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On-demand manufacturing and prototyping blog
The Difference Between CAD Files and Technical Drawings
Design

The Difference Between CAD Files and Technical Drawings

Confused about whether to upload a CAD file, a technical drawing, or both when requesting a quote? This article breaks down the difference between CAD geometry and 2D drawings, explaining why both are often needed for accurate, on-demand manufacturing. Learn what details belong in each format and how to avoid common quoting delays.

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5 minute read October 14th
Scaling with On-Demand Manufacturing for Startups and SMBs
Service Guide Customer Service

Scaling with On-Demand Manufacturing for Startups and SMBs

Scaling production is one of the toughest challenges for startups and SMBs. Costs, lead times, and quality risks can multiply as demand grows. On-demand manufacturing helps companies move from prototypes to low-volume production with speed and flexibility while avoiding unnecessary risk.

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5 minute read September 15th
Avoiding Inventory Risk with Low-Volume Production
Service Guide Company

Avoiding Inventory Risk with Low-Volume Production

Startups risk tying up cash in unsold inventory. Low-volume production offers a leaner way to scale, matching output to real demand while keeping costs under control.

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6 minute read September 8th
Scaling Without Risk: On-Demand Manufacturing for Startups and SMBs
Guide Company

Scaling Without Risk: On-Demand Manufacturing for Startups and SMBs

Scaling a product from prototype to production is risky for SMBs. On-demand manufacturing offers a smarter path by eliminating inventory, reducing upfront costs, and enabling teams to scale at the pace of demand.

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6 minute read August 25th
What Project Managers Need to Know About 3D Printer Resolution
3D Printing Design

What Project Managers Need to Know About 3D Printer Resolution

This guide explains how 3D printer resolution affects surface finish, part detail, and accuracy. Learn how different technologies and settings influence print quality and what to consider when selecting the right resolution for prototypes or low-volume production.

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6 minute read August 20th
Understanding 3D Printing Infill for Better Part Design
3D Printing Guide Design

Understanding 3D Printing Infill for Better Part Design

Infill affects the strength, weight, and efficiency of 3D printed parts. Learn how patterns and density influence performance and cost. Discover which settings work best for your project.

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8 minute read August 11th
How Overlooking Tolerances Can Sink Your Machining Project
Guide Design

How Overlooking Tolerances Can Sink Your Machining Project

Tolerances play a critical role in CNC machining, yet they're often overlooked until quoting or production issues arise. This article highlights the most common tolerance mistakes we see engineers make, from relying on CAD defaults to over-specifying dimensions. With early planning, teams can reduce lead times, avoid revisions, and improve part performance.

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4 minute read August 4th
DFAM Done Right: A Practical Playbook for Modern Product Development
Guide Design

DFAM Done Right: A Practical Playbook for Modern Product Development

Design for Manufacturability (DFM) helps engineers and product teams create parts that are practical, cost-effective, and ready for real-world production. Whether you're working with CNC machining or 3D printing, applying DFM early reduces rework, speeds up development, and keeps costs under control. This guide covers core principles, common mistakes, and how to apply DFM in your workflow.

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6 minute read July 28th
Toxic Fumes, Microplastics, and Cancer: The Hidden Health Risks of 3D Printing
3D Printing

Toxic Fumes, Microplastics, and Cancer: The Hidden Health Risks of 3D Printing

3D printing may seem harmless, but it can release toxic fumes and microscopic plastic particles that pose serious health risks. This article explores the hidden dangers and offers practical tips to stay safe.

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6 minute read July 21st
Is MJF Right for Your Project? Everything You Need to Know
3D Printing Guide

Is MJF Right for Your Project? Everything You Need to Know

Multi Jet Fusion (MJF) produces strong, detailed nylon parts quickly—making it ideal for functional prototypes and low-volume production. This guide explains how MJF works, how it compares to other methods, and when to use it for the best results.

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11 minute read July 14th
Your Guide to SLS: Advantages, Materials, and Best Practices for Product Teams
3D Printing Guide

Your Guide to SLS: Advantages, Materials, and Best Practices for Product Teams

Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) is transforming how engineers and product teams build complex, functional prototypes and end-use parts. Learn about its advantages, materials, design guidelines, and how SLS supports faster, more sustainable production.

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9 minute read July 7th
SLA 3D Printing Guide: Materials, Use Cases, and 6 Design Guidelines for Project Success
3D Printing Guide

SLA 3D Printing Guide: Materials, Use Cases, and 6 Design Guidelines for Project Success

SLA 3D printing remains a go-to solution in 2025 for high-detail, smooth-surface prototypes. This guide covers its technical specs, essential design guidelines, and practical tips to help engineers and product teams achieve professional-quality results.

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9 minute read June 30th
FDM 3D Printing: Pros, Cons, and Practical Applications
3D Printing Guide

FDM 3D Printing: Pros, Cons, and Practical Applications

FDM 3D printing offers fast, affordable prototyping and tooling options. Learn how it compares to SLA and MJF for low-volume production and functional parts.

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7 minute read June 23rd
FDM, SLA, SLS, and MJF Compared: How to Choose the Right 3D Printing Process
3D Printing Guide

FDM, SLA, SLS, and MJF Compared: How to Choose the Right 3D Printing Process

Explore the key differences between FDM, SLA, SLS, and MJF in terms of cost-efficiency, part strength, surface finish, and scalability for production. This in-depth guide helps engineers and product teams select the ideal 3D printing process based on real-world applications and performance needs.

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8 minute read June 15th
Dedicated Account Managers: Our Unique Approach to Customer Service
Customer Service

Dedicated Account Managers: Our Unique Approach to Customer Service

At Simple Machining, every customer is matched with a real, human account manager—someone who knows your project, speaks your language, and keeps things moving. It’s our personal, reliable approach to customer service in custom manufacturing.

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2 minute read June 9th
Bay Area 3D Printing: How Local Pickup Cuts Lead Times By Over 4 Days
3D Printing Customer Service

Bay Area 3D Printing: How Local Pickup Cuts Lead Times By Over 4 Days

Discover how Bay Area businesses can accelerate project timelines with local 3D printing and pickup options. Simple Machining offers fast, on-demand manufacturing with reduced lead times—helping engineers and product developers keep critical projects moving.

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3 minute read June 6th
How to Use Our Instant 3D Printing Quoting Tool
3D Printing Guide

How to Use Our Instant 3D Printing Quoting Tool

Learn how to use Simple Machining's online Instant 3D Printing quoting tool with step-by-step instructions. Upload your model, configure, and order all online in minutes.

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5 minute read June 4th
Your Guide to On-Demand 3D Printing
3D Printing Guide

Your Guide to On-Demand 3D Printing

Explore how on-demand 3D printing accelerates rapid prototyping and low-volume production. Learn about materials, technologies, and how to get instant quotes with Simple Machining.

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6 minute read June 2nd

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