15 years one-stop China custom CNC machining parts factory
The VMT blog is dedicated to sharing our hard-earned knowledge in prototype manufacturing. We hope these articles will help you optimize your product designs and gain deeper insight into the world of rapid prototyping. Enjoy the read!
Get an Instant Quote
All uploads files are safe and confidential
VMT 
2026 02 25 304 stainless steel as the most commonly used material among food facilities(food grade; easy to clean), piping and container(easy to shape and good weldability), custom nozzles, gear, and fasteners( can be CNC-machined although bad machinability), low-temperature liquid nitrogen storage tank high-temperature kitchenware(stable austenitic structure and strength under high and low temperature), building railings and stair accessories(good impact resistance). But for this SS304 , there are still some questions like cost, property details, alternative materials, and other advantages or disadvantages to figure out; and in this ultimate guide, you will get 19 of the most common—and often confusing—questions about 304 stainless steel to help you make informed decisions.
66
Read more
VMT 2026 02 24 401 stainless steel is a high-strength, cost-effective martensitic grade. Its unique combination of high tensile strength, wear resistance through heat treatment, and excellent thermal stability makes it a preferred choice for demanding automotive and aerospace applications, such as exhaust manifolds, gears, and turbine blades. Thanks to its low nickel content, 401 is significantly more affordable than 304 austenitic stainless steel. Furthermore, its magnetic properties, reliable weldability, and superior machinability in the annealed state ensure minimal industrial limitations. In this guide, we will explore the chemical composition, heat treatment and its mechanical property changes, and cost-efficiency of 401 stainless steel to provide a valuable reference for your engineering and manufacturing needs.
66
Read more
VMT 2026 02 23 Stress Corrosion Cracking (SCC) — frequently occurring in metals such as cartridge brass, 7075-T6 aluminum, and austenitic stainless steel (SS304) — is a phenomenon where materials or finished components can fail abruptly under high temperatures or chemical environments like chloride exposure. These cracks can be insidious; some remain internal and completely invisible to the naked eye. Understanding which materials are prone to SCC, which offer superior stability, and how to effectively detect and prevent these failures is critical for your engineering design and manufacturing success. Read on to dive deep into the essentials of Stress Corrosion Cracking.
66
Read more
VMT 2026 02 21 Strain hardening (also known as work hardening) are the phenomenon that: if you are machining the metal in an inappropriate way, then there will be the situation that localized plastic deformation occurs on the surface of the part, resulting in a hardened layer; the other is refer to strain hardening metal like aluminum or the steel such as aluminum 5052-H32 or cold rolled steel 1018. In this article, you will gain a clear understanding of strain hardening basics and equation, how it works, strain hardening metal examples; how their strength changes, and how to manage strain hardening during CNC machining.
66
Read more
VMT 2026 02 19 Many high-volume industrial components begin their life through a process known as cold forming. Whether it is the general fasteners, electronic parts, or the intricate gears and valves for automotive industry, this cold forming plays a vital role in producing high-strength parts with good utilization of metal material. This article will introduce the cold forming processes, suitable cold forming metal materials, its difference from sheet metal fabrication and hot forging, and why you may need CNC machining for secondary refining your cold form parts.
66
Read more
VMT 2026 02 17 Dating back to 3700 BC, investment casting is an ancient manufacturing legacy that remains a suitable method especially for complex components of modern industry. Often referred to as lost-wax casting, the process is defined by its name: a sacrificial wax pattern is 'invested' (surrounded) by a refractory ceramic material. Once the shell hardens, the wax is melted away to create a hollow cavity for molten metal. This method offers remarkable freedom in part size and material selection, achieving a standard precision of ±0.1mm. It is the go-to solution for complex surfaces, intricate internal cavities, and medium-to-large components. With tooling costs lower than die casting and accuracy far superior to sand casting, investment casting provides a perfect middle ground. However, for ultra-precise features like threaded holes or tight-tolerance bores, secondary CNC machining is essential. This article explores the investment casting process, its pros and cons, suitable materials, and how it compares to other manufacturing techniques.
66
Read more
VMT 2026 02 15 Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW), widely known as stick welding, is the workhorse of the welding industry. While the technology traces its roots back to 1888 and the inventions of Nikolay Gavrilovich Slavyanov, it remains one of the most vital joining processes in modern construction, shipbuilding, and heavy fabrication. But what exactly is SMAW welding meaning, suitable materials and notable tips, and how does it compare to other common welding processes like GMAW or SAW? In this guide, we break down the SMAW welding process, the equipment required, and how CNC machining plays the role in preparing for high-strength welds.
66
Read more
VMT 2026 02 13 In this article, the sand casting process, its modern evolution, and its unique advantages — and comparison between sand casting and other typical manufacturing processes will be introduced. These can provide you with a fully and clear understanding of the sand casting trade-offs in surface precision, material range, part size, cost, and production scale.
66
Read more
+86 15099911516
