and appearance of the end products and enables efficient further processing. In addition, the process contributes to the reduction of microorganisms, which increases the safety and longevity of products. Overall, homogenization is an essential step in ensuring high industry standards and meeting customer expectations.
Impact resistance describes the strength of a material under sudden loads, such as hard blows or impacts. In various tests, such as the Charpy or Izod test, the impact resistance is determined by testing the material for sudden loads until it breaks or tears. High impact resistance is particularly important for applications with high dynamic loads. This is achieved by certain plastics or alloy steels, for example.
Impact strength describes the ability of a material to withstand impact loads or sudden forces without breaking or permanently deforming. It is usually determined using test methods such as the Charpy or Izod impact test, in which the energy that a material absorbs at break is measured. In the manufacturing industry, impact strength is decisive for the selection of materials in safety-relevant applications, such as vehicle components or machine components that are exposed to high mechanical loads. High impact strength ensures the reliability and durability of products under changing load conditions, which helps to reduce failures and increase safety.
The Incoterms (International Commercial Terms) are voluntary clauses established by the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) to make responsibilities between buyers and sellers in international trade more understandable and uniform. The Incoterms cover all aspects of delivery, risk, transportation and customs clearance and can be included in contracts to avoid misunderstandings. The three most important and best-known Incoterms are EXW (Ex Works), FOB (Free on Board) and CIF (Cost, Insurance and Freight). Each of these clauses sets out different obligations and costs for the respective party from collection to final delivery. The Incoterms are adapted to current trade practices at regular intervals.
Injection molding is a manufacturing process in which molten material - usually plastic or metal - is injected into a mould or tool under high pressure. This process is mainly used in plastics and metal processing to produce precise and complex components in large quantities. Injection allows detailed shapes to be produced with tight tolerances and consistent quality, which is essential for series production. The technology enables efficient production processes, reduced material waste and quick changeover between different product variants. In industry, injection plays a central role in the production of components for the automotive, electronics, consumer goods and many other sectors. The optimization of the injection process contributes significantly to the competitiveness and innovative capacity of manufacturing companies.
Injection molding parameters are the specific settings and conditions that are defined in the injection molding process to control the production of plastic parts. These include die and plastic temperatures, injection pressure, injection speed, dwell time and cooling times. The precise setting of these parameters is crucial for the quality and consistency of the parts produced, as they influence factors such as surface quality, dimensional accuracy and material properties. In practice, optimally tuned injection moulding parameters enable efficient production, reduce scrap rates and improve material utilization. They are therefore of great importance both from an academic perspective and in industry in order to produce competitive and high-quality plastic products.
The Internet of Things (IoT) refers to a network of physical devices, machines and sensors that are connected to each other via the internet and exchange data. In the manufacturing industry, IoT enables the real-time monitoring of production processes, the optimization of workflows and the predictive maintenance of systems. By collecting and analyzing large amounts of data, companies can work more efficiently, reduce costs and improve product quality. IoT plays a central role in Industry 4.0 by driving the digitalization and automation of production facilities. The integration of IoT technologies helps to increase the competitiveness of manufacturers and develop innovative business models.
ISO 9001 is an international certification awarded to companies that can demonstrate a good quality management system. They can therefore prove that they are able to implement complex processes to ensure consistently high product quality and a high level of customer satisfaction. This applies to the entire value chain, from development and production through to customer service. ISO 9001 is therefore an important proof of quality in relationships between companies and customers, and can also improve competitiveness and efficiency.
Machinability describes the suitability of a material to be machined using CNC production processes such as turning, milling or drilling. Many mechanical properties, such as hardness, toughness or thermal conductivity, influence the machinability of a material. The higher the machinability of a material, the easier it is to machine, which in turn has a positive effect on wear and production costs. Machinability is therefore one of the most important parameters in the production of workpieces and components.
Magnetizability describes the ability of a material to develop its own magnetic properties under the influence of an external magnetic field. Materials such as iron, nickel and cobalt, some of which retain their magnetic properties even after the external magnetic field has been removed, are particularly suitable for this process. The magnetizability of a material is characterized by its permeability. High magnetizability makes materials particularly interesting for electrical engineering or magnetic bearings.
Make or buy is a decision-making process in which a strategic decision is made as to whether a product or service should be manufactured internally (make) or by an external provider (buy). The decision is made on the basis of several factors, such as costs, quality, capacities and know-how. The analysis can help companies to find the optimal solution in terms of resources and costs. This can improve competitiveness and flexibility.
The melting temperature is the temperature at which the solid state of a material changes to the liquid state. It essentially depends on the chemical composition and structure of the material and is measured in degrees Celsius (°C) or Kelvin (K). Especially in environments where high thermal stability is required, the melting temperature must always be taken into account. The melting temperature is also an important indicator for all manufacturing and joining processes, such as welding or forging.
The modulus of elasticity (E-modulus) describes the deformability of a material. This determines the material's ability to deform elastically under load. The higher the modulus of elasticity, the greater the stiffness, meaning the material is less able to deform. Typical stiff materials are often certain types of steel. The E-modulus is measured in Pascal (Pa) and is a fundamental measurement for all mechanical engineering designs.
Mould bevels are cone-shaped slopes that are attached to the sides of molds, such as casting molds or injection molds. They allow the manufactured part to be easily removed from the mould by minimizing friction and adhesion. The mold chamfer is an essential aspect in toolmaking, as it influences both the service life of the mold and the quality of the component produced. The correct design of the mold chamfers can increase the production speed and reduce the likelihood of defects such as memory effects or deformations. In industrial production, the precise design of mold chamfers helps to increase efficiency and reduce costs by reducing scrap and extending maintenance intervals.
Nesting is a type of optimization in sheet metal processing. Nesting involves arranging multiple parts on a single sheet as closely as possible in order to minimize material waste and thus the waste of resources. By using special nesting software, DXF files can be created to maximize the use of material. When arranging the parts on a single sheet, many parameters such as part geometry, cutting paths and machine thickness must be taken into account in order to achieve a real difference in resource utilization and costs.
On-demand refers to products or services that are available immediately, usually via the internet. On-demand platforms are primarily known in the areas of software and streaming, but are also developing an important role in industry. The advantages of on-demand platforms are increased flexibility and cost savings, as industrial offers can be created quickly and only for the resources that are actually required.
Production as a service (PaaS) describes the business concept in which a company's production capacities are made available for other companies to use. The advantage for companies that use this service is that they do not need their own production facilities and therefore save financial resources. PaaS also guarantees a faster market launch, automated production and access to professional contacts.
Plasticity is the property of a material that occurs when the material can be permanently deformed under load and does not return to its original shape. Plastic deformation always occurs when the elastic limit of the material is exceeded. Typical materials that are very plastic are copper and aluminum, for example, as they are very easy to shape and bend. The more plastic a material is, the better its formability in general, and it is then particularly suitable for forming by forging, rolling or deep drawing.
Plasticizing refers to the process in which plastics are made more flexible and easier to process by adding plasticizers or other additives. This process changes the physical properties of the material by influencing the molecular structure and increasing the mobility of the polymer chains. In industry, plasticizing is used to adapt plastics to specific requirements, for example for the production of films, coatings or flexible components. Through plasticizing, materials can achieve higher elasticity, better formability and improved processability, which optimizes production processes and increases the quality of the end products. Plasticizing is therefore an essential step in plastics processing that has a significant impact on both technical performance and economic efficiency.
The pre-injector is an essential component in injection molding technology that is used to precisely pre-press the plastic material before the main injection process. This early material feed ensures even distribution in the mold, which significantly improves the quality and consistency of the manufactured components. In industrial production, pre-moulding enables more efficient use of the material and minimizes production errors such as air inclusions or uneven wall thicknesses. From an academic point of view, the use of the preform contributes to the optimization of process parameters and promotes a deeper understanding of material flows during the injection moulding process. This makes the preform an indispensable element in the production of high-quality plastic parts.
A profile shows the cross-section of a component in which the shape and properties are defined. Specific profiles can be used to meet desired requirements, such as stability or strength. The choice of the optimum profile depends on various factors, such as the load-bearing capacity and the area of application.
A prototype is an early version of a final product in which the functionalities and design of the end product can be tested and simulated. Prototypes are usually created in the development process shortly before series production and are used to optimize the product. It is not uncommon for several prototypes to be created, which are adapted on the basis of feedback and evaluation. Prototypes can be produced using various manufacturing processes. The creation of digital models using CAD software is also suitable for pure design optimization.
The EU regulation REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorization and Restriction of Chemicals) was introduced to regulate the manufacture, trade and handling of chemical substances. It is intended to promote the responsible use of chemicals and oblige companies to be transparent. Companies must report the chemicals they use and the quantities to the ECHA (Chemicals Agency). This affects the entire supply chain and a wide range of products throughout the EU. The aim is to reduce health and natural risks.
RoHS (Restriction of Hazardous Substances) is an EU directive that sets limits for various hazardous substances in electrical and electronic equipment. Substances covered by this directive include lead, mercury and cadmium. The aim of the directive is to restrict the use of these substances and thus reduce environmental and health risks. This makes production processes more environmentally friendly and resource-efficient. Compliance is mandatory for manufacturers, importers and retailers. It must also be proven through various tests in order to be able to sell the product in the EU.
A screw cylinder is a mechanical component that uses a screw thread to convert rotary motion into linear motion. In the manufacturing industry, screw cylinders are often used in applications that require precise positioning and controlled movements, such as conveyors, lifting devices or automation systems. Thanks to their robust design and high accuracy, screw cylinders enable reliable and efficient control of machine components, which significantly increases production quality and speed. They are also characterized by a good load-bearing capacity and low maintenance requirements, making them widely used in various sectors such as the automotive industry, packaging technology and the mechanical engineering industry.
The shear modulus (G-modulus) is a measure of the deformation capacity when the component is under shear load. In the linear-elastic range, the shear modulus describes the relationship between the shear stress and the shear deformation. Materials with a high shear modulus are particularly resistant to changes in shape under shear loads. The shear modulus is measured in pascals (Pa) and is an important determinant in mechanical engineering.
The SLA (stereolithography) process is a special 3D printing process in which 3D models are created by curing liquid photopolymer resin layer by layer with a UV laser. The advantage of this process is that very smooth surfaces can be produced thanks to the high precision. The process is useful for detailed parts in prototype construction or for small parts. In contrast to other 3D printing processes, SLA is one of the slower ones, which is due to the superior level of detail. Depending on the resin, the product from SLA printing can differ in terms of flexibility, strength or temperature resistance.
SLS (laser sintering) is a 3D printing process in which plastic powder materials are fused layer by layer using a laser to produce an object. The special feature of this process is that the complex geometries can be produced without additional support structures, as the unprocessed powder already serves as a support. SLS is particularly suitable for industrial purposes such as advanced prototypes and small series, as the manufactured products are very durable and rich in detail. In most cases, the technology is somewhat more expensive, but makes it possible to achieve high mechanical requirements.
Solidification refers to the physical process in which a material changes from a liquid to a solid state. In manufacturing technology, solidification is particularly important in casting processes, where molten metal is poured into molds and then cooled to obtain the desired shape and structure. This process significantly influences the mechanical properties and microstructure of the end product. Precise control of the solidification process is essential to avoid material defects such as blowholes or cracks and to ensure the quality of the manufactured components. By understanding and optimizing the solidification process, manufacturers can increase efficiency and optimize material usage.
The sprue is an essential part of the casting process in metal and plastics processing. It acts as a connection between the melting cup and the casting mold, allowing the liquid metal to be fed into the mold in a controlled and uniform manner. Precise design of the sprue prevents casting defects such as shrinkage cavities or uneven material distribution, which increases the quality and stability of the end product. In industry, an efficient sprue makes a significant contribution to optimizing production processes and reducing reject rates. The sprue is therefore a decisive factor for economic efficiency and reliability in the casting process.
Stability refers to the stability and safety of an object. Decisive factors for the calculation of stability include mass distribution, material strength and various external influences. The stability is particularly important for large structures in order to ensure a suitable choice of material and a long service life of a building structure.
A STEP file is a specific file format that is used in particular for transferring and saving 3D models and CAD data and is primarily used in industry and mechanical engineering. Technical data such as geometric and functional information can be exchanged without loss. STEP files are saved in the same format regardless of the CAD program and can therefore be easily transferred between design and manufacturing systems, thus promoting interoperability between these systems. The format is defined in the ISO 10303 standard.
Stiffness describes the property that a material can resist permanent deformation even under load. This is determined, for example, by the modulus of elasticity or G-modulus. Stiffness is an important indicator of the stability and functionality of components, as materials with a high stiffness retain their original shape even under heavy loads.
Similar to resilience, strength is a measurement that describes the resistance to external stresses or forces. Strength can be determined using various parameters such as tensile strength or shear strength. Strength depends, among other things, on the chemical composition and manufacturing process.
Subtractive manufacturing refers to a manufacturing process in which material is removed from a blank using various techniques such as turning, milling or drilling to form the desired end product. This process is widely used in the metal, plastics and wood industries. It enables the precise production of complex components with tight tolerances and high surface quality. Subtractive manufacturing is essential for series production, prototyping and customization in manufacturing technology. By using modern CNC machines (computerized numerical control), efficiency and accuracy can be further increased, making companies more competitive.
The surface quality includes all properties and the quality of a component's surface. For example, roughness, waviness and density are taken into account. The surface quality can be measured using methods such as stylus devices and optical methods and specified in micrometers (µm). The higher the surface quality, the smoother and more uniform the surface. The surface quality is primarily determined when high demands are placed on the functionality of the surface or on optical components.
Surface roughness measures the unevenness and texture of a surface at the smallest level. It is mainly measured by the height differences on the surface and is given in micrometers (µm). The mechanical properties strongly depend on the surface roughness as it influences friction, wear and functionality. Therefore, choosing the right surface roughness is also important for manufacturing processes such as CNC machining. The roughness is often improved by various finishing processes such as grinding and polishing.
Tear strength refers to the ability of a material to withstand an applied tensile force without tearing. It is a decisive parameter in the manufacturing industry, as it ensures the durability and reliability of products. In practice, tensile strength is measured for textiles, plastics and metals, for example, to ensure that the materials can withstand the intended loads. High tensile strength contributes to the durability and safety of components and is therefore essential for quality assurance and compliance with industry standards. By accurately determining tensile strength, manufacturers can select suitable materials and optimize their processing to achieve optimal product results.
The technical drawing represents a true-to-scale and detailed component. This is used to manufacture and check a component and is a central task in the manufacturing and optimization process. The drawing contains precise information on dimensions, tolerances, materials and surface finishes, for example. In order to improve the comprehensibility of such drawings, they are created according to standardized norms. To create a technical drawing, it is best to create it digitally using CAD software.
The tensile strength describes the load-bearing capacity of a material until it breaks under tensile stress. In so-called tensile tests, the material is tested for tensile strength by stretching it until a break becomes apparent. The tensile strength is an important parameter for determining the resistance of the material under certain influences. It is measured in pascals (Pa) or megapascals (MPa).
Thermal conductivity describes the ability of a material to conduct or transfer thermal energy. It is determined by the thermal conductivity coefficient “k” and measured in watts per meter-Kelvin (W/m*k). In terms of materials, a distinction is made between materials with high thermal conductivity and insulating materials with low thermal conductivity. The parameter is very important for selecting the right material for the respective component in order to ensure optimum heat transfer or insulation.
In a technical context, tolerance refers to the permissible deviation from defined standards, dimensions or other specifications. Tolerances are therefore understood as limit values with which the full functionality and accuracy of fit of a component can be guaranteed despite deviations. Tolerances are very important for the quality of components, as well as for the decision-making process for the optimum manufacturing process. The stricter the tolerances, the more precise the production must be, which usually results in higher production costs.
The UL certificate is awarded by the Underwriters Laboratories organization in the USA and Canada and tests products for safety and conformity using various nomenclatures. Products with this certificate show that they have passed stringent tests and meet high safety requirements, particularly with regard to electrical, mechanical and fire safety. In contrast to the European CE mark, there is no legal obligation to have the UL certificate for the respective product, but it is often essential for North American market entry.
Viscosity describes the internal friction of a fluid and is a measure of its flowability. In the manufacturing industry, viscosity is crucial for processes such as casting, extrusion and coating, as it influences the behavior of materials during processing. Optimal viscosity ensures consistent production processes, improves the quality of end products and minimizes material losses. In addition, viscosity is important in the selection of lubricants and coolants to increase the efficiency and service life of machines. Accurate measurement and control of viscosity enables companies to precisely control their production processes and remain competitive.
The wall thickness refers to the thickness of the wall of a component, such as a pipe, container or sheet metal. The wall thickness is decisive for various mechanical properties of a component, such as strength, stability and load-bearing capacity. The optimum wall thickness is not only important for the specific requirements of the product, but also for cost-optimized production. Cleverly selected wall thicknesses can help to make production less complicated and therefore more cost-effective.
Similar to abrasion, wear is a gradual loss of material on the surface of components. It can be caused by several factors, including friction, abrasion or corrosion. Wear resistance is primarily influenced by material hardness, surface condition and lubrication. The choice of the right tools, lubricants and coolants is therefore essential, especially in manufacturing, in order to minimize the effects of wear and thereby extend the service life of components, tools and machines.
Weather resistance refers to the ability of a material or product to withstand the effects of weather conditions such as rain, snow, sun, wind and temperature fluctuations without losing functionality, aesthetics or structural integrity. In the manufacturing industry, weather resistance is critical to the longevity and reliability of products that are used outdoors, such as building components, vehicle parts or outdoor equipment. By improving weather resistance, companies can extend the life of their products, reduce maintenance costs and increase customer satisfaction. Techniques to increase weather resistance include the selection of suitable materials, the use of coatings and the application of protective treatments.
The weldability of a material is its ability to be permanently joined by one of the welding processes. The material is particularly suitable if there are no subsequent restrictions in terms of mechanical or physical properties, especially at the weld seam. Many types of steel and aluminum, for example, are very suitable for welding as they have a favorable chemical composition as well as a good microstructure and thermal resistance. Good weldability is important for joining several components in the long term
In manufacturing, a workpiece refers to the basic blank or starting material that is shaped using various machining processes such as turning, milling or grinding. It forms the basis for the manufacture of an end product and can comprise metal, plastic or other materials. Workpieces are manufactured precisely according to technical drawings and specifications in order to achieve the desired dimensions and properties. The quality and accuracy of the workpiece is crucial for the functionality and durability of the finished product. In industry, the efficient machining of workpieces enables high production quality and contributes to the optimization of manufacturing processes.
Yield strength describes the point at which a material remains permanently deformed. Once the material retains its elongation after the load is removed, the yield point is reached. The higher a material's yield strength, the more resistant it is to permanent deformation. Yield strength is usually measured in megapascals (MPa), and this is usually determined at the 0.2% yield strength (Rp 0.2), i.e., where the material has a permanent elongation of 0.2%.
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