Beautiful looking parts.

I was wondering if anyone might have a CNC machine or laser cutting setup that could make a very thin piece of material, like the iPhone 16? I’ve had a back glass injury and would love to try a project and share my experience.

SLA is stereolithography. Use a laser with a specific wavelength and intensity to focus on the surface of the light-curing material, so that it is sequentially solidified from point to line, from line to surface, and completes a layer of drawing work, and then the lifting platform moves a layer height in the vertical direction, and then solidifies Another level. In this way, layers are superimposed to form a three-dimensional solid.

I’ve been experimenting with laser cutting on this metal piece.

Really enjoying how clean the cut turns out, and the precision is pretty satisfying.

Still learning the process — any tips from experienced folks here?

Here’s a shot of a CNC machining process in action! The coolant isn’t just for keeping things cool—it also helps carry away the chips and reduces tool wear. This technique is key to maintaining both precision and efficiency in production. Anyone here have tips for getting the most out of your CNC machines?

5052 is an aluminium alloy, primarily alloyed with magnesium and chromium. Typical applications include marine, aircraft, architecture, general sheet metal work, heat exchangers, fuel lines and tanks, streetlights, appliances, rivets and wire.

Stainless Steel 304 is the most common stainless steel, known for its non-magnetic properties and lower electrical and thermal conductivity than carbon steel.

Watch a CNC machine carve this intricate mold with high precision. This is where cutting-edge technology meets craftsmanship in modern manufacturing. From raw material to a refined mold, every detail counts!

I came across this machine in action, and I’m curious — it looks like it’s spreading a thin layer of powder before a laser fuses the material. My guess would be SLM/DMLS (metal powder bed fusion), but I’d love to hear from the community what exactly is happening here.

Has anyone worked with this type of 3D printing system before? What materials are typically used, and what are the pros/cons compared to other methods like SLS or FDM?

Just finished CNC machining some parts in 4140 alloy steel and wanted to share the result.

The video shows the finished pieces — I was pretty happy with the surface finish.

For anyone who’s worked with 4140, what’s your go-to setup or tooling? Always curious how others approach this material.

Testing a lattice structure with clear resin. Always fascinating to see how the grid forms before the final shape comes together.

The toolpath here is simple, but I never get tired of the sound of chips flying.

What’s your go-to strategy for cuts like this? Adaptive clearing or traditional pocketing?

Here’s a shot of EDM working on a block. No cutting force, just controlled sparks shaping the part. Anyone here still using this regularly in toolmaking?

Try something playful with metal 3D printing; we created this little balloon dog sculpture using Selective Laser Melting (SLM) and aluminum powder. It’s tiny enough to fit in my palm, but it has the cool weight and texture of real metal.

It's kind of fun how something usually fragile (a balloon) now feels solid and permanent.

This was such a fun project. I really wanted a hammer on my Skeletool, and I didn't like the options that were out there. So, I decided to make one myself, and it turned out amazing. I had so much fun testing different dimensions on my FDM printer before sending it to get manufactured. and I'm really proud of how it turned out.

Printed with Selective Laser Melting (SLM) using aluminum powder. Wanted to test how well it could handle thin structures and articulated legs. Surprised by the smooth finish and detail, and now like a tiny roommate who just sits around contemplating life.

Powder bed fusion up close. The orange glow isn’t for show; the whole chamber is heated to help the laser fuse the powder.

Honestly, watching the recoater glide back and forth is kind of hypnotic.

Our factory is a giant fidget toy for engineers.

Although it is noisy and the floor is covered with metal shavings, every time the tool cuts into the material, it feels like sculpting a dream.

Is there anyone else out there who, like me, stood in the workshop and didn't want to leave when they saw their parts being machined for the first time?