News & Insights

Find Out What We’ve Been Up to,
What’s Current and What’s Next

Get the latest news on the precision machining industry and
AIP company announcements.

WHY EVEN THE MOST PRECISE 3D PRINTERS FALL SHORT IN REGULATED MANUFACTURING

October 17, 2025

The aerospace industry now accounts for nearly 16% of the total revenue generated by the additive manufacturing industry. Precision 3D printers have achieved remarkable milestones, exemplified by Relativity Space launching the world's first 3D-printed rocket in March 2023. Despite these advancements, 3D printing technology still faces significant challenges, including high costs, low printing speeds, limited part sizes, and strength issues. While different 3D printing technologies offer varying capabilities regarding tolerances—such as MJF at... Read More

PRESSURE-TESTED FACTS: SELECTING THE STRONGEST POLYMER FOR INDUSTRIAL USE

September 3, 2025

Polyamideimide (PAI) stands as the strongest polymer available today, boasting an exceptional tensile strength of 21,000 psi. When engineers select materials for critical industrial applications, understanding polymer mechanical properties becomes essential for ensuring operational safety and longevity. High-performance polymers like PEEK and Ultem offer impressive tensile strengths of 14,000 psi and 15,200 psi respectively, making them viable alternatives for demanding environments. The mechanical properties of polymers have gained significant importance... Read More

SELECTING FLAME RETARDANT PLASTICS: ESSENTIAL GUIDE FOR AEROSPACE ENGINEERS

Flame retardant plastics are becoming increasingly vital to aerospace engineering. These specialized materials provide critical fire safety protection in environments where even a small fire can have catastrophic consequences. The difference between achieving a V-0 rating and a V-2 rating under UL 94 standards can determine whether a component proceeds to production or requires costly redesign. For aerospace applications, flame retardant plastics serve multiple essential functions. They protect sensitive equipment... Read More

MEDICAL MACHINED COMPONENTS: WHY CNC + 3D PRINTING OUTPERFORMS TRADITIONAL METHODS

August 25, 2025

Hybrid manufacturing technology reduces total production costs by 35% and shortens complex parts processing cycles by 50% compared to traditional methods. This revolutionary approach combines 3D printing (additive manufacturing) and CNC machining (subtractive manufacturing) to create superior medical machined components with unmatched precision and efficiency. The integration of these complementary technologies addresses the limitations of each individual method while maximizing their respective strengths. When creating precision medical components, manufacturers face... Read More

PLASTIC FOR ELECTRONIC ENCLOSURE: EXPERT GUIDE TO MAXIMUM PROTECTION STANDARDS

August 5, 2025

Plastic for electronic enclosure serves as a critical protective barrier in electrical and electronic equipment. In power generation and electronic systems, proper insulation prevents electrical currents from leaking or short-circuiting, which protects equipment, maintains system stability, and prevents hazards such as electrical shocks and fires. These protective housing solutions safeguard sensitive components from environmental factors while providing essential electrical isolation. Additionally, the selection of appropriate plastic materials for electronic equipment... Read More