What tools do you need for a metal lathe?

What Tools Do You Need for a Metal Lathe? Setting up a metal lathe without the right tools leads to wasted material, poor finishes, and costly delays. Knowing what tools you need for a metal lathe is key to accurate machining, especially for buyers ordering custom parts or managing production lines. Whether you’re a beginner […]
What are the rules for metal lathes?

What Are the Rules for Metal Lathes? Misusing a metal lathe1 can lead to injuries, defective parts, and serious production downtime2. Following clear safety rules1 is critical for preventing accidents, ensuring consistent output, and maintaining equipment health in any lathe-based operation2. At Prime, we’ve built our entire workflow—from design to delivery—on internationally recognized safety standards1, […]
What are the 7 lathe operations?

What are the 7 Lathe Operations? Lathe machines are versatile tools used in shaping metal1 and other materials through various operations. Understanding the seven common lathe operations2 can help you effectively use a lathe and achieve the desired results. In this article, we will explore each of these operations, their order, and their processes. Understanding […]
What are the parts of a metal lathe?

What Are the Key Parts of a Metal Lathe? If you’re exploring metal lathe parts for B2B procurement, you know the buying process is filled with technical decisions. Global buyers and industry experts agree: a clear understanding of machine structure, function, and options prevents production delays and wasted budget. Metal lathes are complex, but mastering […]
Is CNC a metal fabrication?

Is CNC a metal fabrication? Buyer: I’m building a custom metal part and got two quotes—one for CNC, the other for fabrication. Is CNC a form of metal fabrication? Engineer (Prime): Good question. CNC machining and metal fabrication often overlap, but they’re technically different processes. Let’s break down what each means, how they’re used, and […]
How to get into metal manufacturing?

How to get into metal manufacturing? Aspiring Engineer: I’ve always been curious—how do you get into metal manufacturing without prior experience? Engineer (Prime): That’s a great question. Metal manufacturing is one of the most stable and rewarding fields in the industrial sector. Whether you want to be a fabricator, machinist, or start your own shop, […]
How much does it cost to fabricate metal parts?

How much does it cost to fabricate metal parts? Buyer: I’m planning a new product and need a sense—how much does it cost to fabricate metal parts? Engineer (Prime): Great question. The cost of fabricating metal parts depends on many factors: material, complexity, quantity, and processes involved. Let’s walk through typical pricing models, cost drivers, […]
What materials Cannot be 3D printed?

What materials cannot be 3D printed? Buyer: I’ve been expanding into 3D printing and need to know—what materials cannot be 3D printed? Engineer (Prime): That’s a great question. Most people only focus on what can be printed. But there are several materials that either can’t be printed at all, or pose safety, technical, or legal […]
What is the strongest material you can 3D print?

What is the strongest material you can 3D print? Engineer (Prime): You’re thinking about structural 3D prints? Buyer: Exactly. I want to know—what is the strongest material you can 3D print? Engineer: That’s a great question. It depends on whether we’re talking plastic or metal. For plastics, reinforced polymers lead the way. For metals, titanium […]
What are the disadvantages of 3D metal printing?

What are the disadvantages of 3D metal printing? Buyer: I’ve seen all the hype around metal 3D printing, but I need to know—what are the disadvantages of 3D metal printing? Engineer (Prime): That’s a smart question. While metal additive manufacturing has huge potential, it also comes with real challenges—especially when it comes to cost, process […]