A Lathe turns raw material to create cylindrical parts about a central axis. The cutting tool moves on various axises for operations like turning and knurling. The most common CNC lathe machine operates on two axises (Z and X). As the workpiece rotates the cutting tool is free to move along either axis. The main […]

CNC Milling is a manufacturing process used to remove material from a workpiece to get a desired product. CNC milling machines accomplish this by various directional cuts on numerous axis. Milling machines are available in vertical and horizontal options. Both models are widely available and they offer alternative ways to machine a part. How Do […]

If you are a person who works with technical drawings, you should be careful about tolerance stack up. Otherwise, there is a high possibility for you to run into negative consequences. From this article, we are going to discuss the basics of tolerance stack up and provide some useful tips, which you can follow to […]

Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing, which is also known as GD&T can be considered as the standards and symbols that are being used by manufacturers and engineers to describe a specific product. In other words, they use this as a language to facilitate communications and end up with precise results at the time of production. Geometric […]

True Position is a GD&T location tolerance restraint typically applied to holes or threads on a drawing. It is one of the most common GD&T callouts to help control positional alignment. True Position Symbol The above example demonstrates nearly every aspect of a GD&T callout. The far left denotes the true position GD&T symbol followed […]

Perpendicularity is a GD&T orientation control symbol used to limit deviation between planes or lines. It helps control and limit the 90 degree angularity between two surfaces. Perpendicularity GD&T Symbol: The GD&T symbol for perpendicular looks like this: Examples of the callout referencing other datums looks like this: In this example the perpendicular callout is […]

Shearing is a critical element in cutting and manufacturing sheet metal. Understanding the forces and cutting options available will help every person involved in the quoting and manufacturing process. Shearing Process Background Shearing is the process of cutting flat material into sheets, plates or strips. A special machine performs this process and they typically utilize […]

Understanding basic stress, strain and external loading principals is fundamental to sheet metal bending and forming theory. Forming or sheet metal processes result in surface forces acting on the applied material. These fundamentals start with stress since it denotes force per unit area. Formulas Behind Sheet Metal Bending Theory Formula for stress: Force usually comes […]

Thread milling is a special thread cutting process done on a CNC machine to create internal or external threads. Thread milling has a few advantages over traditional cut or roll taps but it can oftentimes take longer and requires a bit of finesse. Background and Set-Up above all, understanding the tools and the math behind […]

We decided to make a drill chart for our followers! This chart breaks down all major standard and metric drill sizes with roll and cut tap options. Simply fill out the form below and an email with the chart will be sent to you. What our Drill and Tap Chart Provides Most charts feature some […]

Roll taps are the most commonly used tool for threading. They provide a simple and easy solution for putting threaded holes in a variety of materials. The name roll taps (A.K.A. forming taps) originates because the tool forms threads rather than cuts them. Understanding the basics on how to identify a tap and proper inspection […]

All threading tools are unique and they each serve a different purpose. Cut taps and roll taps are not always interchangeable, and knowing when to use each is very important. In this article we will discuss the details of a cut tap and how to identify one. For information on the differences between taps please […]

Making a pipe thread is easier than people believe, but it is important to perfect a few details. The way they are manufactured is very similar to that of a standard thread.  Software We have found that the easiest way to make pipe threads is through a CAD software. This will allow you to make […]

Threads on pipes and fittings are commonly referred to as pipe threads. These types of threads will create a pressure tight joint when properly assembled. There are many different types of pipe threads and some industries even have their own definitions for them. Rather than giving a full breakdown of all of the different types […]

Threads are present in practically every manufactured part. However, overuse or poor installation techniques can cause permanent damage to a thread. Unfortunately there is no easy fix, and you may have to use hardware to salvage the thread. As such, would like to share a few of our tips on how to fix a stripped […]

Threads have always been a very common and popular manufacturing requirement. There are many different types of thread callouts and an equal amount of ways to manufacture them. However, understanding the basic principles will go a long in assisting manufacturing personnel and engineers on how a thread is made. Threads are typically made on either […]

A thread is a helical form designed and engineered for the purpose of fastening and retaining components. There are many different types of threads, and knowing some basic terms in thread geometry is essential to understand the differences between them.    A preliminary distinction to note between threads is internal and external. An Internal Thread […]

We thought it would be helpful to educate our audience on the difference between a cut tap and a roll tap. This article will primarily focus on the advantages and disadvantages of each tool. Difference in Cut and Roll Threads A cut tap and a roll tap both create a thread but in a different […]

Threads are an essential aspect of any part, and sometimes they may need to be touched up. Threads can get damaged very quickly and easily, and you have multiple options when it comes to repairing them. The easiest and most convenient way to fix a thread is to re-chase a tapped hole. Tools Tap Straight […]

STG Machine has covered many topics related to key inserts, so we thought it would be helpful to explain the different types of key inserts available. This article does not cover every type of key insert available, but it will give a detailed explanation on the main key inserts used in manufacturing. Types: There are […]

We have published an article on the differences between key inserts and helicoils, but we have yet to cover the basics of how key inserts work.  As mentioned before, key inserts were created to save the parent material while allowing a thread to be reworked or changed. This is particularly helpful with car parts that […]

Here is a quick rundown of how to install key inserts otherwise known as key locking inserts Countersink, drill and tap according to the key insert manufacturer specs. All key insert manufacturers should have tables on what size drill and tap to use. All key inserts use standard drill and tap sizes. You will not […]

STG Machine has published a few articles on key inserts, so we thought it would be helpful to share how to remove key inserts. Removing inserts is not the most common request, but it does happen on occasion. The process is very similar to the removal of a helicoil, but there are a few differences. […]

We have published a few articles pertaining to helicoils, how to install them and how to remove them. However, key inserts provide an alternative to helicoils and they have their own set of inherent benefits and flaws. Key inserts became popular because of the ability to quickly repair stripped or damaged threads without having to […]

A helicoil tang is a small piece of metal located on the bottom of a helicoil. The tang helps drive the insert into place when using a helicoil installation tool. In order to move a screw in and out of the insert, the tang must be removed after installation. You can find more information regarding […]

STG Machine has published some articles recently on helicoils and how to install them, so we thought it would be helpful to share our knowledge on how to remove them. It is common to see drawings or dimensions change which requires the removal of helicoils to rework parts. Below you will find a few tips […]

We have published articles on the definition of a helicoil and the different types of helicoils, so we thought it would be helpful to explain how to install them into metal and plastic parts. Tools In order to install a helicoil you will need to purchase the right installation tools. Manual tooling is great for […]

We recently published an article on what a helicoil is, so we thought it would be helpful to give a brief overview of the most common helicoils. There are a variety of helicoils available for purchase, but our guide will focus on inserts pertaining to metal. Stainless Steel Helical Inserts These are your most standard […]

STG Machine encounters lots of hardware on a daily basis, and one of the most popular pieces of hardware used in metal and plastic components is a helicoil. What Is a Helicoil? A helicoil is a coiled, metal insert that fits inside of tapped holes. Once the helicoil prong is broken off a screw can […]

STG Machine has written a few dowel pin troubleshooting articles, so we decided to put together the Ultimate Dowel Pin Guide! What is dowel pin installation Importance Dowel Pins You Should Purchase Machines You Should Purchase Additional Notes What is Dowel Pin Installation It’s important to remember that this ultimate dowel pin guide is focused […]

STG Machine has published articles on how to install dowel pins and how to remove them, but it is always important to consider your dowel pin hole tolerances before you begin your project. Two factors that will greatly impact your hole tolerance are the material, and the type of dowel pin fit. Depending on what […]

Removing dowel pins can be tricky, but at times necessary. Since the dowel pin may become stuck inside a part for a range of reasons, it is imperative to properly evaluate your situation before attempting dowel pin removal. Visit how to install dowel pins for suggestions on dowel pin installation. Method 1: The Pull Method If […]

Dowel pins are most commonly used for fixtures and alignment purposes. We have developed a quick guide to help give a general overview of the different types of dowel pins: Dowel Pins Precision: Precision dowel pins are usually made of steel or stainless steel and range in diameter from ⅛’’ to around 1.25’’ with a […]

Installing metal dowel pins into objects can be a difficult task, but STG Machine is here to help! Please read below for details on how to properly install a dowel pin Tools Needed: In order to properly install a metal dowel pin you will need the following items: Process of Installing Dowel Pins: Prepare the

Understanding how to reduce manufacturing cost plays such an important role in the design process. We thought it would be helpful to share a few insights on how to reduce manufacturing cost, so here are some introductory concepts:

The Makerbot provides a great introduction to 3D printing at a convenient price point. However, many people complain about parts lifting, curling or not being flat enough. STG Machine has a few tips that we think can help, so here are a few of our printing secrets for the Makerbot: 1. Cover the Baseplate with […]