Technical Blog
Read guidance on DfAM, qualification evidence, inspection planning, alloy selection, and bridge production strategy.
2026-08-14
A no-nonsense Velo3D supplier evaluation checklist from a quality manager. Covers SpaceX and Anduril customer claims, cost-per-part, material traceability, and when CNC machining is the better choice.
Read article →2026-08-14
A quality manager's account of auditing a high precision CNC vertical machining center against a Velo3D Sapphire 3D printer for a complex aerospace bracket. The decisive factor: workpiece weight and its effect on VMC stability.
Read article →2026-08-13
How a failed defense contract forced a small machine shop to rethink metal additive manufacturing, why the Velo3D SpaceX and Anduril supplier trail mattered, and the pre-flight checklist now used before every metal AM program.
Read article →2026-08-13
After wasting thousands on budget manufacturing choices, a production planner explains why delivery certainty matters—covering Velo3D official website documentation, the Velo3D Sapphire 3D printer, milling end mill cutter mistakes, M code CNC milling, and how to reduce weld line in injection molding.
Read article →2026-08-12
A Velo3D quality manager shares how a medical client’s acetabular reamer handle—previously made by reamer CNC machining—nearly printed with a dangerous distortion, and why 18 hours of verification saved 11 days of rework.
Read article →2026-08-12
Practical answers on Velo3D systems, the SpaceX relationship, post-processing with external radius end mills, VMC skills that still matter, reducing thermal swelling after CO2 laser cutting, and material selection for production parts.
Read article →2026-08-11
Choosing between a Velo3D Sapphire metal 3D printer, a robot laser cutting workstation or xtool fiber laser welder, and SLS vs FDM printing depends entirely on your application. A scenario-based guide from an engineer with 8 years of equipment procurement experience and $350,000 in documented mistakes.
Read article →2026-08-11
A precision CNC machining shop owner in Midland, TX shares how a costly Swiss-type lathe parts error and a Velo3D bracket quote taught him the real difference between price and total cost.
Read article →2026-08-10
A precision CNC metal machining shop manager shares the rush order that made Velo3D click, and why transparent pricing became non-negotiable.
Read article →2026-08-10
Compare laser welding vs TIG welding strength, Velo3D metal additive manufacturing, and CO2 laser and melasma from a total cost of ownership angle. A procurement manager shares the real decision tree.
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