406 Industries

From the Shop Floor

Practical insights on CNC machining, prototyping, and manufacturing from 28 years of hands-on experience.

Categories

All PostsCNC PrototypingPrecision MachiningMulti-Axis MachiningInventor PrototypingProduction MachiningMaterials Guide
3D Printing vs. CNC Machining: Choosing the Right Metal Prototyping MethodCNC Prototyping
June 15, 20268 min read

3D Printing vs. CNC Machining: Choosing the Right Metal Prototyping Method

When should you 3D print a metal prototype versus CNC machine it? A practical comparison of cost, quality, and performance for functional prototypes.

Read Article
The Inventor's Guide: Scaling from Prototype to Production MachiningInventor Prototyping
May 28, 202610 min read

The Inventor's Guide: Scaling from Prototype to Production Machining

How to navigate the critical transition from a single prototype to low-volume and full-scale production without costly redesigns.

Read Article
Why Machining Tolerances Can Make or Break Your Custom Parts BudgetPrecision Machining
May 10, 20267 min read

Why Machining Tolerances Can Make or Break Your Custom Parts Budget

Understanding how tolerance specifications impact manufacturing cost — and how to specify them intelligently to save money without sacrificing function.

Read Article