Mechanical Design
Click on the links below to learn more about each subject
Design Guides
Slip Fit vs Press Fit
Understanding engineering limits and fits are a staple for every engineer in order to create well functioning mechanical assemblies. In this article we are going to focus on slip fit vs press fit. What are the key differences, the advantages and disadvantages of both and some practical examples.
The FUNDAMENTALS of surface finish
Surface finish describes texture requirements for surfaces, including roughness, waviness, and lay. Symbols on technical drawings specify these textures and necessary manufacturing processes, helping to avoid extra costs and delays.
Surface Roughness Chart
This chart shows typical surface roughness values across different manufacturing processes.
cnc Machining: Minimum Wall Thickness
Minimum wall thickness in CNC machining affects component performance. Understanding material-specific limits helps balance mass reduction with manufacturability.
Technical Drawing Checklist for Metallic Parts
This comprehensive checklist provides a systematic approach to reviewing technical drawings of metallic parts before release, covering all essential aspects from general information and dimensions to material specifications and final verification steps.
Gears
Gear Terminology
A comprehensive guide to gear terminology, covering key concepts like modules, addendum, dedendum, backlash and clearance in mechanical gear systems.
How to Size a Spur Gear
A detailed guide to spur gear design covering teeth count, module, pressure angle, and face depth. Includes formulas and real-world considerations for engineers.
Metallic Processes
Pickling
Pickling is a metal cleaning process using acidic baths to remove impurities. It’s simple, affordable, and improves corrosion resistance. While effective, it has drawbacks like solution degradation and hazardous waste production.
Passivation
Passivation builds a protective layer on metal surfaces, enhancing corrosion resistance. It’s vital for stainless steel, restoring protection after fabrication.
Black Oxide Coating
Black oxide coating is a chemical surface treatment for ferrous materials which enhances corrosion and wear resistance.
Galvansing
Galvanisation coats iron/steel with zinc to prevent corrosion. The process helps to improve durability and lifespan.
Shot Peening
Shot peening is a crucial metal treatment process that enhances the fatigue resistance, durability, and surface hardness of components. This technique involves firing small beads at high velocity onto a material’s surface, inducing compressive stress and improving mechanical properties.
knurling
Knurling adds textured patterns to surfaces, enhancing grip and bonding. Applied by machine or hand-applied, it’s used in tools, connections, and over-molding.