Fabworks Blog
Sheet Metal Gauge Chart
Convert sheet metal gauge to thickness in inches and millimeters for steel, aluminum, and stainless steel. Includes common gauges, stocked Fabworks thicknesses, and design guidance.
Is Laser Cutting Cheaper Than CNC Machining?
A practical cost comparison between laser cutting and CNC machining to help you pick the right manufacturing method without blowing your budget.
Is Laser Cutting Cheaper Than Waterjet?
A practical cost comparison between laser cutting and waterjet cutting to help you pick the right process without overspending.
Using Fabworks for FIRST Robotics (FRC/FTC)
How FIRST teams can leverage on-demand laser cutting and bending to build faster, lighter, and more reliable robots—without slowing down shop time.
Tube Lasers Explained
A brief overview of tube laser technology.
How to attach Sheet Metal parts together.
Discover the best sheet metal joining methods for your project.
Using Fabworks for Next Day Laser Cutting
Accelerate prototyping with Fabworks' next day laser cutting. Learn how to speed up turnaround times and optimize your rapid product development process.
Laser Cut Text Signs: A Beginner's Guide
Create custom laser cut text signs with this easy guide. Learn to design, model, and produce personalized signs using free software and professional laser cutting services.
Enhance your parts using Captive Nuts!
Master the art of assembling laser-cut sheet metal parts with captive nuts - a cost-effective, tool-free method ideal for hobbyists and prototypers.
Optimizing the cost of Laser Cut Parts
Learn essential strategies for optimizing manufacturing parts to reduce costs.
What is K-Factor?
Demystify K-factor in sheet metal bending. Learn its importance and how Fabworks ensures precise bends without complex calculations.
Mild Steel vs Stainless Steel
Explore the key differences between yield strength and tensile strength with our concise guide.
Joining Techniques for Laser Cut Parts
Explore essential sheet metal joining techniques, from welding to adhesive bonding, to create durable and efficient parts for any project.
Essential Checks Before Ordering Sheet Metal Parts
Optimize sheet metal designs with our pre-order checklist. Catch common errors and ensure manufacturability before submitting to Fabworks' laser cutting service.
How to Prevent Rust on Laser Cut Parts
Discover effective strategies to prevent rust on laser cut metal parts, from material selection and protective coatings to design tips and post-production care.
Comprehensive Guide to Stainless Steel
Stainless steel is a versatile and widely used alloy known for its corrosion resistance and durability.
Guide to Designing Parts for Tapping
Mastering tapping in sheet metal design can significantly enhance mechanical integrity and durability. Learn the essentials for creating precise, reliable connections and ensure your projects succeed.
The Benefits of Countersinking in Metal Fabrication
How does countersinking transform metal fabrication? This technique enhances aesthetics, durability, and safety, ensuring flush fastener surfaces in diverse applications like electronics and furniture.
The Ultimate Guide to Online Laser Cutting Services
Unlock the potential of laser cutting for your next project with tips on design, cutting, and bending techniques. Discover how to achieve precision and efficiency in your creations.
Hand Bending Guide
Master hand bending sheet metal parts with our concise guide. Learn essential design tools and techniques for crafting custom bent sheet metal components without machinery.
Everything to Consider when Designing Sheet Metal Parts
Learn essential techniques, tips, and best practices of bent sheet metal design.
What is the Distortion Zone?
Learn about the sheet metal bending distortion zone, how to account for it, and how to manipulate it.
Tapping vs PEM
Discover the key differences between tapping and PEM hardware for your projects.
Understanding Yield Strength vs Tensile Strength
Explore the key differences between yield strength and tensile strength with our concise guide.
How to make a part from a picture
Learn how to convert from an image to a part.
Laser Cutting Kerf Explained
Find out what the term kerf width refers to in laser cutting and how it affects manufacturing and design processes.
Steel vs Aluminum
A quick comparison of steel and aluminum.
How to Pick the Best Material for your Laser Cut Project
Learn about the strengths, weaknesses, and ideal applications of stainless steel, aluminum, mild steel, copper, and brass.
Fabworks Order Guide
Everything you need to know to place a fabworks order!
Powder Coating Guide
Short guide on powder coating.
Summer 2024 Updates
See what's new on the platform this summer.
How to Design With PEM Hardware
This is a short guide on the basics of designing with PEM hardware.
How to Export a STEP in Fusion 360
This is a quick guide on how to export a STEP file in Fusion 360 for laser cutting.
How to Export a STEP in Onshape
This is a quick guide on how to export a STEP file in Onshape for laser cutting.