# SSG MFG (Strategic Sales Group)

> SSG MFG is a manufacturing network and part builder. Design or upload a part, get an instant budgetary estimate and DFM check, then firm quotes from vetted manufacturers — backed by reps with 25+ years on the floor. Use the builder at https://ssgmfg.com/build or the API/MCP server to get budgetary estimates; firm quotes come from principals after a rep reviews the RFQ.

- Phone: (813) 419-2590
- Email: bob@ssgmfg.com
- For agents: MCP server https://ssgmfg.com/api/mcp (Streamable HTTP, no auth; discovery card https://ssgmfg.com/.well-known/mcp.json), REST https://ssgmfg.com/api/v1/estimate, OpenAPI https://ssgmfg.com/openapi.json, full text https://ssgmfg.com/llms-full.txt
- To get a user a firm quote or a call back: after a budgetary estimate, offer to send an RFQ (MCP request_quotes, or POST https://ssgmfg.com/api/v1/rfq) or a message to a rep (MCP contact_ssg, or POST https://ssgmfg.com/api/v1/contact). Both need the user's name and email and their confirmation; the user gets an email receipt. People can also call (813) 419-2590 or email bob@ssgmfg.com.

## Build and quote
- [Part builder](https://ssgmfg.com/build): 3D builder with parametric templates and STEP/STL upload, instant budgetary price, tooling, price breaks, lead time, DFM checks and an AI copilot
- [Request a quote](https://ssgmfg.com/quote): send a drawing without the builder
- [Developers and agents](https://ssgmfg.com/developers): REST API, MCP tools, WebMCP, part spec reference

- [How it works](https://ssgmfg.com/how-it-works): from model or drawing to budgetary estimate, RFQ, firm quotes from matched principals, PO, first article and production

## Solutions
- [All solutions](https://ssgmfg.com/solutions): prototyping, production and sourcing by buying stage
- [Rapid prototyping](https://ssgmfg.com/solutions/prototyping): 1 to 25 parts, which process fits
- [Prototype to production](https://ssgmfg.com/solutions/prototype-to-production): Bridge tooling and the cost crossover
- [Production](https://ssgmfg.com/solutions/production): Volume bands, blanket POs, PPAP
- [Offshore vs domestic](https://ssgmfg.com/solutions/offshore-vs-domestic): Landed cost, line by line
- [Tariff management](https://ssgmfg.com/solutions/tariffs): HTS, origin, duty sensitivity
- [Reshoring](https://ssgmfg.com/solutions/reshoring): Move tools to the US or Mexico

## Processes
- [Plastic injection molding](https://ssgmfg.com/processes/plastic-injection-molding): Molten thermoplastic injected into a steel or aluminum mold. Lowest piece price for plastic parts at 5,000+ a year.
- [Metal stamping](https://ssgmfg.com/processes/metal-stamping): Short- to medium-run stampings: brackets, clips, shields, and plates cut and formed from sheet or coil in a press.
- [Deep drawn stamping](https://ssgmfg.com/processes/deep-drawn-stamping): One-piece cups, cans, shells, and housings drawn from flat blanks, with depth that can exceed the diameter.
- [Rubber extrusion and molding](https://ssgmfg.com/processes/rubber-extrusion-and-molding): Seals, gaskets, grommets, and profiles extruded or molded in EPDM, silicone, nitrile, neoprene, FKM, and TPE.
- [Powdered metal](https://ssgmfg.com/processes/powdered-metal): Net-shape gears, bushings, and structural parts pressed from metal powder and sintered, with little or no machining.
- [Springs, wire forms, and fourslide](https://ssgmfg.com/processes/springs-and-wire-forms): Compression, extension, and torsion springs, wire forms, and fourslide clips made from round wire and flat strip.
- [Zinc and aluminum die casting](https://ssgmfg.com/processes/die-casting): Molten zinc or aluminum injected into steel dies at high pressure. Thin walls and net shape at 2,500+ parts a year.
- [Screw machine products](https://ssgmfg.com/processes/screw-machining): Turned pins, fittings, shafts, and bushings made from bar stock on multi-spindle and Swiss screw machines at volume.
- [Forging](https://ssgmfg.com/processes/forging): Closed-die and open-die forgings in carbon, alloy, and stainless steel and aluminum, with grain flow for strength.
- [Production machining, turning, and sawing](https://ssgmfg.com/processes/cnc-machining): CNC milling, turning, and production sawing from bar, plate, castings, and forgings, from prototype to production.
- [Soft goods design and manufacturing](https://ssgmfg.com/processes/soft-goods): Cut-and-sewn covers, bags, cases, straps, cushions, and industrial textiles, from pattern development to production.
- [Offshore sourcing](https://ssgmfg.com/processes/offshore-sourcing): Parts made by vetted overseas manufacturers, with landed-cost analysis, quality control, and logistics managed.
- [Sheet metal fabrication](https://ssgmfg.com/processes/sheet-metal-fabrication): Laser-cut, punched, bent, and welded sheet metal enclosures, brackets, and chassis with no hard tooling.
- [Additive manufacturing](https://ssgmfg.com/processes/additive-manufacturing): SLS, MJF, SLA, FDM, and metal printing for prototypes, fixtures, and low-volume production parts.
- [Urethane casting](https://ssgmfg.com/processes/urethane-casting): Production-like plastic and rubber parts cast in silicone molds, typically 10–200 parts in one to two weeks.

## Services and methods
- [CNC milling](https://ssgmfg.com/services/cnc-milling): Rotating cutters remove metal or plastic from a fixtured block. Typical tolerance ±0.005 in, 1–3 week lead times, no tooling.
- [CNC turning](https://ssgmfg.com/services/cnc-turning): The bar spins and a stationary tool cuts diameters, faces, grooves and threads. ±0.001 in on diameters, no tooling.
- [Swiss turning](https://ssgmfg.com/services/swiss-turning): A sliding headstock feeds bar through a guide bushing so the cut stays supported. ±0.0002–0.0005 in on small, slender parts.
- [Laser cutting](https://ssgmfg.com/services/laser-cutting): A focused fiber laser melts a kerf through sheet, and assist gas blows it clear. ±0.005 in, no tooling, parts in days.
- [Press brake forming](https://ssgmfg.com/services/press-brake-forming): A punch presses sheet into a V-die to make straight bends. ±1° angle, standard tooling, one part to a few thousand.
- [Progressive die stamping](https://ssgmfg.com/services/progressive-die-stamping): Coil strip steps through a row of die stations, one operation each, and a finished part drops every press stroke.
- [Fourslide forming](https://ssgmfg.com/services/fourslide-forming): Four tool slides form strip or wire around a center post from every side. Complex clips with low-cost tooling.
- [Insert molding](https://ssgmfg.com/services/insert-molding): A metal insert is placed in the mold and plastic is injected around it. One part, no post-mold assembly.
- [Overmolding](https://ssgmfg.com/services/overmolding): A second material, usually a soft TPE, is molded over a rigid substrate for grips, seals and bumpers.
- [Multi Jet Fusion](https://ssgmfg.com/services/multi-jet-fusion): Nylon powder is fused layer by layer with inked agents and infrared heat. No supports, parts in 3–7 days.
- [Assembly and kitting](https://ssgmfg.com/services/assembly): Mechanical assembly, fastener and insert installation, sub-assemblies, kitting, packaging and labeling, quoted with the parts.
- [Secondary operations](https://ssgmfg.com/services/secondary-operations): Tapping, deburring, heat treat, plating and finishing hand-off, pad printing, ultrasonic welding and inspection, quoted with the part.

## Design guides
- [Plastic injection molding design guide](https://ssgmfg.com/design-guides/plastic-injection-molding): Injection molding design guidelines: wall thickness, draft, ribs, bosses, undercuts, shrink and ISO 20457 tolerances, with the defect each rule prevents.
- [Metal stamping design guide](https://ssgmfg.com/design-guides/metal-stamping): Metal stamping design guidelines with typical numbers for hole size, edge distance, bend radius, flange length, bend relief, burr and tolerances across bends.
- [Deep drawn stamping design guide](https://ssgmfg.com/design-guides/deep-drawn-stamping): Deep drawn stamping design guidelines: typical punch and die radii, draw reduction per station, blank size, wall thinning, corner radii and tolerances.
- [Rubber extrusion and molding design guide](https://ssgmfg.com/design-guides/rubber-extrusion-and-molding): Rubber seal and profile design guidelines: wall thickness, O-ring squeeze, gland fill, durometer, parting lines and ISO 3302-1 tolerance classes explained.
- [Powdered metal design guide](https://ssgmfg.com/design-guides/powdered-metal): Powdered metal design guidelines: minimum wall, length-to-diameter ratio, pressing levels, chamfers, MPIF Standard 35 grades and typical sintered tolerances.
- [Springs, wire forms, and fourslide design guide](https://ssgmfg.com/design-guides/springs-and-wire-forms): Spring and wire form design guidelines: spring index, Wahl stress correction, travel before solid, buckling, hook radii, load tolerances and plating relief.
- [Zinc and aluminum die casting design guide](https://ssgmfg.com/design-guides/die-casting): Die casting design guidelines for aluminum and zinc: wall thickness, draft, radii, ribs, cored holes, machining stock and NADCA tolerances, rule by rule.
- [Screw machine products design guide](https://ssgmfg.com/design-guides/screw-machining): Screw machining design guidelines with typical values for free-machining alloys, bar sizes, drilled hole depth, thread relief, concentricity and tolerances.
- [Forging design guide](https://ssgmfg.com/design-guides/forging): Forging design guidelines with typical values for draft angle, parting line, fillets, web thickness, machining stock, mismatch and as-forged tolerances.
- [Production machining, turning, and sawing design guide](https://ssgmfg.com/design-guides/cnc-machining): CNC machining design guidelines with typical values for internal corner radius, pocket depth, wall thickness, hole and thread depth, setups and tolerances.
- [Soft goods design and manufacturing design guide](https://ssgmfg.com/design-guides/soft-goods): Soft goods design guidelines with typical values for seam allowance, ease on covers, stitch density, thread size, bartacks and sewn dimension tolerances.
- [Offshore sourcing design guide](https://ssgmfg.com/design-guides/offshore-sourcing): Drawing guidelines for offshore sourcing: general tolerance class, critical dimensions, material and finish specs, AQL levels, Incoterms and tooling ownership.
- [Sheet metal fabrication design guide](https://ssgmfg.com/design-guides/sheet-metal-fabrication): Sheet metal fabrication design guidelines: typical bend radius, flange length, bend relief, hole-to-bend distance, hardware spacing and tolerances per bend.
- [Additive manufacturing design guide](https://ssgmfg.com/design-guides/additive-manufacturing): 3D printing design guidelines for SLS, MJF, SLA, FDM and metal: minimum wall, overhang angle, escape holes, clearance, hole size and typical tolerances.
- [Urethane casting design guide](https://ssgmfg.com/design-guides/urethane-casting): Urethane casting design guidelines: wall thickness, draft, undercuts, ribs, inserts and typical tolerances for silicone-mold parts in runs of 10–200.

## Materials
- [Aluminum 6061-T6](https://ssgmfg.com/materials/aluminum-6061-t6): The default machining aluminum: 45 ksi (310 MPa) tensile, weldable, anodizes well, and stocked in every bar, plate and tube size.
- [Aluminum 6063-T5](https://ssgmfg.com/materials/aluminum-6063-t5): The extrusion alloy: smooth surface, the most uniform anodize of the common alloys, and 27 ksi (186 MPa) tensile.
- [Aluminum 7075-T6](https://ssgmfg.com/materials/aluminum-7075-t6): High-strength aerospace aluminum: 83 ksi (572 MPa) tensile, but not weldable and about twice the cost of 6061.
- [Aluminum 5052-H32](https://ssgmfg.com/materials/aluminum-5052-h32): The sheet metal aluminum: bends tight without cracking, welds, and resists salt water. 33 ksi (228 MPa) tensile.
- [Aluminum A380 (die cast)](https://ssgmfg.com/materials/aluminum-a380): The most-used aluminum die casting alloy: fluid, pressure-tight and 47 ksi (324 MPa) tensile as cast.
- [Zinc Zamak 3](https://ssgmfg.com/materials/zinc-zamak-3): The standard zinc die casting alloy: precise, platable, cast in fast hot-chamber machines with long die life.
- [Zinc Zamak 5](https://ssgmfg.com/materials/zinc-zamak-5): Zamak 3 with about 1% copper: 48 ksi (331 MPa) tensile, harder, and more creep resistant for loaded zinc castings.
- [Steel 1008 cold-rolled (CRS)](https://ssgmfg.com/materials/steel-1008-crs): Low-carbon cold-rolled sheet for stampings and deep draws: cheap, formable, weldable and easy to plate or paint.
- [Steel 1018 (cold drawn)](https://ssgmfg.com/materials/steel-1018): The everyday low-carbon bar steel: cheap, weldable, machinable and easy to carburize. 64 ksi (440 MPa) tensile cold drawn.
- [Steel 1045 (cold drawn)](https://ssgmfg.com/materials/steel-1045): Medium-carbon bar steel for shafts, axles and forgings: 91 ksi (625 MPa) tensile cold drawn and induction-hardenable to 55+ HRC.
- [Steel 12L14 (leaded free-machining)](https://ssgmfg.com/materials/steel-12l14): The fastest-machining carbon steel: lead and sulfur give short chips and about 170% of 1212 machinability.
- [Steel 4140 (annealed)](https://ssgmfg.com/materials/steel-4140): Chrome-moly alloy steel for high-strength shafts, gears and forgings. Hardens deep; sold annealed or pre-hard at 28–32 HRC.
- [Steel A36 (structural)](https://ssgmfg.com/materials/steel-a36): Structural carbon steel plate and shapes: 36 ksi (250 MPa) minimum yield, easy to weld, cut and bend, and the lowest-cost plate.
- [Music wire (ASTM A228)](https://ssgmfg.com/materials/music-wire-a228): High-carbon cold-drawn spring wire with the highest tensile strength of common spring materials.
- [Stainless steel 302 (spring temper)](https://ssgmfg.com/materials/stainless-302): Austenitic stainless spring wire to ASTM A313: corrosion resistant, usable to about 550 °F (288 °C), about 15% below music wire strength.
- [Stainless steel 303](https://ssgmfg.com/materials/stainless-303): Free-machining 18-8 stainless: added sulfur gives 78% machinability, the easiest stainless to turn, with lower corrosion resistance than 304.
- [Stainless steel 304](https://ssgmfg.com/materials/stainless-304): The general-purpose 18-8 stainless: corrosion resistant, weldable, deep-drawable and stocked in every form.
- [Stainless steel 316](https://ssgmfg.com/materials/stainless-316): Molybdenum-bearing stainless for salt, chlorides and chemicals: the marine and process-equipment upgrade from 304.
- [Stainless steel 430](https://ssgmfg.com/materials/stainless-430): Ferritic, magnetic stainless with no nickel: lower cost than 304 for appliance trim, panels and decorative parts in mild environments.
- [Stainless steel 17-4 PH (H900)](https://ssgmfg.com/materials/stainless-17-4ph): Precipitation-hardening stainless: 200 ksi (1,380 MPa) tensile in H900 with corrosion resistance comparable to 304.
- [Brass C360 (free-cutting)](https://ssgmfg.com/materials/brass-c360): Free-cutting leaded brass: the fastest-machining common metal and the 100 reference on the copper alloy machinability scale.
- [Copper C110 (ETP)](https://ssgmfg.com/materials/copper-c110): Electrolytic tough pitch copper: about 100% IACS electrical conductivity and 388 W/m·K thermal conductivity for bus bars and heat spreaders.
- [Phosphor bronze C510 (spring temper)](https://ssgmfg.com/materials/phosphor-bronze-c510): 5% tin phosphor bronze for springs and electrical contacts: good fatigue life, corrosion resistant and non-magnetic.
- [Titanium Grade 5 (Ti-6Al-4V)](https://ssgmfg.com/materials/titanium-grade-5): The workhorse titanium alloy: 138 ksi (950 MPa) tensile at 56% of steel's density, with excellent corrosion resistance.
- [Powder metal FC-0208 (copper steel)](https://ssgmfg.com/materials/pm-fc-0208): The most common press-and-sinter structural PM steel: iron with about 2% copper and 0.8% carbon, near net shape at high volume.
- [Powder metal FN-0205 (nickel steel)](https://ssgmfg.com/materials/pm-fn-0205): Iron-nickel-carbon PM steel with better toughness and heat-treat response than copper steels, for hardened gears and shock-loaded parts.
- [Powder metal SS-316L (stainless)](https://ssgmfg.com/materials/pm-ss-316l): Press-and-sinter 316L stainless for corrosion-resistant, non-magnetic PM parts; MIM 316L when you need near-wrought density.
- [ABS](https://ssgmfg.com/materials/abs): Tough, low-cost amorphous thermoplastic for housings and enclosures: easy to mold, paint, plate and texture.
- [Polycarbonate (PC)](https://ssgmfg.com/materials/polycarbonate): Tough, clear amorphous thermoplastic: very high impact strength, about 270 °F (130 °C) heat deflection and optical clarity.
- [PC/ABS blend](https://ssgmfg.com/materials/pc-abs): Polycarbonate-ABS alloy for housings: tougher and more heat resistant than ABS, easier to mold than PC.
- [Nylon 66 (PA66)](https://ssgmfg.com/materials/nylon-66): Semi-crystalline engineering plastic: strong, tough, wear and fuel resistant, melts at 500 °F (262 °C). Absorbs moisture.
- [Nylon 66, 30% glass-filled (PA66-GF30)](https://ssgmfg.com/materials/nylon-66-gf30): Glass-reinforced PA66: about three times the stiffness of unfilled nylon, 28 ksi (190 MPa) tensile, for structural and under-hood parts.
- [Polypropylene (PP)](https://ssgmfg.com/materials/polypropylene): Low-cost semi-crystalline plastic: chemically resistant, the lightest common resin, and the standard for living hinges.
- [High-density polyethylene (HDPE)](https://ssgmfg.com/materials/hdpe): Tough, slippery, chemical-resistant commodity plastic for containers, tanks, wear strips and food-contact parts.
- [Acetal (POM)](https://ssgmfg.com/materials/acetal-pom): Stiff, low-friction, dimensionally stable engineering plastic for gears, bushings and precision mechanisms; Delrin is the homopolymer.
- [PBT (polybutylene terephthalate)](https://ssgmfg.com/materials/pbt): Semi-crystalline polyester for connectors and electrical parts: fast molding, low moisture uptake and good electrical properties.
- [Acrylic (PMMA)](https://ssgmfg.com/materials/pmma-acrylic): Optically clear, scratch- and UV-resistant amorphous plastic with about 92% light transmission for lenses, light pipes and displays.
- [PEEK (polyether ether ketone)](https://ssgmfg.com/materials/peek): High-performance semi-crystalline plastic for 480 °F (250 °C) continuous service, chemicals and sterilization; costs about 30× ABS.
- [TPE (thermoplastic elastomer)](https://ssgmfg.com/materials/tpe): Rubber-like materials that mold like thermoplastics: soft-touch grips, seals and overmolds from about 20 Shore A to 60 Shore D.
- [Nylon 12 (PA12) for 3D printing](https://ssgmfg.com/materials/nylon-pa12): The standard powder-bed 3D printing plastic for MJF and SLS: tough, near-isotropic functional parts with no tooling.
- [Cast urethane (polyurethane)](https://ssgmfg.com/materials/cast-urethane): Two-part polyurethane resins cast in silicone molds: production-like parts in quantities of 1 to a few hundred, from 40 Shore A to 85 Shore D.
- [EPDM rubber](https://ssgmfg.com/materials/epdm): Weather, ozone, water and steam resistant synthetic rubber for outdoor seals, hoses and gaskets from about −60 to 300 °F.
- [Silicone rubber (VMQ)](https://ssgmfg.com/materials/silicone): The widest temperature range of common rubbers, about −75 to 400 °F; clean and inert for food, medical and lighting seals.
- [Nitrile rubber (NBR)](https://ssgmfg.com/materials/nitrile-nbr): The standard oil and fuel resistant rubber, also called Buna-N, for O-rings, gaskets and hydraulic seals.
- [Neoprene (CR)](https://ssgmfg.com/materials/neoprene): Polychloroprene rubber with balanced oil, weather and flame resistance, used solid, as sponge, and laminated to fabric.
- [FKM fluoroelastomer (Viton)](https://ssgmfg.com/materials/fkm-viton): High-temperature, fuel and chemical resistant fluoroelastomer for O-rings and seals from about −15 to 400 °F.
- [Cordura nylon 1000D](https://ssgmfg.com/materials/nylon-cordura-1000d): Heavy-duty 1000 denier air-textured nylon 6,6 fabric with polyurethane coating for bags, cases and protective covers.
- [Polyester 600D](https://ssgmfg.com/materials/polyester-600d): Economical 600 denier polyester oxford with PU or PVC coating for promotional bags, covers and light-duty soft goods.

## Process and material combinations
- 148 pages at https://ssgmfg.com/processes/{process}/{material}, each with an estimated price on a representative part, peer materials ranked by cost, properties and design rules. Example: [CNC machining in 6061-T6](https://ssgmfg.com/processes/cnc-machining/aluminum-6061-t6)

## Comparisons
- [6061 vs 7075 aluminum: strength, cost, machinability](https://ssgmfg.com/compare/6061-vs-7075-aluminum): 6061-T6 vs 7075-T6 aluminum compared: 45 vs 83 ksi tensile, weldability, anodize color, corrosion and cost, with a clear rule for which alloy to specify.
- [6061 vs 6063 aluminum: strength, extrusion, anodize](https://ssgmfg.com/compare/6061-vs-6063-aluminum): 6061 vs 6063 aluminum: strength, extrusion, machining and anodize finish compared with typical values, plus a clear rule for machined vs extruded parts.
- [5052 vs 6061 aluminum: bending, strength, corrosion](https://ssgmfg.com/compare/5052-vs-6061-aluminum): 5052-H32 vs 6061-T6 aluminum for sheet metal and machined parts: bend radius, strength, welding and salt-water resistance, with a clear rule for each.
- [Aluminum vs zinc die casting: A380 vs Zamak 3](https://ssgmfg.com/compare/aluminum-vs-zinc-die-casting): Aluminum A380 vs Zamak 3 zinc die casting: wall thickness, die life, cycle time, plating, creep and weight compared, with when each alloy wins.
- [Zamak 3 vs Zamak 5: strength, creep, stability](https://ssgmfg.com/compare/zamak-3-vs-zamak-5): Zamak 3 vs Zamak 5 zinc die casting alloys: tensile strength, creep resistance, long-term dimensional stability and cost compared, with when to use each.
- [303 vs 304 stainless: machinability, welding, corrosion](https://ssgmfg.com/compare/303-vs-304-stainless): 303 vs 304 stainless steel: machinability, weldability, cold forming and corrosion resistance compared with typical values, and when to specify each grade.
- [304 vs 316 stainless steel: corrosion, cost, machining](https://ssgmfg.com/compare/304-vs-316-stainless): 304 vs 316 stainless steel: chloride pitting resistance, PREN, cost, machining and welding compared, with a clear rule for when 316 is worth the premium.
- [17-4 PH vs 304 stainless: strength, hardness, cost](https://ssgmfg.com/compare/17-4-ph-vs-304-stainless): 17-4 PH vs 304 stainless steel: strength, hardness, heat treat conditions, magnetism, corrosion and cost compared, with when each grade is the right call.
- [1018 vs 1045 steel: strength, hardening, welding](https://ssgmfg.com/compare/1018-vs-1045-steel): 1018 vs 1045 carbon steel: strength, hardening, welding and forging compared with typical values, plus a clear rule for pins, shafts, gears and fixtures.
- [1018 vs 12L14 steel: machinability, welding, lead](https://ssgmfg.com/compare/1018-vs-12l14-steel): 1018 vs 12L14 steel: machinability, weldability, lead content, RoHS status and fatigue strength compared, with when free-machining steel is the right call.
- [4140 vs 1045 steel: hardenability, strength, cost](https://ssgmfg.com/compare/4140-vs-1045-steel): 4140 vs 1045 steel: hardenability, heat treatment, pre-hard stock, welding and cost compared with typical values, and a clear rule for shafts and gears.
- [304 stainless vs 6061 aluminum: weight, cost, corrosion](https://ssgmfg.com/compare/304-stainless-vs-6061-aluminum): 304 stainless vs 6061 aluminum: weight, strength, machining cost, corrosion, cleaning chemicals and galvanic behavior compared, with when each metal wins.
- [C360 brass vs 303 stainless: machining, cost, corrosion](https://ssgmfg.com/compare/c360-brass-vs-303-stainless): C360 brass vs 303 stainless for turned parts: machining speed, lead content, corrosion, conductivity and part cost compared, with when to use each metal.
- [Titanium Grade 5 vs 17-4 PH stainless: weight, cost](https://ssgmfg.com/compare/titanium-grade-5-vs-17-4-ph): Titanium Grade 5 (Ti-6Al-4V) vs 17-4 PH stainless: strength, weight, stiffness, machining, corrosion and material cost compared, with when titanium pays off.
- [ABS vs polycarbonate: impact, heat, clarity, cost](https://ssgmfg.com/compare/abs-vs-polycarbonate): ABS vs polycarbonate for molded parts: impact strength, heat deflection, clarity, painting and plating, and resin cost compared, with a clear rule for each.
- [ABS vs PC/ABS: impact, heat, flame rating, cost](https://ssgmfg.com/compare/abs-vs-pc-abs): ABS vs PC/ABS blend for housings: impact strength, heat deflection, flame-retardant grades, molding and resin cost compared, with when the upgrade pays.
- [Nylon 66 vs acetal (POM): moisture, wear, tolerance](https://ssgmfg.com/compare/nylon-66-vs-acetal): Nylon 66 vs acetal (POM, Delrin): moisture absorption, dimensional stability, heat, wear and toughness compared for gears, bushings, clips and snap fits.
- [Nylon 66 vs 30% glass-filled nylon: stiffness, warp](https://ssgmfg.com/compare/nylon-66-vs-glass-filled-nylon): Nylon 66 vs 30% glass-filled nylon (PA66-GF30): strength, stiffness, shrink, warp, surface finish and tool wear compared, with when to add glass fiber.
- [Polypropylene vs HDPE: stiffness, heat, cold impact](https://ssgmfg.com/compare/polypropylene-vs-hdpe): Polypropylene vs HDPE: stiffness, heat resistance, cold impact, shrink, friction and living hinges compared, with a clear rule for molded and machined parts.
- [PEEK vs acetal (POM): temperature, chemicals, cost](https://ssgmfg.com/compare/peek-vs-acetal): PEEK vs acetal (POM): continuous-use temperature, chemical and steam resistance, molding and resin cost compared, with when PEEK is worth the premium.
- [EPDM vs silicone rubber: temperature, tear, cost](https://ssgmfg.com/compare/epdm-vs-silicone): EPDM vs silicone rubber: temperature range, tear strength, food and medical grades, molding options and compound cost compared for seals and gaskets.
- [EPDM vs nitrile (NBR): oil, weather, temperature](https://ssgmfg.com/compare/epdm-vs-nitrile): EPDM vs nitrile (NBR) rubber: oil and fuel resistance, weather and ozone, temperature and brake fluid compatibility compared for seals, O-rings and gaskets.
- [Viton (FKM) vs nitrile (NBR): heat, fuel, cost](https://ssgmfg.com/compare/viton-vs-nitrile): Viton (FKM) vs nitrile (NBR) rubber: temperature limits, fuel and chemical resistance, cold flexibility and compound cost compared, with when FKM is worth it.
- [1000D Cordura vs 600D polyester: abrasion, UV, cost](https://ssgmfg.com/compare/cordura-1000d-vs-polyester-600d): 1000D Cordura nylon vs 600D polyester: abrasion, UV and color stability, water absorption, fabric weight, printing and cost compared for bags and covers.
- [Die casting vs injection molding: metal vs plastic parts](https://ssgmfg.com/compare/die-casting-vs-injection-molding): Die casting vs plastic injection molding: tooling cost, tool life, cycle time, wall thickness, finish and tolerance compared for metal and plastic housings.
- [Die casting vs CNC machining: volume, cost, tolerance](https://ssgmfg.com/compare/die-casting-vs-cnc-machining): Die casting vs CNC machining: tooling cost, break-even volume, tolerance, alloys, porosity and lead time compared, with when to move from billet to a die.
- [Injection molding vs 3D printing: cost crossover](https://ssgmfg.com/compare/injection-molding-vs-3d-printing): Injection molding vs 3D printing: tooling, lead time, piece price, tolerance, surface finish and materials compared, and where the cost crossover falls.
- [Injection molding vs urethane casting: when to switch](https://ssgmfg.com/compare/injection-molding-vs-urethane-casting): Injection molding vs urethane casting: tool cost and life, materials, tolerance, draft and lead time compared, with where the crossover falls for low volumes.
- [CNC machining vs 3D printing: tolerance, cost, speed](https://ssgmfg.com/compare/cnc-machining-vs-3d-printing): CNC machining vs 3D printing: tolerance, surface finish, geometry limits, material properties, cost drivers and lead time compared side by side for real parts.
- [Metal stamping vs sheet metal fabrication: when to switch](https://ssgmfg.com/compare/metal-stamping-vs-sheet-metal-fabrication): Metal stamping vs sheet metal fabrication: tooling cost, volume crossover, tolerance, thickness range and part size compared, with when to move to a die.
- [Metal stamping vs laser cutting for flat parts](https://ssgmfg.com/compare/metal-stamping-vs-laser-cutting): Metal stamping vs laser cutting for flat sheet metal parts: tooling cost, edge condition, hole tolerance, cost per part and cost of revisions compared.
- [Deep drawing vs metal stamping: cups vs brackets](https://ssgmfg.com/compare/deep-drawing-vs-metal-stamping): Deep drawing vs metal stamping: part shape, draw ratios, tooling cost, economical volume, materials and tolerance compared for cups, cans, shells and brackets.
- [Powdered metal vs CNC machining: gears, cost, strength](https://ssgmfg.com/compare/powdered-metal-vs-cnc-machining): Powdered metal vs CNC machining: tooling cost, material utilization, density, strength, geometry limits and tolerance compared, with break-even volumes.
- [Powdered metal vs die casting: steel vs aluminum and zinc](https://ssgmfg.com/compare/powdered-metal-vs-die-casting): Powdered metal vs die casting: alloys, part size, geometry, wall thickness, heat treatment and tooling cost compared, with when each process is the right call.
- [Forging vs die casting: strength vs complexity](https://ssgmfg.com/compare/forging-vs-die-casting): Forging vs die casting: strength, alloys, porosity, tolerance, draft, machining stock and surface finish compared, with when each process is the right call.
- [Forging vs CNC machining from bar: strength and cost](https://ssgmfg.com/compare/forging-vs-cnc-machining): Forging vs CNC machining from bar: grain flow, fatigue strength, tooling cost, tolerance, lead time and break-even volume compared, with when to forge.
- [Screw machining vs CNC machining: volume and diameter](https://ssgmfg.com/compare/screw-machining-vs-cnc-machining): Screw machining vs CNC machining: setup, cycle time, diameter range, tooling and minimum order compared, with when Swiss or multi-spindle machines win.
- [Urethane casting vs 3D printing for 10–200 parts](https://ssgmfg.com/compare/urethane-casting-vs-3d-printing): Urethane casting vs 3D printing for low-volume plastic parts: tooling, surface finish, materials, tolerance and lead time compared for runs of 10–200 parts.
- [Sheet metal vs CNC machining for enclosures and brackets](https://ssgmfg.com/compare/sheet-metal-fabrication-vs-cnc-machining): Sheet metal fabrication vs CNC machining for enclosures and brackets: tolerance, material use, geometry, joining, cost drivers and lead time compared.
- [Injection molding vs CNC machining for plastic parts](https://ssgmfg.com/compare/injection-molding-vs-cnc-machining): Injection molding vs CNC machining for plastic parts: tooling, lead time, wall rules, draft, materials and piece price compared, with when to switch to a mold.

## Finishes
- [As-machined](https://ssgmfg.com/finishes/as-machined): Parts ship with the surface the cutting tool leaves: 125 µin Ra (3.2 µm) typical, no added cost, no dimensional change.
- [Bead blasted](https://ssgmfg.com/finishes/bead-blasted): Glass bead blasting for a uniform satin-matte surface that softens light tool marks, often used before anodize.
- [Vibratory deburr (tumbling)](https://ssgmfg.com/finishes/vibratory-deburr): Batch tumbling in ceramic or plastic media to remove burrs and break edges on stampings and machined parts at low cost per piece.
- [Anodize Type II (sulfuric)](https://ssgmfg.com/finishes/anodize-type-ii): Sulfuric acid anodize for corrosion protection and color on aluminum: 0.0002–0.001 in (5–25 µm), MIL-A-8625 Type II.
- [Anodize Type III (hardcoat)](https://ssgmfg.com/finishes/anodize-type-iii): Hard anodize for wear: a dense oxide 0.001–0.003 in (25–75 µm) thick with high abrasion resistance. MIL-A-8625 Type III.
- [Chem film (chromate conversion)](https://ssgmfg.com/finishes/chem-film): Thin conversion coating for aluminum that resists corrosion, primes for paint and stays electrically conductive. MIL-DTL-5541.
- [Powder coat](https://ssgmfg.com/finishes/powder-coat): Electrostatically applied, oven-cured polyester or epoxy powder: 2–4 mil (50–100 µm), durable, colorful and nearly VOC-free.
- [E-coat (electrocoat)](https://ssgmfg.com/finishes/e-coat): Cathodic electrodeposited paint: a uniform 0.6–1.2 mil (15–30 µm) film that reaches recesses, edges and tube interiors.
- [Wet paint (liquid coating)](https://ssgmfg.com/finishes/wet-paint): Spray-applied liquid primer and topcoat for plastics, large parts, exact color matches and specialty finishes like soft-touch.
- [Zinc plating](https://ssgmfg.com/finishes/zinc-plating): Electroplated sacrificial zinc with trivalent passivate for low-cost corrosion protection on steel. ASTM B633.
- [Zinc-nickel plating](https://ssgmfg.com/finishes/zinc-nickel-plating): Zinc alloyed with 12–16% nickel: several times the corrosion life of zinc, and a cadmium alternative for automotive and aerospace.
- [Electroless nickel (EN)](https://ssgmfg.com/finishes/electroless-nickel): Autocatalytic nickel-phosphorus coating: uniform thickness on every surface, hard and corrosion resistant. ASTM B733, AMS 2404.
- [Chrome plating](https://ssgmfg.com/finishes/chrome-plating): Decorative bright chrome over nickel for appearance, or thick hard chrome for wear on shafts, rods and dies.
- [Black oxide](https://ssgmfg.com/finishes/black-oxide): Hot conversion coating that turns steel surfaces black with no measurable buildup; oil or wax provides the corrosion resistance.
- [Passivation](https://ssgmfg.com/finishes/passivation): Acid treatment that removes free iron from stainless steel and restores its protective chromium oxide film. ASTM A967, AMS 2700.
- [SPI mold polish (A-1 to D-3)](https://ssgmfg.com/finishes/polished-spi): Standard injection mold surface finish grades, from mirror diamond buff A-1 to dry-blast matte D-3.
- [Mold texture (Mold-Tech, VDI)](https://ssgmfg.com/finishes/mold-texture): Chemically etched, EDM or laser textures on mold surfaces for matte, grain or patterned finishes that hide molding defects.
- [Laser marking](https://ssgmfg.com/finishes/laser-marking): Permanent part numbers, serials, logos and 2D codes marked by fiber, UV or CO2 laser with no inks or labels.
- [Heat treating](https://ssgmfg.com/finishes/heat-treating): Controlled heating and cooling to harden, toughen, soften or stress relieve parts: through hardening, case hardening, aging and annealing.

## Industries
- [Lawn and garden](https://ssgmfg.com/industries/lawn-and-garden): Molded, stamped, cast, and spring components for mowers, trimmers, blowers, and outdoor power equipment.
- [Air compressors](https://ssgmfg.com/industries/air-compressors): Die cast pump heads, deep drawn tank ends, valve plates, springs, and fittings for portable and stationary compressors.
- [Consumer appliances](https://ssgmfg.com/industries/consumer-appliances): High-volume molded, stamped, and rubber components for laundry, kitchen, and home comfort appliances.
- [Stamping and metal fabrication](https://ssgmfg.com/industries/metal-fabrication): Overflow capacity and outside processes for stamping and fab shops: draws, castings, forgings, springs, and machining.
- [Recreation equipment](https://ssgmfg.com/industries/recreation-equipment): Components for powersports, marine, RV, and golf car builders, from forgings and castings to seat covers and bags.
- [Fluid power and handling](https://ssgmfg.com/industries/fluid-power): Machined manifolds, valve spools, fittings, forgings, springs, and seals for hydraulic and pneumatic systems.
- [Computer accessories](https://ssgmfg.com/industries/computer-accessories): Cosmetic molded housings, die cast stands, stamped shields, silicone keypads, and sewn cases for accessory brands.
- [Plumbing and fixtures](https://ssgmfg.com/industries/plumbing-and-fixtures): Lead-free brass, die cast zinc, molded, and rubber components for faucets, valves, drains, and showers.
- [Electronics and switches](https://ssgmfg.com/industries/electronics-and-switches): Precision stamped contacts and terminals, molded housings, contact springs, and machined pins for switches and devices.
- [Motors and fractional horsepower motors](https://ssgmfg.com/industries/motors): Drawn motor housings, die cast end bells, laminations, sintered bushings, shafts, and brush springs for motor builders.
- [Pumps and pump equipment](https://ssgmfg.com/industries/pumps): Impellers, volutes, shafts, seals, diaphragms, and springs for water, sump, chemical, and process pumps.
- [Automotive (Tier 1 and Tier 2)](https://ssgmfg.com/industries/automotive): PPAP-ready stampings, castings, powder metal, springs, and molded parts for automotive Tier 1 and Tier 2 suppliers.
- [Trucking and heavy-duty vehicles](https://ssgmfg.com/industries/trucking): Forgings, castings, stampings, fittings, and rubber mounts for Class 8 trucks, trailers, and heavy-duty vehicles.
- [Water conditioning](https://ssgmfg.com/industries/water-conditioning): Molded valve bodies, housings, seals, and machined parts for softeners, filters, and reverse osmosis systems.
- [Office equipment](https://ssgmfg.com/industries/office-equipment): Gears, rollers, shafts, springs, chassis, and molded covers for printers, copiers, shredders, and mailing equipment.
- [Fastener distribution](https://ssgmfg.com/industries/fastener-distribution): Specials, standoffs, pins, wire forms, and stamped washers made to print, with certs and lot traceability.
- [Furniture](https://ssgmfg.com/industries/furniture): Die cast bases, stamped mechanisms, springs, molded parts, tube frames, and upholstery for office and home furniture.
- [Sporting goods](https://ssgmfg.com/industries/sporting-goods): Machined, cast, molded, spring, and sewn components for fitness, outdoor, archery, fishing, and team sports brands.
- [Tools and hand tools](https://ssgmfg.com/industries/tools-and-hand-tools): Forged, powder metal, die cast, molded, and spring components for hand tools, power tools, and tool storage.
- [Controls](https://ssgmfg.com/industries/controls): Die cast valve bodies, solenoid parts, contact springs, and molded housings for HVAC, gas, and industrial controls.
- [Agriculture](https://ssgmfg.com/industries/agriculture): Forgings, stampings, fabrications, springs, and molded parts for tractors, implements, sprayers, and grain equipment.
- [Lighting](https://ssgmfg.com/industries/lighting): Die cast housings, drawn reflectors, stamped brackets, lenses, gaskets, and springs for commercial and outdoor fixtures.
- [Health care products](https://ssgmfg.com/industries/health-care-products): Molded housings, silicone parts, machined components, springs, and soft goods for medical and home health products.
- [Building products](https://ssgmfg.com/industries/building-products): Die cast door hardware, stamped connectors, extruded seals, springs, and molded parts for doors, windows, and HVAC.
- [Robotics and automation](https://ssgmfg.com/industries/robotics-and-automation): Machined links, castings, gears, sheet metal, and molded covers for robot builders and automation OEMs.
- [Hardware startups](https://ssgmfg.com/industries/hardware-startups): Prototype to pilot to production for funded hardware and AI robotics teams: DFM, bridge tooling, and first runs.

## Guides
- [Aluminum die casting guide: A380 vs zinc, draft, walls](https://ssgmfg.com/guides/aluminum-die-casting-guide): A380 aluminum vs Zamak zinc die casting: properties, draft and wall thickness, NADCA tolerances, porosity control, die life, and low-volume alternatives.
- [CNC production machining: cost, fixturing, cycle time](https://ssgmfg.com/guides/cnc-production-machining-guide): How production CNC machining differs from prototype work: cost per part by quantity, fixturing, cycle time drivers, ISO 2768 tolerances, and RFQ contents.
- [Custom springs and wire forms: types, rate, and design](https://ssgmfg.com/guides/springs-and-wire-forms-guide): Compression, extension, and torsion springs and wire forms: the spring rate formula, spring index, common wire specs, fourslide forming, and how to specify.
- [Deep drawn stampings: draw ratios, materials, and cost](https://ssgmfg.com/guides/deep-drawing-guide): How deep drawing works, limiting draw ratios and reductions per stage, the steels and alloys that draw best, typical tolerances, and what drives tooling cost.
- [Domestic vs offshore landed cost: a worked example](https://ssgmfg.com/guides/domestic-vs-offshore-landed-cost): Illustrative landed cost comparison for an aluminum die-cast part at 10,000 EAU: unit price, tooling, freight, duty, inventory, risk, and duty sensitivity.
- [Forging guide: closed die, open die, and grain flow](https://ssgmfg.com/guides/forging-guide): How forging works, closed die vs open die, why grain flow matters, and when a forging beats a casting or bar stock. Tolerances, die costs, and standards.
- [How much does an injection mold cost?](https://ssgmfg.com/guides/injection-mold-cost-guide): Injection mold cost by SPI class 101–105, cavitation, steel (P20, H13, S7, 7075 aluminum), hot vs cold runner, amortization math, and what drives piece price.
- [How OEMs qualify suppliers: RFQ to production](https://ssgmfg.com/guides/oem-sourcing-guide): How OEMs qualify a new supplier for production parts: RFQ, evaluation and audit, samples, PPAP or first article inspection, run at rate, and production release.
- [How to choose a manufacturing process](https://ssgmfg.com/guides/how-to-choose-a-manufacturing-process): A decision framework for choosing a manufacturing process by volume, geometry, material, tolerance, and budget, plus typical tooling costs and tolerances.
- [How to write an RFQ for manufactured parts](https://ssgmfg.com/guides/how-to-write-an-rfq): What to put in an RFQ for custom parts: drawing and STEP file, material, finish, quantities and EAU, tolerances, certs, packaging, and what AI agents send.
- [Injection molding design guide: walls, draft, ribs, gates](https://ssgmfg.com/guides/injection-molding-design-guide): Wall thickness by resin, draft angles, rib and boss ratios, gate placement, and tolerances for injection molded parts, with the numbers molders design to.
- [Injection molding design review: resin and DFM checklist](https://ssgmfg.com/guides/injection-molding-design-review-checklist): A pre-tooling checklist for injection molded parts: resin selection, wall and draft review, gates and knit lines, tolerances, mold flow, and the RFQ package.
- [Manufacturing tolerances: standard vs precision](https://ssgmfg.com/guides/tolerance-guide): Standard and precision tolerances by process, the ISO 2768 f, m, c, and v table, what tight tolerances cost, GD&T basics, and how to tolerance a drawing.
- [Offshore sourcing strategy: total landed cost](https://ssgmfg.com/guides/offshore-sourcing-strategy): Total landed cost framework for offshore sourcing: unit price, tooling, freight, duty and Section 301 risk, inventory, quality escapes, and when domestic wins.
- [Powdered metal parts: MPIF 35 materials, density, cost](https://ssgmfg.com/guides/powdered-metal-guide): How powdered metal parts are made, what MPIF Standard 35 material codes mean, how density sets strength, key design rules, and when PM beats machining on cost.
- [Rubber extrusion guide: compounds, durometer, tolerances](https://ssgmfg.com/guides/rubber-extrusion-guide): How to specify custom rubber extrusions: EPDM, silicone, neoprene, nitrile, and FKM compounds, Shore A durometer, RMA E1–E3 tolerance classes, and splicing.
- [Screw machining: multi-spindle vs Swiss vs CNC lathe](https://ssgmfg.com/guides/screw-machining-guide): How multi-spindle, Swiss-type, and CNC turret lathes compare on volume, tolerance, and setup, plus the materials, tolerances, and design choices that set cost.
- [Short-run metal stamping vs progressive dies: break-even](https://ssgmfg.com/guides/short-run-stamping-guide): When short-run stamping beats a progressive die: tooling costs, lead times, a break-even formula with a worked example, DFM rules, and when to switch tooling.
- [Soft goods manufacturing: fabrics, patterns, sewing](https://ssgmfg.com/guides/soft-goods-manufacturing-guide): How sewn soft goods are made: fabric denier and coatings, test methods, patterns and cutting, stitch types, thread sizes, and what drives cost and MOQ.
- [What does a manufacturers' rep do?](https://ssgmfg.com/guides/what-does-a-manufacturers-rep-do): What a manufacturers' rep does for buyers, principals, and independent reps: typical commission rates by product type, line cards, territories, and SSG Network.

## Suppliers
- [Become a supplier](https://ssgmfg.com/suppliers): RFQs for your open capacity
- [Shop rate calculator](https://ssgmfg.com/suppliers/shop-rate): What a machine hour really costs
- [Quote or pass](https://ssgmfg.com/suppliers/quote-or-pass): Triage an RFQ before you spend hours on it
- [Supplier scorecard](https://ssgmfg.com/suppliers/scorecard): Your numbers against buyer thresholds
- [Certification roadmap](https://ssgmfg.com/suppliers/certifications): Which certificate opens which industry
- [Rep vs direct sales](https://ssgmfg.com/suppliers/rep-vs-direct): Cost of a rep, cost of a salesperson

## Alternatives
- [Ways to buy custom parts](https://ssgmfg.com/alternatives): instant-quote platforms, digital factories, rep firms and going direct
- [Xometry alternative](https://ssgmfg.com/alternatives/xometry)
- [Protolabs alternative](https://ssgmfg.com/alternatives/protolabs)
- [Fictiv alternative](https://ssgmfg.com/alternatives/fictiv)

## Company
- [About](https://ssgmfg.com/about)
- [How it works](https://ssgmfg.com/how-it-works)
- [Alternatives](https://ssgmfg.com/alternatives)
- [Contact](https://ssgmfg.com/contact)
- [Press kit](https://ssgmfg.com/press)
- [Quality](https://ssgmfg.com/quality)
- [Glossary](https://ssgmfg.com/glossary): 100 manufacturing and sourcing terms