CNC Machining Design Guide

Optimize your designs, reduce machining time, and lower your costs.

Metal 3D Printing Design Guide

Direct Metal Laser Sintering (DMLS) 3D printing for parts with reduced cost and little waste.

Mechanical Engineers Outlook

Guide for those interested in becoming a mechanical engineer. Includes qualifications, pay, and job duties.

Essentials of Manufacturing

Information, coverage of important developments and expert commentary in manufacturing.

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Materials

Design

Processes

Units

Formulas

Math
Surface Preparation

- Cleaning Surface: Remove grease and oil on the specimen surface by solvent, e.g., Alcohol, Acetone, or some other degreasing agent.
- Abrading Surface: Use silicon-carbide paper to sand away uneven surface, paint, or rust and smooth the gaging area. Usually 320 grit first, follow by 400 or finer grit. Do not over abrade.
- Marking Layout Lines: Use a clean rule and a fine pencil (2H or harder) or ball-point pen to draw the layout lines, usually a dash-cross, a cross skip the targeting strain gage area, for alignment.
- Conditioning: Re-clean the gaging area.
- Neutralizing: This is an optional step. A proper neutralizer will provide the right pH level at the specimen surface for better bonding with adhesive.
Glossary
FREE Publications
CNC Machining Design Guide

Optimize your designs, reduce machining time, and lower your costs.

Metal 3D Printing Design Guide

Direct Metal Laser Sintering (DMLS) 3D printing for parts with reduced cost and little waste.

Mechanical Engineers Outlook

Guide for those interested in becoming a mechanical engineer. Includes qualifications, pay, and job duties.

Essentials of Manufacturing

Information, coverage of important developments and expert commentary in manufacturing.

more publications