Question 1

Which manufacturing services does TigerHubs support?

Accepted Answer

TigerHubs supports CNC machining, 3D printing, sheet metal fabrication, die casting, sand casting, injection molding tooling, finishing, assembly, and inspection for prototype and production programs.

Question 2

How do I choose between CNC machining, sheet metal, casting, and 3D printing?

Accepted Answer

CNC machining is strong for tight-tolerance metal or plastic parts, sheet metal is best for brackets and enclosures, casting is suited for complex metal parts at higher volumes, and 3D printing is useful for fast prototypes or complex geometries. Our engineers can recommend the right route after reviewing your CAD, material, quantity, and tolerance requirements.

Question 3

Can you support both prototypes and production runs?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We support one-off prototypes, bridge production, and repeat production orders. The manufacturing route, tooling plan, inspection level, and lead time are adjusted based on your target quantity and application.

Question 4

Do you provide injection molding tooling as well as molded parts?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We can support injection mold DFM, mold design, CNC and EDM tooling, mold assembly, tryout, sampling, engineering changes, and production handoff. If you also need molded parts, we can review that requirement during quoting.

Question 5

Can TigerHubs manage a project that requires multiple manufacturing processes?

Accepted Answer

Yes. A single project can combine processes such as CNC machining, injection molding, die casting, sand casting, sheet metal fabrication, metal 3D printing, finishing and inspection. TigerHubs coordinates the manufacturing route so customers do not need to manage multiple suppliers separately.

Question 6

Can metal and plastic parts be manufactured under the same project?

Accepted Answer

Yes. TigerHubs supports both custom metal parts and plastic components, allowing assemblies or product programs with different materials and manufacturing methods to be managed through one coordinated workflow. Each component is reviewed according to its own material, tolerance and production requirements.

Question 7

How does TigerHubs handle engineering changes after production has started?

Accepted Answer

Submit the updated CAD model and drawing with a clear revision number. Our engineers review how the change affects tooling, machining programs, materials, inspection requirements, cost and lead time before the revised version is released to production.

Question 8

Can TigerHubs support bridge production while a long-term production process is being prepared?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Depending on the part, CNC machining, metal 3D printing or low-volume manufacturing may be used to supply validation or bridge-production quantities while production tooling or a higher-volume manufacturing route is being prepared.

Question 9

What if my part does not clearly fit one manufacturing process?

Accepted Answer

Our engineers evaluate geometry, material, tolerance, quantity, surface requirements and cost targets before recommending a manufacturing route. In some cases, the most practical solution is a hybrid manufacturing process, such as casting followed by CNC machining.

Question 10

How much machining allowance should I leave on a sand casting?

Accepted Answer

Machining allowance should be added to surfaces that require tighter dimensions, sealing performance or a controlled finish. The correct allowance depends on casting size, geometry, material and the required post-casting CNC machining operation.

Question 11

How can shrinkage and porosity be reduced in sand cast parts?

Accepted Answer

Casting design, gating, risers, wall transitions and solidification behavior all influence shrinkage and porosity. These factors are reviewed before production to help direct metal flow and solidification more effectively.

Question 12

How are sand cores kept in the correct position during casting?

Accepted Answer

Core geometry and locating features are designed so the core remains properly positioned inside the mold during pouring. Stable core positioning is particularly important for castings with internal passages, cavities or controlled wall thicknesses.

Question 13

What surface condition should I expect from a sand casting before finishing?

Accepted Answer

An as-cast sand surface is naturally rougher than a CNC-machined surface. Blasting, grinding, machining or other secondary processes can be applied where appearance, sealing, assembly or dimensional requirements call for a more controlled surface.

Question 14

How are critical features aligned on large sand castings that require CNC machining?

Accepted Answer

Machining datums and locating surfaces should be planned before casting. The finished casting can then be located from controlled references so bores, faces and other precision machined features maintain the required relationship to the cast geometry.

Question 15

How does TigerHubs handle GD&T requirements on CNC machined parts?

Accepted Answer

Provide a dimensioned engineering drawing showing datums, geometric tolerances and critical features. The machining and inspection strategy is then planned around those references so important relationships such as position, flatness, perpendicularity or concentricity can be properly controlled.

Question 16

When should I use 5-axis CNC machining instead of 3-axis machining?

Accepted Answer

5-axis CNC machining is especially useful for parts with complex surfaces, multiple machining directions or features that would otherwise require several setups. Reducing setups can improve datum relationships, machining efficiency and consistency on complex precision parts.

Question 17

How should tight dimensions be handled when a CNC part will be anodized or plated?

Accepted Answer

Surface treatments can change the final dimensions of precision features. Threads, bores, sealing surfaces and mating features should therefore be identified on the drawing so machining allowance, masking or post-finish machining can be evaluated before production.

Question 18

How can deep pockets and small internal corners affect CNC machining cost?

Accepted Answer

Deep pockets require longer tools and can increase vibration, machining time and tool deflection. Very small internal radii also require smaller cutters. Increasing corner radii and improving tool accessibility can make custom CNC machining faster and more stable.

Question 19

How do you maintain consistency on repeat CNC production orders?

Accepted Answer

Repeat orders should use the same approved drawing revision, material specification, machining requirements and inspection criteria. Critical dimensions are monitored against the agreed requirements so production remains consistent when quantities are repeated or scaled.

Question 20

Which features should be CNC machined after metal 3D printing?

Accepted Answer

Precision bores, threads, sealing faces, bearing seats, datum surfaces and tight-tolerance interfaces are common candidates for secondary CNC machining. Metal 3D printing creates the complex base geometry, while machining provides tighter control where the function requires it.

Question 21

How is build orientation selected for an SLM metal 3D printed part?

Accepted Answer

Build orientation is chosen by balancing support requirements, thermal distortion, surface quality, dimensional accuracy and production efficiency. Critical or cosmetic surfaces may be oriented to reduce supports or leave sufficient allowance for post-processing.

Question 22

How do I prevent metal powder from becoming trapped inside internal channels?

Accepted Answer

Internal passages should include a practical powder-removal path. Channel geometry, access openings and build orientation are reviewed during metal additive manufacturing DFM so unfused powder can be removed after printing.

Question 23

When are heat treatment or HIP used for metal 3D printed parts?

Accepted Answer

Stress-relief heat treatment is commonly considered after metal printing to reduce residual stress. Hot isostatic pressing (HIP) may be evaluated when demanding density, fatigue or internal-defect requirements justify the additional process.

Question 24

Can metal 3D printing replace a multi-part assembly with one component?

Accepted Answer

In some cases, yes. Additive manufacturing can integrate internal channels, brackets or other features that would otherwise require several manufactured parts. The consolidated design still needs to be evaluated for printability, powder removal, inspection and maintenance requirements.

Question 25

How do I choose between a prototype mold and a production injection mold?

Accepted Answer

The decision depends mainly on expected production volume, mold life, resin, part complexity and future demand. Prototype tooling can reduce initial investment for validation, while production tooling is designed for longer service life and more stable repeat injection molding production.

Question 26

How is plastic shrinkage considered when designing an injection mold?

Accepted Answer

Shrinkage is evaluated according to resin type, wall thickness, geometry, gate location and molding conditions. Mold dimensions are adjusted accordingly, and T1 injection molded samples are used to verify actual dimensions before production is approved.

Question 27

How are gate marks, parting lines and ejector marks controlled on cosmetic parts?

Accepted Answer

These features are reviewed during injection molding DFM. Where possible, gates, ejectors and parting lines are positioned away from visible or functional surfaces while still maintaining reliable filling, cooling and part ejection.

Question 28

How can sink marks and warpage be reduced in injection molded parts?

Accepted Answer

Good injection molding design starts with relatively uniform wall thickness, appropriate ribs and bosses, suitable gate placement and controlled cooling. Material behavior and processing conditions are then optimized during mold trials to improve dimensional stability.

Question 29

What happens if the T1 injection molded parts do not meet the drawing?

Accepted Answer

The issue is reviewed to determine whether it comes from tooling, shrinkage, filling, cooling, ejection or process parameters. Required mold or process adjustments are then made, followed by additional sampling until the agreed acceptance criteria are achieved.

Question 30

When should I use laser cutting instead of metal stamping?

Accepted Answer

Laser cutting is generally more flexible for prototypes, low-volume orders and designs that may change. Metal stamping becomes more attractive when repeat quantities justify dedicated tooling and high production efficiency.

Question 31

How should holes near a bend be designed in sheet metal parts?

Accepted Answer

Holes positioned too close to a bend can stretch or deform during forming. Bend radius, hole-to-bend distance, relief geometry and material thickness should therefore be evaluated during sheet metal DFM before production.

Question 32

How do you control distortion in welded sheet metal assemblies?

Accepted Answer

Welding sequence, fixture design, joint configuration and heat input are planned to reduce distortion. Important mounting surfaces and assembly dimensions can then be checked after welding to confirm that the finished fabrication meets the drawing.

Question 33

Can TigerHubs install self-clinching hardware in sheet metal parts?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Metal self-clinching can be used to integrate nuts, studs and other fastening hardware into suitable sheet metal components. Sheet thickness, material hardness, hole size and edge distance must be compatible with the selected fastener.

Question 34

How do you control tolerance stack-up in sheet metal enclosures?

Accepted Answer

The design is reviewed around functional datums and assembly-critical dimensions instead of treating every bend independently. Bend sequence, forming tolerances, welding and hardware location are considered together to improve final enclosure alignment.

Question 35

How should I choose between aluminum, zinc and magnesium die casting?

Accepted Answer

The correct die casting alloy depends on weight, strength, corrosion resistance, dimensional requirements, thermal performance and production economics. Aluminum is widely used for lightweight structural housings, while zinc and magnesium offer different advantages for specific applications.

Question 36

Which die cast features usually require secondary CNC machining?

Accepted Answer

Threads, precision bores, bearing seats, sealing surfaces, datum faces and other tight-tolerance interfaces are often machined after casting. This combines the production efficiency of die casting with the dimensional control of CNC machining.

Question 37

Why are uniform wall transitions important in die cast parts?

Accepted Answer

Large or sudden wall-thickness changes can affect metal flow, cooling and solidification, increasing the risk of shrinkage or dimensional variation. More gradual transitions help improve filling behavior and casting consistency.

Question 38

What happens to flash and runners after die casting?

Accepted Answer

After the casting is removed from the die, excess material such as runners, gates and flash is trimmed or removed. The part can then proceed to deburring, CNC machining, surface treatment and inspection according to the drawing.

Question 39

How is consistency maintained during high-volume die casting production?

Accepted Answer

Production stability depends on controlled tooling condition, process parameters, trimming, secondary machining and inspection. Critical dimensions and functional requirements are monitored according to the agreed quality plan throughout repeat production.

Question 40

What files should I send for an accurate quote?

Accepted Answer

Send a 3D CAD file such as STEP, X_T, IGES, STL, or 3MF when available, plus 2D drawings for tolerances, threads, surface finish, material grade, heat treatment, coating, inserts, and critical dimensions. Quantity and target lead time also help us quote accurately.

Question 41

Can TigerHubs review my design before production?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We can review manufacturability risks such as thin walls, deep pockets, sharp internal corners, bend reliefs, draft angles, porosity risk, parting lines, gating, tolerances, and finish requirements before production begins.

Question 42

What affects the price of my parts?

Accepted Answer

Main cost drivers include process selection, material, part size, geometry complexity, tolerance requirements, surface finish, tooling needs, inspection scope, order quantity, and requested lead time.

Question 43

Can you quote multiple manufacturing options for the same design?

Accepted Answer

Yes. If a part could be made by more than one process, we can compare options such as CNC machining versus casting, sheet metal versus machined plate, or 3D printing versus tooling, so you can balance cost, lead time, and performance.

Question 44

Can I request a manufacturing quote before my design is completely finalized?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Early-stage CAD can be reviewed for preliminary feasibility and cost evaluation. Any assumptions involving material, tolerances, finish or quantity should be clearly identified so the quotation can be updated when the design becomes final.

Question 45

Can a DFM review suggest a lower-cost manufacturing method?

Accepted Answer

Yes. A DFM review may identify opportunities to simplify geometry, adjust non-critical tolerances, change material, reduce secondary operations or use a more economical manufacturing process without changing the required function.

Question 46

What happens if my 3D CAD model and 2D drawing contain conflicting information?

Accepted Answer

Conflicting requirements should be clarified before manufacturing begins. Critical dimensions, tolerances, threads, finishes and inspection requirements should be resolved against the approved revision rather than allowing production to rely on assumptions.

Question 47

Will I need a new quotation if I revise my design?

Accepted Answer

Not always, but design changes should be reviewed. Changes to geometry, material, quantity, tolerance, tooling, surface finishing or inspection requirements can affect manufacturing cost and lead time, so the quotation may need to be updated.

Question 48

How can I reduce manufacturing cost without changing the function of my part?

Accepted Answer

Start by identifying which dimensions and surfaces are genuinely critical. Relaxing unnecessary tolerances, improving tool access, simplifying geometry, selecting practical materials and finishes, and matching the manufacturing process to the expected quantity can significantly improve cost efficiency.

Question 49

What materials can TigerHubs work with?

Accepted Answer

Common materials include aluminum, stainless steel, carbon steel, tool steel, brass, copper, zinc alloys, magnesium alloys, engineering plastics, and 3D printing resins or powders. Final availability depends on the process and regional sourcing.

Question 50

What surface finishes are available?

Accepted Answer

Available finishes include anodizing, powder coating, painting, plating, brushing, polishing, bead blasting, shot blasting, tumbling, passivation, heat treatment, and basic deburring. We can recommend finish options based on appearance, corrosion resistance, wear, or assembly needs.

Question 51

Can you handle secondary operations after the main process?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We can support CNC post-machining, tapping, threaded inserts, PEM hardware, welding, riveting, assembly, trimming, deburring, blasting, coating, and packaging depending on the part and service route.

Question 52

Can you help select a material if I only know the application?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Share the part function, load, temperature, environment, cosmetic expectations, regulatory needs, and annual quantity. Our team can suggest practical materials and finishes for your manufacturing process.

Question 53

Can TigerHubs suggest an alternative material if my specified grade is difficult to source?

Accepted Answer

Yes, an equivalent or alternative material can be evaluated based on mechanical, thermal, chemical and manufacturing requirements. No substitution should be made without customer approval when a specific material grade is required by the drawing or application.

Question 54

Can material certificates be provided with manufactured parts?

Accepted Answer

Material certificates can be included when they are specified during quotation and are available for the selected material supply route. Documentation requirements should be defined before production so they can be incorporated into purchasing and quality planning.

Question 55

Can surface finishing change the final dimensions of a part?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Anodizing, plating, powder coating and other finishes add or modify material at the surface. Tight-fitting bores, threads, mating areas and other precision features should therefore be identified when specifying surface finishing requirements.

Question 56

Can specific areas of a part be masked during surface finishing?

Accepted Answer

For compatible finishing processes, masking can be specified for threads, electrical contacts, sealing surfaces, precision bores or other areas that should remain untreated. Masked areas should be clearly identified on the engineering drawing.

Question 57

How can I maintain consistent color and texture across production batches?

Accepted Answer

Specify a recognized color standard, finish specification or approved reference sample whenever appearance is important. Material condition, surface preparation and finishing process should then be controlled consistently across repeat orders.

Question 58

What inspection reports can you provide?

Accepted Answer

Depending on project requirements, we can provide dimensional inspection reports, CMM reports, first-article inspection, material certificates, surface finish checks, hardness reports, leak testing, X-ray inspection, and production sampling records.

Question 59

How do you handle tight tolerances?

Accepted Answer

Tight tolerances are reviewed during quoting and DFM. We check the selected process, datum scheme, inspection method, material behavior, and whether post-machining or fixture inspection is needed to hold the requirement reliably.

Question 60

Can you inspect cosmetic parts and visible surfaces?

Accepted Answer

Yes. For cosmetic parts, define visible surfaces, texture, color, coating, acceptable marks, and packaging requirements. We can align inspection criteria before production so appearance expectations are clear.

Question 61

Do you support quality requirements for production orders?

Accepted Answer

Yes. For repeat production, we can document critical dimensions, inspection frequency, control plans, approved samples, packaging standards, and change-control expectations so future batches stay consistent.

Question 62

How should I identify critical-to-quality dimensions on my drawing?

Accepted Answer

Clearly identify critical-to-quality (CTQ) features using tolerances, GD&T, notes or inspection requirements. This allows the manufacturing and quality teams to focus process control and measurement resources on the dimensions that directly affect fit, function or safety.

Question 63

What is the difference between FAI, CMM inspection, Cpk and PPAP?

Accepted Answer

FAI verifies an initial production part, while CMM inspection measures defined dimensional features. Cpk evaluates process capability over production data, and PPAP is a broader production approval package commonly used in automotive and controlled supply chains. The required level should match the project risk.

Question 64

How do you maintain quality consistency on repeat production orders?

Accepted Answer

Approved drawings, material specifications, manufacturing requirements and inspection criteria form the reference for repeat production. Critical features are inspected according to the agreed control plan so changes can be identified before they affect delivered parts.

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