NOTE: This list of words (“Technical Terms”) was generated from the content on various pages of this website.  These words may have additional definitions.

Blister – A piece of clear plastic sheet, formed to show and protect a part. (Blister package)

Broach – A machine element used to incrementally cut a profile in a part.

CAD, Computer Aided Design – Specialized computer software used to design parts.

CNC, Computer Numerical Control – Technology using computers to operate machines.

DFA, Design For Assembly – A process and concept used when designing parts to ensure that they can be easily and correctly assembled.

DFM, Design For Manufacturability – A process and concept used when designing parts to ensure that they can be manufactured in great volume at the most profitable cost.

DFMA or DFM&A – An acronym combining DFM and DFA.

Dimension – A number on a drawing designating the quantity of a property, usually length.

Draft – The taper (angle) of the wall of a plastic IM part to allow its removal from the mold.

EDM, Electrical Discharge Machining – A machining process to make odd-shaped blind holes.

Entropy – A concept wherein matter tends to progress to the lowest possible energy state.

Fillet – A radius installed in an otherwise sharp cornered hole in a part to make it stronger.

Heat seal – A process using heat to soften plastic so as to then, with pressure, form a seal.

IM, Injection Molding – A manufacturing process wherein plastic pellets are first melted and then forced into a metal mold in order to make plastic parts.

Investment Casting – A process similar to IM, except molten metal is used instead of plastic.

JIT, Just In Time – A manufacturing philosophy where inventories are minimized and parts are delivered to the manufacturing floor only when and as needed.

Machining – Any of various kinds of equipment and/or processes that remove material.

NDA, Non-Disclosure Agreement – A document executed to ensure security of information.

Normal to – A technical phrase meaning “perpendicular to.”

RP, Rapid prototype – A part or assembly made by any of several different kinds of material additive manufacturing processes.

Reshoring – The concept and process of returning jobs back home from overseas.

Rube Goldberg – The action of making an otherwise simple operation awfully complicated.  Named after an American cartoonist who designed very intricate machines to do simple tasks.

Snap Ring – A specially designed circular spring used to assemble shafts to other parts.

Stress Raiser – A feature, like a sharp inside corner that makes a part substantially weaker.

Thermodynamics – The science and study of mechanical and heat energy interrelationships.

Thrust, axial – A force acting parallel to the centerline of a shaft.

Thrust, radial – A force acting perpendicular (normal) to the centerline of a shaft.

Tolerance – The amount that a dimension can vary and still define an acceptable part.

Vacuum Forming – The process used to make “blisters” for packaging applications.