2026-09-22
Compare laser welding vs MIG welding across heat input, joint fit-up, speed, appearance, cost and flexibility. Learn which welding process fits your material, thickness, volume and quality requirements.
2026-09-16
Analyze eight common CNC machining defects including poor surface finish, burrs, dimensional inaccuracy, chatter, heat damage, warping, built-up edge and tool breakage. Learn causes, solutions and prevention steps for precision metal parts.
2026-09-15
Learn 5 electroplating defects analysis for metal parts: peeling, pitting, burning, skip plating and color variation, with causes, diagnosis and prevention.
2026-06-19
A practical guide comparing laser marking, laser engraving and laser etching for CNC machined parts, including depth, durability, materials, drawing notes and selection tables.
2026-06-18
A practical CAD file format guide for CNC machining, covering STEP, IGES, STL, DXF, DWG, native CAD files, PDF drawings, tolerance documentation and file submission checklists.
2026-06-18
A practical steel hardening guide covering quench and temper, carburizing, nitriding, induction hardening, hardness ranges, case depth, distortion control and inspection.
2026-06-18
A practical guide to CNC machining size limitations, including machine work envelope, milling and turning limits, tool reach, fixtures, large part strategy, inspection and design rules.
2026-06-15
A practical overview of sheet metal fabrication processes, materials, parameters, design rules, tolerances, quality control and finishing for custom fabricated parts.
2026-06-15
A practical sheet metal thickness gauge chart guide for converting gauge to millimeters and inches across steel, galvanized steel, stainless steel, aluminum, brass and copper.
2026-06-15
A practical sheet metal materials selection guide comparing aluminum, stainless steel, carbon steel, copper and brass, with thickness, bend radius, mechanical property and application tables.
2026-06-15
A practical sheet metal bend radius guide with material tables, K-factor, bend allowance formulas, flange and hole spacing rules, tolerance notes and inspection tips.
2026-06-14
A practical guide to metal surface finishing types for CNC machined parts, including anodizing, plating, powder coating, polishing, bead blasting, passivation, electropolishing and design tips.
Manufacturing Knowledge Center
CNC Machining and Manufacturing Guides for Better Parts
Milemetal publishes practical manufacturing articles for engineers, buyers and product teams who need custom metal and plastic parts. Our guides cover CNC machining, CNC milling, CNC turning, sheet metal fabrication, metal casting, rapid prototyping, surface finishing, material selection, tolerances and inspection planning.
Use these resources to prepare clearer drawings, choose suitable materials, compare manufacturing processes and reduce quotation delays before production starts.
CNC Machining Design Guides
Review machining tolerances, CAD file preparation, work envelope limits and design choices for milled and turned parts.
CNC machining servicesMaterials and Surface Finishing
Compare aluminum, stainless steel, brass, copper and engineering plastics with anodizing, plating, passivation and polishing options.
Surface finishing optionsSheet Metal and Prototyping
Learn when to use sheet metal fabrication, metal stamping, casting, CNC prototypes or bridge production before committing to tooling.
Sheet metal guide