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BlogNotes from the shop.
A knowledge base on machining, tube laser cutting, measuring and foam inserts, from what we've learned doing it. Pick a topic to filter.
3+2 or full 5-axis? When one setup saves money
3+2 tilts the part and cuts like a 3-axis mill; full 5-axis moves all axes at once. When each one fits your part, and why one setup often costs less.
CNC machining · Design tips
Measuring large parts where they stand: portable CMM inspection
Frames, molds and installed machines don't fit in a measuring room. How a portable wide-area CMM measures large parts on site, and what you get back.
3D measurement · Fabrication
Designing parts for tube laser cutting: 8 tips
Design tube, pipe and profile parts that cut cleanly on a fiber tube laser and fit up fast: joints, holes, corners, lengths and which files to send.
Tube laser · Design tips · Fabrication
CNC-Machined Foam Inserts for Tool Organization
How Spark Fabrication CNC-machines custom EVA foam tool inserts, including the inserts made for Toosa.ca and Maximum tool sets.
Foam inserts
Machining Large Aluminum Sheets: Best Practices
How we CNC machine large aluminum sheets on a 5 × 10 ft router: alloy choice, handling, machining parameters, fixturing and heat management.
CNC routing
Machining EVA Foam: Applications and Benefits
Why EVA foam machines so well, where it's used (packaging, prototypes, automotive, footwear) and how CNC cutting shapes it precisely.
Foam insertsGot a drawing, a sketch or a part to copy?
Send it over. A real person who builds machines will reply within 24 to 48 hours with a price, a date or a couple of questions.