First Article Inspection for Custom Parts: What to Check Before Approving Production
Before approving production, check that the first article samples match the released drawing and intended manufacturing route. Review the dimensional results, material and finish records, and any fit or functional
Anodizing vs. Powder Coating for Aluminum Electronics Enclosures: Which Finish Should You Specify?
A practical finish-selection guide for aluminum electronics enclosures, with checks for color, wear, masking, electrical contacts and dimensions after finishing.
How to Coordinate Mechanical Parts, PCBA and Final Assembly for a New Product Build
A practical guide to coordinating mechanical parts, PCBA, cables, firmware, assembly order, revisions and final product testing in a multi-process build.
Sheet Metal vs. CNC Machining for Electronics Enclosures: Which Process Fits Your Design?
A practical way to choose between a folded sheet metal enclosure, a machined housing, or a design that uses both processes.
How to Prepare a CNC Part for Machining: DFM Checks for Corners, Thin Walls, Deep Holes, and Threads
A practical pre-quote review of tool access, internal corners, thin walls, holes, threads and the dimensions that must be inspected.
Injection Molding DFM Checklist: Wall Thickness, Draft, Ribs, and Gate Location
Before approving an injection mold, check how the part fills, cools and leaves the tool—and whether its critical features can be measured and assembled.
Sheet Metal Enclosure Design for Manufacturing: Bends, Holes, and Fasteners
Before releasing a sheet metal enclosure, check the formed geometry, holes near bends, fastener installation, assembly access, finish, and the dimensions that control fit.
PCB Assembly File Checklist: Gerber, BOM and Placement Data
A practical PCB assembly file checklist covering Gerber data, BOM fields, pick-and-place coordinates, assembly drawings, revisions, test requirements and supplier questions.