Blog

Manufacturing insights, industry news, and engineering resources.

Machining

Milling, Turning, and Drilling Horsepower Calculators for Matching Machines to Cuts

A cut that looks fine on paper can stall a spindle. See how CustomPartNet's horsepower calculators for milling, turning, and drilling help buyers and suppliers check feasibility before the job starts.

CustomPartNetUpdated Aug 20, 2026

Costing

What the Financing Calculator Tells Suppliers About Pricing New Equipment

New equipment means a monthly payment, but what does that actually cost you per part? See how CustomPartNet's Financing Calculator turns loan terms into a number you can actually quote.

CustomPartNetUpdated Aug 18, 2026

Sheet Metal

Using the Deep Drawing Force Calculator to Size Sheet Metal Draw Operations

Deep drawing puts more strain on sheet metal than bending alone. See how CustomPartNet's calculator estimates required force and what drawing ratio tells you about feasibility.

CustomPartNetUpdated Aug 17, 2026

Costing

The Hourly Rate Calculator: What It Tells Buyers About a Quote and What It Tells Suppliers About Their Price

What's really built into a shop's hourly rate? This deep-dive into CustomPartNet's Hourly Rate Calculator breaks down machine costs, labor, overhead, and utilization, with a worked example showing how a rate is actually calculated.

CustomPartNetUpdated Aug 12, 2026

Sheet Metal

Comparing V-Bending and Wipe Bending Force for Sheet Metal Press Brake Setups

From die opening to edge radius, learn what actually drives press brake tonnage requirements, then use CustomPartNet's calculators to estimate the force your bend will need before you request quotes.

CustomPartNetUpdated Aug 11, 2026

Sheet Metal

Bend Allowance and Bending Springback Calculators: Getting Your Flat Pattern Right the First Time

Every sheet metal bend stretches the material and springs back after forming. Learn how to calculate both effects and see a worked example using a simple steel bracket.

CustomPartNetUpdated Aug 10, 2026

Machining

Sine Bar and Gauge Block Calculators: Setting Precise Angles Without the Guesswork

See how two free CustomPartNet calculators handle sine bar trigonometry and gauge block selections for you.

CustomPartNetUpdated Aug 7, 2026

Injection Molding

Injection Molding Widget Roundup: Clamping Force, Cooling Time, and Thermal Diffusivity

Before you request quotes, it's smart to run your part through clamping force, cooling time, and thermal diffusivity calculators. Together they explain press size, cycle time, and material behavior in a few quick steps.

CustomPartNetUpdated Aug 6, 2026

Machining

Free CNC Machining Calculators: Speeds & Feeds, Tap Drill Sizes, Sine Bar Setup, and More

From speeds and feeds to tap drill sizes, here are seven free machining calculators that take the guesswork out of shop floor math.

CustomPartNetUpdated Aug 5, 2026

Injection Molding

How to Estimate the Cost of Your Injection Molded Parts

Wondering what your injection molded part will actually cost? Learn the key cost drivers and see how CustomPartNet's feature-based estimator turns your CAD file into a real number.

CustomPartNetUpdated Aug 4, 2026

Injection Molding

POM (Acetal) Injection Molding for Oil and Gas Components in Texas

Discover why POM is a go-to material for valve, pump, and fitting components in oilfield equipment, and what to weigh on tooling and tolerances before sourcing a Texas supplier.

CustomPartNetUpdated Aug 3, 2026

Injection Molding

PMMA Injection Molding for Optical Lens Components in Pennsylvania

See why PMMA is a go-to material for injection molded optical lenses, what precision tooling it requires, and how to find a Pennsylvania supplier ready to quote your project.

CustomPartNetUpdated Jul 31, 2026

Injection Molding

PMMA Injection Molding for LED Lighting Components in Pennsylvania

Explore how PMMA injection molding supports the LED lighting industry, from optical tooling requirements to finish options and typical production volumes, then find qualified Pennsylvania suppliers ready to quote your parts.

CustomPartNetUpdated Jul 31, 2026

Injection Molding

Polypropylene Injection Molding for Automotive Components in Kentucky

A look at how polypropylene injection molding supports automotive production, covering material properties, tooling considerations, and common applications across interior and under-hood components.

CustomPartNetUpdated Jul 31, 2026

Injection Molding

Polycarbonate Injection Molding for Automotive Lighting in Michigan

From headlamp lenses to LED housings, polycarbonate injection molding delivers the clarity and durability automotive lighting demands. Learn the process basics and connect with Michigan manufacturers.

CustomPartNetUpdated Jul 31, 2026

Injection Molding

ABS Injection Molding for Automotive Interior Trim in Tennessee

Read about how ABS injection molding delivers the impact resistance, tight tolerances, and paintable surfaces automotive interiors demand, and find qualified Tennessee suppliers ready to quote your trim components.

CustomPartNetUpdated Jul 31, 2026

Injection Molding

PBT Injection Molding for Electrical Connectors in Texas

See why PBT is the go-to material for electrical connectors, what tooling and tolerance challenges to expect, and how to find the right Texas supplier for your program.

CustomPartNetUpdated Jul 31, 2026

Mold making

Injection Mold Making for Automotive Plastic Components in South Carolina

How injection molds are built for automotive plastic parts, from tool steel selection to ejector systems, plus what to know before sourcing a mold maker in South Carolina.

CustomPartNetUpdated Jul 31, 2026

Injection Molding

HDPE Injection Molding for Consumer Products in California

A practical look at HDPE injection molding for consumer products, covering material properties, mold design considerations, and how California suppliers support brands from prototype to full production.

CustomPartNetUpdated Jul 31, 2026

Injection Molding

POM (Acetal) Injection Molding for Industrial Components in Wisconsin

See why POM's wear resistance and dimensional stability make it a top pick for gears, bushings, and other industrial components, and where to find qualified Wisconsin suppliers.

CustomPartNetUpdated Jul 31, 2026

Injection Molding

Polypropylene Injection Molding for Packaging Components in Illinois

From living hinges to food-safe grades, discover how polypropylene injection molding supports high-volume packaging production, and find qualified Illinois manufacturers ready to quote.

CustomPartNetUpdated Jul 31, 2026

Die Casting

Aluminum Die Casting for Automotive Parts in Ohio

A look at the aluminum die casting process, why it's a top choice for weight-conscious automotive parts, and what buyers should know about tooling, tolerances, and defects before sourcing from Ohio suppliers.

CustomPartNetUpdated Jul 31, 2026

Injection Molding

PEEK Injection Molding for Aerospace Components in Washington

From structural brackets to connector housings, PEEK injection molding plays a growing role in aerospace manufacturing. Learn what drives tooling costs and certification requirements, then connect with experienced Washington suppliers.

CustomPartNetUpdated Jul 31, 2026

Injection Molding

Polycarbonate Injection Molding for Medical Devices in Minnesota

Learn why polycarbonate is a go-to material for medical device components, what to expect from tooling, tolerances, and sterilization requirements, and how Minnesota's medical device manufacturing base can support your next program.

CustomPartNetUpdated Jul 31, 2026

Sand Casting

Steel Sand Casting for Automotive Parts in Michigan

Read about how the sand casting process works, why steel is such a natural fit for automotive parts, and what tooling, tolerance, and volume factors are necessary for consideration before requesting quotes.

CustomPartNetUpdated Jul 31, 2026

Mold making

Die Casting Mold Making for Aluminum Parts in Ohio

Learn how the aluminum die casting process works, why aluminum is commonly specified for die cast parts, and what to consider in mold making, finishes, tolerances, and production volume before you reach out for quotes.

CustomPartNetUpdated Jul 31, 2026

Injection Molding

Nylon Injection Molding for Automotive Components in Michigan

Nylon is one of the most widely used engineering plastics in the automotive industry thanks to its strength, wear resistance, and heat performance. Learn how nylon injection molding works, where it's used in vehicles, and what to consider when sourcing suppliers for production.

CustomPartNetUpdated Jul 31, 2026

Mold making

Steel vs Aluminum Mold Making for Injection Molding

Choosing between steel and aluminum molds is one of the most important decisions in an injection molding project. Learn how the two tooling materials compare in cost, durability, lead time, production volume, and long-term value so you can select the best option for your application.

CustomPartNetUpdated Jul 31, 2026

Injection Molding

ABS Injection Molding for Consumer Electronics in Michigan

Learn how the injection molding process works, why ABS is commonly specified for electronic products, and what to consider in tooling, finishes, tolerances, and production volume before you reach out for quotes.

CustomPartNetUpdated Jul 31, 2026