Month: February 2025

Table of Contents

In mechanical manufacturing, deep-hole and tiny deep-hole machining have been attracting a lot of attention. The diameter of small holes is generally 0.1 to 3.0 mm, and micro small holes are < 0.1 mm, while deep holes are those with a hole depth-to-hole diameter ratio > 10. Based on the diameter, deep holes can be categorized as extra large, large, normal, small, and tiny deep holes. Usually, tiny deep holes and extra large deep holes are more difficult to machine.

Tiny deep holes are widely used in aerospace, military, hydraulic valves, injector nozzles, and medical devices. However, during the machining process, tool cooling and chip removal problems often lead to tool breakage, and traditional machining methods are unable to help some difficult-to-machine materials. In this paper, we will discuss the current micro deep hole machining methods, analyze their advantages and disadvantages, and look forward to future development, to provide a basis for further research.

Micro deep hole machining methods

 

Micro deep hole machining methods are divided into mechanical machining methods and special machining methods, of which, mechanical machining methods are mainly drilling; special machining methods mainly include EDM, electrolytic machining, ultrasonic machining, laser machining, and electron beam machining.

1. Mechanical processing of tiny deep holes

 

The main machining method for tiny deep holes is drilling, which is known for its fast machining speed and wide range of applicable materials, making it a cost-effective choice. Ordinary drilling is usually applied to holes with large diameters, small depth-to-diameter ratios, low molding accuracy, and low surface quality.

With the development of material science and technology, drilling technology has also advanced. In terms of equipment, high-speed motors, and electric spindles are used, such as those from Fisher (Switzerland) and Forest-line (France) with spindles up to 180,000 rpm. At the same time, air-bearing and magnetic-bearing technologies have improved the rotational accuracy of spindles, such as the precision spindles of Japan’s NSK, which can reach 1 μm.

On the process side, to improve hole accuracy and depth, drill sleeves guide the drill and allow step-by-step drilling. The introduction of ultrasonic high-frequency vibration also improves tool stiffness and chip removal, enhancing machining quality and speed. New materials and coating technologies, such as the MDSS-type carbide drills from Japan’s Jayo Electric, have a minimum diameter of just 30 μm and a maximum machining depth of 60 μm.

Deep hole machining is becoming more and more complex, requiring a balance between chip removal and cooling to achieve optimal cutting conditions. Beijing Aviation Precision Machinery Research Institute optimized the cutting edge and cooling hole structure of the gun drill, and developed an efficient machining method with a hole diameter of 2 to 10 mm and a depth-to-diameter ratio of 20 to 60, which improved the machining efficiency by more than 30%.

In terms of general material machining, drilling technology has significantly improved tool life and machining quality. However, in terms of difficult-to-machine materials, the efficiency is low and costly, and some materials can not even be processed.

2. Special machining technology for tiny deep holes

 

Special machining technology refers to the use of acoustic energy, electrical energy, thermal energy, light energy, chemical energy, and electrochemical energy, such as one or more kinds of energy composite, to realize the processing method of material removal. Special processing micro deep hole methods mainly include electric discharge machining, electrolytic machining, ultrasonic machining, laser processing, and electron beam processing.

2.1 EDM micro deep hole processing

 

EDM principle is based on the tool and the workpiece between the pulse spark discharge phenomenon generates a lot of heat to remove excess metal, its working principle is shown in Fig 1.

Fig 1 EDM micro deep small hole machining diagram

Compared with other processing methods, its processing characteristics are mainly expressed in the following aspects:

(1) Any conductive material can be processed;
(2) Various forms of holes can be machined;
(3) low strength and stiffness requirements for the tool.

However, EDM tiny deep holes also have shortcomings:

First of all, EDM tiny deep holes use thermal energy to remove metal, so a thermo-cast layer will be formed on the machined surface, affecting the service life of the part;

Secondly, the hole surface quality and machining accuracy are poor, and have a certain taper; again, the electrode preparation is not easy, the electrode is prone to deformation and loss, the machining efficiency is low, and the chip removal and heat dissipation are difficult, which is also the main problem affecting its wide application.

The most typical method is EDM perforation molding processing. In the process of processing, due to the small cross-sectional area of the electrode, easy to deform; the processing area is not easy to heat dissipation, chip removal is difficult, often caused by pulling the arc to impede the normal processing; electrode loss is large, and the electrode is too thin and too long easy to cause a short circuit. Therefore, the depth of the processed hole is limited, and the depth-to-diameter ratio is about 20.

Given the shortcomings of EDM perforation, EDM tiny deep hole processing in the electrode has been improved, that is, the use of double-hole tubular electrodes, and chipping electrodes, improves the processing efficiency, reduces the processing taper, reduces the electrode loss problem; the use of the workpiece inverted machining mode, improve the processing depth and processing stability.

Global research has been conducted on specialized EDM machines. The equipment developed by Japan’s Matsushita Seiki can stably process micro-fine holes of 5μm. The super tiny deep hole EDM machine tool developed by Beijing Yitong Electric Processing Research Institute has solved the problem of machining 2000mm tiny deep holes and improved the machining efficiency and machining accuracy.

At present, China’s production of CNC high-speed EDM machine tools for small holes in the process indicators has reached the international advanced level, and the processing of small holes in the depth ratio has been > 1000:1.

2.2 Electrolytic machining of small deep holes

 

Electrolytic machining is a special machining method based on the principle of anode ion dissolution, which has the advantages of fast machining speed, high surface quality, and a wide range of applications. It is widely used in aerospace, automotive, medical devices, and mold industries. However, due to the complex state of the gap during electrolytic machining, factors such as electrochemical, electric, and flow fields interact with each other, resulting in poor machining stability and accuracy. In addition, high and expensive corrosion protection requirements for equipment and proper disposal of electrolysis products limit its application.

Micro deep hole electrolytic machining can be categorized into electrolytic machining and composite electrolytic machining. Specific methods include electrochemical drilling, cathodic electrolytic processing of molded tubes, capillary electrolytic perforation, etc., and most of the electrolytes used are acidic. In-molded tube cathodic electrolytic processing, the cathode surface will be insulated to prevent corrosion. Currently, the main problems faced by electrolytic machining are insulation and stray corrosion of the cathode, as well as the undesirable shape of the machined hole (e.g., large taper).

Fig. 2 Principle diagram of electrochemical machining holes

Global research on electrolytic machining technology is gradually increasing. Prof. Di Zhu of Nanjing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics studied the pressure distribution in the electrolytic machining of tube electrodes and found that the voiding phenomenon in the machined area was mainly due to the changes in the electrolyte channel. He proposed that the use of a translational electrode can remove the cavitation region, thus improving the machining stability. Wang Wei et al. analyzed the flow field of a group-hole tube electrode and found that reducing the number of cathodes or the inner diameter can make the flow field more uniform, while wedge-shaped cathodes can effectively improve the flow field distribution. Fang et al, on the other hand, improved the electric field distribution in the machining gap by adjusting the potential difference of the anode tube electrode to enhance the precision of electrolytic machining and used a pulsating flow field to improve the stability of tiny deep hole machining.

Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) utilized 1% HCl and NaCl mixed electrolyte for the machining of nickel-based high-temperature alloys, studied the variation of hole diameter and depth, and realized the machining of bamboo cooling holes by adjusting the machining voltage and feed rate. In the pulse electrolytic machining test at Warsaw University of Technology, Poland, the pulse interval time helped to discharge the electrolysis products and improved the machining stability, but the efficiency was lower than that of the DC power source. S. Hinduja et al. of the University of Manchester, UK, on the other hand, established a mathematical model to analyze the effects of processing voltage, feed rate, electrolyte pressure, and concentration on the hole diameter and taper, which guides the processing of tube electrodes for bamboo cooling holes.

2.3 Ultrasonic machining of tiny deep holes

 

Ultrasonic machining is the use of ultrasonic vibration tools in a liquid medium with abrasive or dry abrasive material to produce abrasive impact, abrasive polishing, hydraulic impact, and the resulting cavitation to remove the material, or the workpiece along a certain direction of the application of ultrasonic frequency vibration for machining, the machining schematic shown in Fig 3.

Fig 3 Ultrasonic machining of small deep holes schematic diagram

Extensive research on ultrasonic machining technology has been carried out worldwide. For example, the Beijing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics found that rotary ultrasonic machining is significantly better than conventional drilling in terms of material removal rate and surface quality when processing carbon fiber-reinforced plastics, while tool loss is reduced. The Dalian University of Technology used an end chamfering tool to process potassium dihydrogen phosphate crystals with good results. Tianjin University has improved the efficiency and quality of processing small holes in engineering ceramics by driving tools through electromagnetic conversion technology.

Harbin Institute of Technology has processed 13μm micro-holes on silicon wafers and combined ultrasonic and EDM machining to realize efficient machining of small-diameter deep holes in titanium alloys. Nanjing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics research ultrasonic EDM and ultrasonic electrolytic composite machining, significantly improving the machining efficiency and quality. Kansas State University established a rotary ultrasonic machining mathematical model, Indian scholars of ultrasonic machining of titanium alloy test have also achieved good results, Swiss scholars have found that the twist drill tool in the tiny deep hole machining is more efficient.

2.4 Laser processing of small deep holes

 

Laser processing of small deep holes is the use of light energy by focusing the system at the focal point to reach a very high energy density, so that the instantaneous material melting, vaporization, and melting and vaporization of the explosive jet in the workpiece after the formation of small deep holes, processing schematic shown in Fig 4.

Fig 4 Laser processing of small deep holes schematic diagram

Compared with traditional mechanical processing methods, laser processing of small deep holes with fast processing speed, high efficiency, and small heat-affected zone, etc., is suitable for a variety of materials processing, the minimum hole diameter of the processed holes is up to 4 ~ 5 μm, the depth ratio of up to 10 or more. Such as the Demagi DML series laser processing center, the output power of up to 10 ~ 20kW, the surface roughness of the processed parts for Ra1μm, the material removal rate of up to 25m/min, the minimum diameter of the processed hole for 5μm, 20mm deep;

However, in general, the surface roughness of the processed hole is large, the roundness is relatively poor, and it is easy to form a flare mouth, it is necessary to reduce the flare mouth by an additional optical control axis, and the accuracy of the hole is generally lower than the IT8 level, and at the same time the high price of the laser equipment has also limited its application. At present, the global research on laser processing is mainly focused on the following 2 aspects.

(1) shorten the laser pulse width and increase the peak power. Femtosecond laser processing so that the thickness of its recast layer is reduced, and its thickness can generally be controlled at 0.02 ~ 0.05mm, the high energy density deposits produced within an instant will make the absorption of electrons and the way the movement is altered with ultra-high precision, spatial resolution and wide range of non-thermal fusion treatment process. Germany Hanover laser center using 150 fs, high energy density of femtosecond laser in 1mm(see Fig 5).

Fig 5 Femtosecond laser processing of small deep holes Fig

(2) Eliminate micro-cracks, recast layer. Laser composite processing mainly includes jet gas-assisted laser processing, underwater laser processing, water-guided laser processing, chemical-assisted laser processing ultrasound-assisted laser processing, etc., which can significantly improve the processing quality and reduce the micro-cracks, recast layer, and heat-affected zone. Xi’an Jiaotong University Mei Xuesong et al. precisely controlled and removed the laser-processed microcooling hole recasts, and reduced the thickness of recasts to less than 5 μm by optimizing the laser process parameters. The processed small holes without the recast layer are shown in Fig. 6

Fig. 6 Optical microscope view of the hole as a whole and local section

2.5 Electron beam machining of tiny deep holes

 

Electron beam machining is a method of converting the kinetic energy of electrons into thermal energy by using high-speed electrons to impact the workpiece. When a metal is heated in a vacuum, electrons escape from the atoms and form a high-speed beam of electrons. This beam of electrons, focused by a magnetic lens, has an extremely high energy density and instantly raises the surface temperature of the workpiece to several thousand degrees Celsius, causing localized melting and vaporization of the material, resulting in the formation of holes.

This method of drilling is highly efficient, with thousands to tens of thousands of holes per second, and good quality with virtually no flying edges or heat-affected layers. By controlling the speed of the electrons and the strength of the magnetic field, it is possible to achieve precise curved holes inside the workpiece. At present, the minimum diameter of electron beam hole punching can reach 0.003mm, the depth-to-diameter ratio of the hole can be up to 100:1, and the inner slope is about 1°~2°, which is suitable for jet engine cooling holes and wing adsorption screen holes and so on.

Electron beam processing in a vacuum environment, less pollution, and no oxidation of the surface, especially suitable for materials prone to oxidation, especially high-purity semiconductor materials. However, due to the high requirements of the equipment in the vacuum environment, the system cost is high, which limits its wide application. With the advancement of science and technology and the emergence of new materials, the processing of tiny deep holes in the future will rely more and more on composite processing methods, such as ultrasonic vibration drilling, electrolytic-mechanical composite processing, and so on.

Table 1 Analysis of micro deep hole machining methods

 

Micro deep hole machining technology development trend

 

With the development of science and technology, and the emergence of new materials, the future precision machining of tiny deep holes is difficult to realize through a single processing method, the composite processing method is bound to become the development trend. Composite processing mainly has ultrasonic vibration drilling, electrolytic mechanical composite processing, electrolytic EDM composite processing, electrolytic laser composite processing, and ultrasonic electrolytic composite processing.

1. Ultrasonic vibration drilling tiny deep holes

 

Ultrasonic vibration drilling is mainly drilling, ultrasonic vibration as a complementary composite processing. By applying ultrasonic high-frequency vibration on the drill bit, the drill bit and the workpiece produce periodic separation between the cutting force changes periodically, at the same time, the rigidity of the tool has also been improved.

The main modes of drill vibration are axial vibration, torsional vibration, and axial-torsional compound vibration (see Fig 7). In the process, ultrasonic high-frequency vibration drilling from continuous cutting to intermittent cutting improves the chip breakage and chip removal, cooling, and heat dissipation conditions, the formation of the pulse torque greatly reduces the friction factor between the drill bit and the workpiece, chips, reducing the drilling force, improving the service life of the drill bit and the quality and efficiency of the processed surface.

Fig 7 Ultrasonic vibration drilling schematic

Prof. Zhang Deyuan from Beijing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics and Zhao Bo from Henan University of Technology developed an ultrasonic vibration drilling test bench, which can adapt to different shapes and thicknesses of workpieces to realize ultrasonic-assisted drilling processing. The study shows that ultrasonic vibration can improve the crack toughness of SiC particle-reinforced aluminum matrix composites, enhance the surface roughness, and reduce the chipping phenomenon.

A comparative study by VARUN showed that ultrasonic vibratory cutting has lower cutting forces and tool wear compared to conventional cutting, with surface quality down to the nanometer scale.GHLANI et al. successfully drilled deep holes in nickel-based alloys and found that lower spindle speeds can reduce axial forces and improve surface quality. For new materials such as carbon fiber composites and titanium alloys, ultrasonic vibratory drilling can effectively reduce the axial force of the drill bit and lateral cutting force, thus reducing tool wear and improving the accuracy of the hole.

2. Electrolytic mechanical composite processing of tiny deep holes

 

Electrolytic mechanical composite machining mainly uses mechanical action to remove the passivation film produced in the electrolysis process. Therefore, electrolytic machining continues to be a composite machining technology mainly based on electrical machining, with mechanical machining as a supplement. A typical electrolytic grinding machining schematic is shown in Figure 8.

Fig 8 Schematic diagram of electrolytic grinding processing

Nanjing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics and Changzhou Institute of Technology conducted a series of studies on electrolytic grinding, the overall impeller blade profile five-axis linkage CNC spreading electrolytic grinding machining mechanism research, the overall impeller polishing efficiency increased by 12 times, solved the overall impeller blade profile finishing technical problems.

Professor Zhu Yu and others applied electrolytic grinding to finishing, and optimized the process parameters of electrolytic grinding on the processed small holes (see Fig. 9), which can meet the requirements of fuel nozzles. The introduction of mechanical action in the process of electrolytic machining, greatly improving the efficiency of electrolytic machining, has been widely used in large rolls, and large chemical container-shaped cavity polishing.

Fig 9 Optimal process parameters under the processing of the hole

3. Electrolytic EDM composite processing of small deep holes

 

Electrolytic EDM composite machining takes full advantage of the higher molding accuracy of EDM and electrolytic machining of better surface quality characteristics, in the same processing station, using different tools electrodes, first EDM molding process, and then electrolytic machining to remove the EDM generated recast layer, processing schematic shown in Fig 10.

Fig 10 Electrolysis – EDM composite machining diagram

Electrolytic EDM composite machining technology integrates the advantages of EDM and electrolytic machining while making up for their shortcomings. EDM has a higher machining accuracy, suitable for the processing of difficult-to-machine metal materials, but there is a recast layer on the surface of the processing; electrolytic machining has a good surface quality, high processing efficiency, no loss of tools, there is no cutting stress and the advantages of the recast layer, etc., but it is difficult to molding accuracy to a high degree of precision. By combining these two machining processes, high machining accuracy and surface quality can be obtained by utilizing their strengths and avoiding their weaknesses.

South Korea Yousei University ultrasonic electrolytic EDM composite processing deep hole test, single-ended insulated electrodes can increase the depth-to-diameter ratio of the hole Baza et al. first deionized water solution for EDM, and then the liquid will be replaced by an electrolytic solution containing phosphoric acid, electrolytic polishing of the micro-hole: to remove the recast layer, to get the micro-hole without a recast layer, and the processing effect shown in Fig. 11; its processing results.

Fig 11 Electrolysis – EDM polishing processing effect diagram

Japanese scholars use the same electrode in deionized water processing solution for EDM processing, and then replace the electrolytic power supply, electrolytic polishing processing in the same station, the electrode high-speed rotation to drive the micro-fine abrasive particles to remove the surface of the workpiece produced by the passivation layer, to achieve the mirror polishing of the surface of the workpiece (see Fig 12), the surface roughness of up to Ra0.07 μm.

Fig 12 Electrolysis – EDM grinding effect diagram

Harbin Institute of Technology has carried out non-conductive super-hard materials processing and other aspects of the exploration, the use of physical inflation methods and electrode ultrasonic vibration can improve the efficiency of electrolytic EDM processing;

Taiwan scholars use pulse power supply and rotating cathode to improve the precision of electrolytic EDM machining, and applied to glass processing; Zhu Yuejin composite electrolyte in stainless steel, and titanium alloy specimens in the processing of small deep hole test, the results show that the pulse current can effectively remove the recast layer, improve the machining efficiency and machining accuracy.

However, due to discharge and cathode loss and processing mechanism and process research is not deep enough, the technology is still in the experimental research stage.

4. Electrolytic laser composite processing of tiny deep holes

 

In electrolytic jet processing, laser east in the jet electrolyte beam under the guidance of the form of total reflection through the jet to remove the material, while the region of the electrolyte local temperature increases, improving the efficiency of electrolytic jet processing and electrolytic jet processing of the domain.

A laser beam of efficient processing reduces the taper of the processed hole, increasing the depth-to-diameter ratio, and electrolytic jet processing will also be produced by laser processing of recast layer, residual stress and micro-cracks, and other defects, “online” removal, the two composite, not only to maintain the surface quality of the electrolytic jet machining is good, but also take full advantage of the high efficiency of the laser machining features, to make up for the shortcomings of the respective processing. The respective processing of the deficiencies that exist. Processing schematic diagram as shown in Fig 13.

Fig. 13 Schematic diagram of electrolytic jet-laser composite processing

The technical research on laser-assisted jet electrolytic processing conducted by Prof. P.T. Paiak of the University of Scotland, Glasgow, shows that the introduction of laser assistance improves the precision and efficiency of electrolytic processing, while the surface is free of recast layer, residual stress, and microcracks.

Nanjing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics on the electrolytic jet laser-assisted processing of the hole surface quality and processing efficiency of the basic process research shows that the electrolytic jet laser composite processing can effectively remove the laser processing of the recast layer and spots produced by the processing of the surface of the processing of the holes without heat-affected zone as shown in Fig 14.

Fig 14 Electrolytic jet-laser composite processing of holes in the effect of the map

5. Ultrasonic electrolytic composite processing of small deep holes

 

In electrolytic machining, the generation of passivation film often hinders the process. To remove this film, it is usually necessary to use high current density or high electrolyte pressure, but this will increase the cost and reduce the quality and accuracy of machining. The use of linear electrolytes can also lead to stray corrosion, which can affect part quality.

Ultrasonic machining can improve machining accuracy and surface quality but is less efficient. Combining these two methods can effectively remove passivation films. The high-frequency vibration and cavitation of ultrasound not only remove the film but also periodically change the pressure and flow of the electrolyte, helping to renew the electrolyte and discharge the products, thus ensuring the continuity of processing.

In addition, the addition of fine abrasives to the electrolyte can enhance processing speed and surface quality. During composite processing, the cathode is subjected to ultrasonic vibration while being fed to the anode at a certain speed, the passivation layer is ruptured by the ultrasonic impact and abrasives, and the anode surface is reactivated. This alternating state of passivation and activation increases the speed of electrolytic processing. The processing schematic is shown in Fig 15

Fig 15 Schematic of ultrasonic electrolytic composite processing

A. Ruszaj et al. from the Institute of Advanced Manufacturing Technology in Poland studied pulsed-current electrolytic machining and ultrasonic electrolytic machining and found that ultrasonic electrolytic machining resulted in better surface quality, while the best results were obtained with the addition of abrasive powder.

S. Skoczypiec et al. analyzed the electrolyte flow in ultrasonic-assisted electrolytic machining by flow field simulation, and the results showed that ultrasonic vibration can change the pressure and the intensity of air pockets in the machining area, and the appropriate amplitude helps to reduce the polarization of the electrode.

B. Bhattacharyya et al. used low-frequency vibration of 150-200Hz for electrolytic machining and found that low-frequency vibration can effectively control the material removal rate and machining accuracy, and the effect is better than that of high-frequency vibration, which promotes the discharging of machining products.M. S. Hewidy et al. analyzed the effect of low-frequency vibration on electrolytic machining through mathematical models, and pointed out that the amplitude and the machining gap have a significant effect on the service life of the tool. M. S. Hewidy et al.

Research in China has also focused on ultrasonic electrolytic composite machining, which was first applied to polishing, using ultrasonic vibration to remove the passivation film on the surface of the workpiece and improve the quality of the metal surface. Hefei University of Technology, Zhu Yongwei designed a low-frequency vibration pulse electrolytic machining device, research shows that low-frequency vibration can improve the machining accuracy, surface quality, and material removal rate.

The Nanjing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics and Yangzhou University of ultrasonic electrolytic composite processing of the mechanism and technical advantages of the discussion confirmed that the technology can be used for microstructure fine processing. The microfabricated components processed by ultrasonic electrolytic composite microfabrication are shown in Fig 16

Fig 16 Ultrasonic electrolytic composite microfabrication micro components

Nanjing Agricultural University studied the rotary ultrasonic electrolytic composite machining of tiny deep holes and designed a new device that uses the internal spraying of electrolytes. In the study, they simulated and analyzed the flow field and electric field during the machining process, optimized the machining process, and achieved good results. In addition, they compared the effects of rotary ultrasonic electrolytic composite machining and rotary electrolytic machining (see Fig 17).

Fig 17 Comparison of 2 ways of machining tiny deep holes

The study shows that under the same process parameters, rotary ultrasonic electrolytic composite machining can significantly improve the machining quality of tiny deep holes and the process is more stable. The technological advantage is even more obvious after adding ultrasonic high-frequency vibration. In addition, the machining depth of the hole can be further increased by guiding the tool cathode through the guide sleeve.

Table 2 Development trend of micro deep hole machining technology

Conclusion

 

With the progress of science and technology, difficult-to-machine materials and new types of materials are emerging, and the requirements for machining methods are becoming higher and higher. Hole parts are widely used in the mechanical industry, the future precision machining of tiny deep holes will no longer rely on a single method, but the use of composite machining technology to improve machining accuracy and efficiency.

This paper briefly reviews the current situation of tiny deep hole machining, introduces the basic principles of traditional machspecial machining and its elopement dynamics, and proposes to combine vibration or electrolytic machining with other methods to form a composite machining technology to compensate for their respective shortcomings, thus promoting the development of future remanufacturing industry.

Listen in to this recorded webinar where the product team at Xometry provided a comprehensive demonstration of Teamspace.

Teamspace is a workspace within your Xometry account that enables you to easily collaborate with other users on projects and custom part orders, giving you and members of your Team quick and easy access to quotes, order placement, part statuses, tracking information, and more.

Project managers, procurement professionals, buyers, engineers, and more can benefit from this walkthrough and are all encouraged to watch!

Tune in and learn:

• What is Teamspace, and how it can be used to simplify order management
• How to create Teams, add team members, and assign specific roles
• How to use Teamspace to view quote and order statuses, quickly reorder parts, and identify new opportunities for efficiency

Make sure to stick around until the end of the video to gather additional insights from the recorded Q&A.

Team XometryThis article was written by various Xometry contributors. Xometry is a leading resource on manufacturing with CNC machining, sheet metal fabrication, 3D printing, injection molding, urethane casting, and more.

Read more articles by Team Xometry

Why Is Color Important?

Successful products need to stand out in a crowded marketplace. One way to do this is with a great paint job or molded-in color. With modern paints and pigments, there are millions of colors to choose from. Colors attract attention, establish brand identity, differentiate your product, and help to create an emotional response for your customers.

As a manufacturer we strive to ensure our clients get exactly the paint color and shade that they want. But in practice, colors can’t always be exact due to a number of factors such as the availability of consistent colors from the pigment manufacturer, variability in processing conditions, local changes in temperature or humidity, and even the light source used for viewing. Traditionally these factors made the analysis of color highly subjective and imprecise, which is why we needed to find a better way.

How Do We Make Sure You Get The Right Color?

Many industries still rely on color matching by eye using sample chips, color swatches or the like. This method is not only subjective and inaccurate, but it’s impossible to provide quantifiable data that can be monitored during production and relayed to the customer. How do we verify the color that we apply to a part, while communicating this effectively not only within our organization but also in real time with the client? One of the ways we apply quality assurance to surface finish colors is with the X-Rite spectrophotometer.

What Is A Spectrophotometer?

A spectrophotometer is an instrument used to measure the reflected wavelength of energy from a target source and compare this to a known standard. Most of this energy is in the visible spectrum, with a little in the ultraviolet and near ultraviolet. Each wavelength represents an individual color in the LCH color space. LCH means light, chroma and hue. These are defined as numerical values, so it’s very useful when communicating color information objectively.

How Does The X-Rite Work?

The X-Rite has its own powerful light source with a known energy level. In operation, the unit shines this light off the target, and then reads the wavelength reflected from the surface. This reading is compared to the reference color, which is usually provided by the customer and programmed into the system’s memory. Reference colors can be updated or modified at any time.

After a reading, the X-Rite stores this information for record keeping and reporting. It can be shared with the client or other team members, or uploaded to the cloud for worldwide supply chain management. The X-Rite can be programed to give a simple “pass/fail” verification for quick in-line quality checks, or provide more detailed spectral analysis for each color component to help fine tune process control parameters.

Using Color Space For Process Control

A color space is one way to visualize a color reading. Color spaces are visualized as a three-dimensional zone, where each dimension represents one of the three LCH values.

Being able to quickly visualize individual readings within this space makes it easier for the operator to asses how an individual sample differs from the reference, both in magnitude and direction. This information is then used to control the process used to make the color, whether it’s painting, anodizing or plating.

Does The X-Rite Work On All Surfaces?

The X-Rite works on metals, plastics, fabrics, rubber, wood, ceramics and more. It works with smooth or rough textures, different levels of reflectivity, tints and hues. This versatility makes it invaluable for rapid prototyping and low-volume production, since we deal with such a wide range of products every day.

However, some surfaces are especially shiny with the addition of optical brightening agents (OBAs). These highly reflective surfaces can potentially throw a reading off when only using visible light. What to do then?

UV Calibrated Color Readings

Optical brighteners are effective only in the visible light spectrum, so the X-Rite also has a separate calibrated UV light source. This UV light is balanced with visible light to create a mixed source reading, which is immune to the effects of optical brighteners. This yields a more stable and reliable result.

How Does This Benefit You?

Ensuring color accuracy is an essential part of quality control and material verification. It helps to prevent mistakes while guaranteeing consistency lot-to-lot for higher volume production runs. Color accuracy is important to your brand identity, product positioning and your customer’s satisfaction. A quantifiable, unambiguous method for testing colors helps to streamline communications between you and your manufacturing partner, avoiding costly misunderstandings while improving process control for faster throughput at lower cost. Ultimately this provides you with peace of mind that you will get exactly the color that you specified without surprises. This is the kind of service that you can expect from us when you contact us for a free quotation and project review on your next great part.

Xometry, the largest on-demand manufacturing marketplace, released its quarterly Small Manufacturing Index this week. It found that despite the current market data indicating a contraction in American manufacturing, Xometry’s Manufacturing Partners continue to be optimistic about their growth potential in Q4 2019 and next year.

The Small Manufacturing Index is a quarterly report that takes the pulse of small and mid-sized manufacturing businesses. Manufacturers surveyed included internal respondents, those in Xometry’s Partner Network, and external respondents, retail, industrial, and custom part manufacturers.

The survey concluded that 57% of Xometry Manufacturing Partners anticipate growth in Q4 2019, down from 67% in Q1. Even with a decline, more of Xometry Partners anticipate growth than manufacturers who are not Xometry Partners (47%). The survey also established that 64% of Xometry’s Partners anticipate year-over-year growth, down from 70% in Q1, whereas 50% of external respondents anticipate YOY growth.

“We’re pleased to see that Xometry Manufacturing Partners are more confident in their 2019 growth than the broader market,” said Xometry Co-founder and Chief Financial Officer Laurence Zuriff.

The ability to find skilled employees remains a concern for Manufacturers. 57% of Xometry Partners noted the difficulty in finding skilled employees to hire in Q4. Finding skilled employees has been a concern all year; in Q1’s Small Manufacturing Index Report, 60% of Xometry Partners reported that finding skilled employees impacted their hiring efforts in Q2.

50% of respondents surveyed indicate that the cost of materials is impacting their business this quarter. Xometry Partners have access to Xometry’s latest venture, Xometry Supplies which launched in January 2019. Supplies was established to ensure the manufacturers were able to source industrial materials and tooling in an efficient and cost-effective way.

About the Small Manufacturing Index

The Small Manufacturing Index, released quarterly by Xometry, takes the pulse of American manufacturing by analyzing and quantifying the performance of small- to mid-sized manufacturers. The index is developed through a survey that asks participants whether they expect to see growth and hiring in business plans compared to previous months and prior years. The index aims to highlight trends over time to provide analysis and predictions on the national outlook for small- to mid-size manufacturers.

William KruegerAs a digital marketing specialist, William works with all forms of media from photography and video to content writing and graphic design to tell the story of American manufacturing. He holds a B.A. in Communication from Wittenberg University.

Read more articles by William Krueger

Bearings are the basic parts of machinery and are widely used in the machinery industry, and they are also the support parts of various machines. There are various types of bearings, and each type of bearing has its own characteristics.

The process integration of turning and bearing is the cornerstone of efficient and precise motion. Check how WayKen creates precision turned parts for you.

Learn More!

What is a bearing?

Bearing is the part that supports the shaft, used to guide the rotational movement of the shaft and bear the load transferred from the shaft to the frame. Bearing is a widely used and strictly required component and basic part of the machinery industry. It is the supporting element of the rotating shaft or movable part of various machines, and it is also the supporting element that relies on the rolling body to achieve the rotation of the host. It is also called the joint of machinery.

Classification of bearings

1. According to the presence or absence of rolling bodies, bearings can be divided into rolling bearings and plain bearings.

Rolling bearings can be divided into ball bearings, cylindrical roller bearings, and tapered roller bearings according to the shape of the rolling body.

2. According to the bearing characteristics can be divided into centripetal bearings and thrust bearings.

Radial bearings are categorized into radial ball bearings and radial roller bearings. Thrust bearings are categorized into thrust ball bearings and thrust roller bearings.

Types of bearings and their characteristics

1. Deep groove ball bearings

Characteristics of deep groove ball bearings.

(1) Simple structure, low manufacturing cost, easy to achieve high manufacturing accuracy.

(2) Low friction coefficient and high speed.

(3) Mainly used to bear radial load, but in the bearing radial clearance increases, with the nature of angular contact ball bearings, can withstand two directions of alternating axial load;.

(4) It cages more steel plate stamping wave-shaped cage, large bearing more car metal solid cage.

(5) They are the most representative rolling bearings, widely used, very durable, without frequent maintenance.

(6) With a certain degree of alignment ability, the size range and form change in a variety of ways.

2. Cylindrical roller bearings

Characteristics of cylindrical roller bearings.

(1) The rollers and raceway are in linear contact, so the capacity of the radial load is large and can withstand heavy loads and shock loads.

(2) Small friction coefficient, can be used for very high speed working occasions, its limit speed next to deep groove ball bearings.

(3) N-type and NU type cylindrical roller bearing can do axial movement, can adapt to the thermal expansion or installation error caused by the shaft and the housing relative position changes, can be used to support the free end.

(4) The processing needs of the shaft or base hole are high, to strictly control the relative deviation of the outer ring axis that may be caused by bearing installation, avoid the concentration of contact stress;

(5) The inner rings or outer rings of the bearings can be separated to facilitate installation and disassembly.

3. Tapered roller bearings

Characteristics of circular vertebral roller bearings.

(1) Inner ring and outer ring of bearing have tapered raceway, the shape of the rollers is round table-shaped. The roller is in line contact with the raceway and can withstand the heavy combined radial and axial loads as well as axial loads. The axial bearing capacity increases with the increase of contact Angle.

(2) Tapered roller design should make the roller and the raceway of the inner ring and outer ring contact line extended after the intersection of the same point on the axis of the bearing used to achieve rolling.

(3) Tapered roller bearings can be categorized into single row, double row, and four-row, and other different types according to the number of rollers installed. This type of bearing also uses more imperial series products.

(4) The new design of tapered roller bearing uses strengthened structure, the longer diameter of rollers, the longer length of rollers, more rollers, and the rollers with convex shape are used, the capacity and service life are obviously improved. The contact of the big end face and the big retaining edge of the rollers is spherical and conical, which improves lubrication.

4. Thrust ball bearings

Characteristics of thrust ball bearings.

(1) The thrust ball are separable bearings, with a contact angle of 90°, which can be mounted separately and can only withstand axial load.  

(2) Low limit speed. Steel ball plus centrifugal force squeezed to the outside of the raceway, easy to abrasion, but not suitable for high-speed operation.

(3) The one-way bearing can withstand one-way axial load, the two-way bearing can withstand two-way axial load.

(4) With spherical seat ring thrust ball bearings with spherical alignment performance, can eliminate the impact of installation errors.

5. Thrust roller bearings

Characteristics of thrust ball bearings.

(1) Can only withstand unidirectional axial loads and minor shocks. 

(2) Large bearing rigidity, small space occupation, large axial load capacity, and low sensitivity to shock load.  

(3) Suitable for low speed, often used in work situations where thrust ball bearings are not applicable.

(4) Installation does not allow the axis of the shaft and the rings to be tilted.  

6. Needle roller bearings

The characteristics of needle roller bearings.

(1) Small radial size of needle roller bearings, the radial bearing capacity is very high, can not bear axial load, only as a free end support use.

(2) Conducive to the miniaturization and lightweight of equipment.

(3) The use of needle roller bearings without an inner ring or without an outer ring, only with cage needle roller assembly, the requirements of the matching journal or bearing housing hole machining accuracy, surface hardness should be the same as the bearing collar raceway.  

(4) They have a large coefficient of friction and are not suitable for higher speeds.

7. Plain bearings

The characteristics of plain bearings.

(1) Smooth, reliable, and noiseless working of plain bearings.

(2) In liquid lubrication conditions, the plain surface is separated by lubricating oil without direct contact, but also can greatly reduce friction loss and surface wear, the oil film also has a certain ability to absorb vibration, but the starting friction resistance is large.

8. Magnetic bearings

The characteristics of magnetic bearings.

(1) Compared with the traditional ball, plain, and oil film bearings, magnetic bearings do not have mechanical contact and the rotor can achieve high operating speeds.

(2) With the advantages of low mechanical wear, low energy consumption, low noise, long life, no lubrication, no oil pollution, etc., especially for high-speed, vacuum, ultra-clean, and other special environments.

(3) It can be widely used in the fields of machining, turbomachinery, aerospace, vacuum technology, rotor dynamics identification, and testing, etc. It is recognized as a promising new type of shaft.

How to choose different types of bearings?

1. Load

(1) When mainly bearing radial load (direction perpendicular to the shaft), choose the radial bearing, when mainly bearing axial load (the same direction as the shaft), choose axial bearing. Axial load is also called thrust load.

(2) When the bearing bears a small load, choose ball bearing; when the load is larger, choose roller bearing.

(3) A bearing while bearing radial load and axial load (synthetic load), if the synthetic load is small, choose deep groove ball bearings or angular contact ball bearings; if the load is larger, choose tapered roller bearings.

(4) Generally, the low-speed heavy load conditions will be used under the plain bearing.

2. Rotating speed

(1) Generally speaking, in higher speed working conditions, it is appropriate to use deep groove ball bearings, angular contact bearings, cylindrical roller bearings.

(2) On the lower-speed working occasions, can use tapered roller bearings.

(3) Thrust ball bearing limit speed is low, can only be used for lower speed occasions.

(4) For the same type of bearings, the smaller the size, the higher the allowable speed. In the selection of bearings, one should pay attention to making the actual speed is lower than the limit speed.

3. Accuracy

(1) Machine tool spindle, precision machinery, and instrumentation, etc. require high accuracy of rotating body runout, should be used precision level 5, 4, 2 and other high precision bearings of deep groove ball, angular contact ball, tapered roller, cylindrical roller, and thrust angular contact ball bearings.

(2) Require high rotational accuracy, more use of deep groove ball, angular contact ball, and cylindrical roller bearings, etc.

(3) For most of the machinery, the choice of 0 tolerance bearing is enough to meet the requirements of the host.

4. Rigidity

(1) Rolling bearing elastic deformation is very small, in most machinery can not be considered, but in some machinery, such as machine tool spindle, bearing rigidity is an important factor, generally should be selected cylindrical and tapered roller bearings. Because these two types of bearings are under load, the rolling body and raceway are point contact, rigidity is poor.

(2) Various types of bearings can also be preloaded to increase the rigidity of the support. Such as angular contact ball and tapered roller bearings, in order to prevent shaft vibration, increase the rigidity of the support, often in the installation of pre-applied certain axial force, so that the mutual compression.

5. Other

(1) In the radial space is limited by the occasion can choose needle roller bearings or needle roller and cage assembly.

(2) The bearing vibration, noise requirements of the occasion, can use low noise deep groove ball bearings.

(3) The requirements of high rotational accuracy of the bearing (such as machine tool spindle) and the application of high-speed conditions, should be selected higher precision than the ordinary level of bearing.

summary

In short, to choose a suitable bearing, a variety of factors should be considered. By comparing different types of bearings and their characteristics, we hope that your questions can be answered. WayKen is committed to providing you with a one-stop-shop and bearings and fastener solutions that fit your project.

Have a question related to bearings? THB has your answer! View our bearings FAQ today, or call to lear more!

Q1. Are THB's Rolling Element Bearings RoHS Compliant?
RoHS stands for the Restriction of Hazardous Substances directive adopted by the European Union (EU) and took effect in July 2006). RoHS is often referred to as the "lead-free directive," but it restricts the use of the following six substances:
Lead (Pb)
Mercury (Hg)
Cadmium (Cd)
Hexavalent chromium (Cr6+)
Polybrominated biphenyls (PBB)
Polybrominated diphenyl ether (PBDE)
THB's rolling element bearings can be conformed to RoHS compliant.

Q2. I have a high temperature application, can I use stanard lubricants?
Most standard Lithium-based solutions are not designed for high temperatures. Most standard grease will operate consistently at a maximum temperature f 80°C and can withstand brief periods at 110°C. If your application goes higher than this then you need a more specialised lubricant. If your application goes beyond 350°C then you may need to consider solid lubricants or ceramic bearing materials(or a combination). We recommend you to contact THB for impartial advice.

Q3. Can I work out how much axial clearance I have in my bearing?
Most bearing manufacturers never give this information in their catalogues. It is suprisingly inexact and does not fall into any international standards. As a very rough rule of thumb it is eight to ten times that of the radial clearance. We would strongly recommend that the advice of the bearing manufacturer be taken on this as other factors such as heat expansion either locally or ambient, load conditions, rolling element type etc will all play a role in the axial movement.

Q4. What are ABEC ratings?

BEARING CLASSES BY STANDARD

ANSI standard

ISO standard

DIN standard

Chinese standard GB

ABEC 1

Class Normal

P0

P0

ABEC 3

Class 6

P6

P6

ABEC 5

Class 5

P5

P5

ABEC 7

Class 4

P4

P4

ABEC 9

Class 2

P2

P2

Q5. What's the difference between bearing seals and shields?
Seals and shields are both in place to keep contaminants out of a bearing. In order of effectiveness, the enclosures that are offered are as follows: metal shields, rubber non-contact seals, Teflon non-contact seals, and rubber contact seals. Not surprisingly, as the sealing performance is increased, the torque required to turn the bearing will also increase due to the increased friction caused by the seal/shield. The application's condition and life requirements are important to know to determine the best shield or seal choice.

Consult with one of THB' s sales or engineering personnel to help determine what is best for your particular application.

Q6. Should I use grease or oil in my application?
Grease is typically used at lower speeds and with less torque-sensitive applications. Oil is typically better when low torque or high rotational speeds are an important consideration.

Q7. When should I use spherical bearings?
Spherical bearings are self-aligning and can carry high loads and tolerate shock loads. These bearings can accommodate a misaligned shaft and are suitable for applications involving swivel movements, high alternating loads, very high radial loads with a unilateral load direction and high shock loads.
Typical spherical bearing applications include vibrators, shakers, conveyors, speed reducers, transmissions, and other heavy machinery.

Q8. The bearings in my application only briefly experience high temperatures. Can I switch to a standard lubricant instead of the high temperature lubricant used by the OEM?
Most standard lithium-based lubricants will operate a continuous maximum temperature of 80°C, and can withstand brief periods at 110°C. I suggest you measure the operating temperature at the bearing.
It is important to look at operating and maintenance costs. The labor cost to replace a failed bearing even a single time will more than offset any potential cost savings from using a standard lubricant instead of a high temperature lubricant.

Q9. What causes bearing noise?
Bearing noise is a function of both the bearing and the way it is used. Bearing noise is not generally influenced by ABEC and there is no fixed standard among bearing manufacturers for acoustic noise. Some external factors which affect bearing noise include, lubricant type, excessive bearing load, and improper installation.

Q10. What factors increase or decrease bearing torque?
Factors that increase bearing torque include:
Increased number of balls in the bearing
Tight crimp ribbon retainer
Tight radial play
High lubricant viscosity
High lube fill in the bearing
High applied bearing load
Factors that decrease bearing torque include:
Fewer balls in the bearing
Crown type or loose crimp retainer
Loose radial play
Low lubricant viscosity
Low lube fill in the bearing
Low applied bearing load

Q11. What is Preload?
Preload is a side load that is applied to a radial ball bearing that takes the extra play between the balls and raceway out of the bearing. The side load is normally applied by a spring, so that the system can expand and contract as the conditions fluctuate. Designing a preload system into a bearing application will ensure the quietest possible operation with the longest life.

摘要

探索客製化軟體如何有效解決企業痛點，是當前數位轉型的重要課題。這不僅影響到業務運作，也深刻改變了市場競爭格局。 歸納要點:

• 客製化軟體不僅解決特定的業務痛點,更成為企業流程優化和競爭力提升的關鍵策略。
• 隨著人工智慧和機器學習的進步,客製化軟體開發已轉向以資料為中心,使企業能即時調整功能以獲得最佳效益。
• 低代碼/無代碼平台的興起讓技術門檻降低,企業可快速且經濟地開發符合需求的客製化應用程式。

總之，透過量身打造和靈活部署的客製化軟體，企業能更好地應對挑戰並實現持續增長。

客製化軟體：企業痛點的終結者

客製化軟體不僅是企業的工具，更像是一位全能的助手，專門為解決各種痛點而設計。其模組化架構讓企業能靈活應對瞬息萬變的市場需求。例如，電子商務平台可以迅速加入新的支付方式或商品管理系統，以適應消費者的新偏好。而低程式碼或無程式碼的平台則進一步降低了開發的門檻，讓非技術背景的人士也能輕鬆參與，縮短產品從概念到上市的時間。根據Gartner研究，這樣的平台甚至能將開發時間壓縮20－70％。把人工智慧融入軟體中，更能自動化繁瑣任務，如資料分析和預測，使決策過程更為高效。不難想像，在未來，客製化軟體會成為企業提升競爭力的重要關鍵。
本文歸納全篇注意事項與風險如下，完整文章請往下觀看

• 須注意事項 :
  • 客製化軟體開發需投入大量時間與資源,尤其在需求變更時,可能導致開發進度延遲,增加成本。
  • 由於每個企業的需求獨特性,客製化軟體的功能過於專一,可能造成未來擴展或整合其他系統時出現困難。
  • 若缺乏充足的市場調查和用戶反饋機制,開發出來的客製化軟體可能無法真正滿足使用者需求,甚至導致使用率低下。
• 大環境可能影響:
  • 隨著雲端計算技術的成熟及標準化解決方案的興起,小型企業可能更傾向於選擇即時可用的工具,而非投資高成本的客製化開發。
  • 競爭對手不斷推陳出新,以更低廉價格提供高質量且靈活性強的客製化服務,將對傳統客製化廠商形成壓力。
  • 技術快速演進導致原有系統迅速過時,如果無法持續更新與維護,將使已開發好的客製化軟體面臨淘汰風險。

量身打造軟體，優化業務流程

客製化軟體能量身打造，讓企業的業務流程變得更加流暢。我們來看看這些具體的優勢：

1． **精準資料整合，提升作業效率**

2016年きゅう、く月はち日、第41回トロント国際映画祭の期待の中で幕を開け、華人女優チャンツィイーは映画祭コンペティション部門に審査員として輝きを放つじゅうたん、ジェスチャーの抵抗できないの魅力に自信を持ち。新晋のお母さんにデビュー国際映画祭、魅力を表している人の気質優雅だし、各国のカメラマンを競って魅惑の女神。

褪せ派手ドレス後の子で、ジェスチャーの間の自信は、優しくて、優雅な間に装着されHUBLOT宇汽船表ビッグBang戛然キャビア镶钻腕時計を止めて！チャンツィイーは母となって、もっと優しい感動させて、シャトルの家庭と事業の間で、より強い内の気質も彼女にもっと自信が魅力的で、とがつけてHUBLOT宇汽船表ビッグBang戛然キャビア镶钻腕時計も持ち合い。

http://copy2017.com/list/124

スイストップタブブランド宇汽船表は、女性の腕時計デザインの分野もずっと慧眼特色を持っています、「最初になり、唯一、違う」との信念でずっと突破革新に取り組むブランド、探索同時にも忘れない敬意を表す伝統工芸。宇汽船表は「融合の芸術」を新しいブームで、2015年、初のビッグBang刺繍腕時計は新しい時代の女性の優しさと自信特質独立風採の最優秀代表、2015年にジュネーヴ高級時計大賞「ベストレディース腕時計」大賞。ビッグBangデニムからカラオケサファイア腕時計の自信洒脱、ビッグBang亜麻腕時計の清新な活力や、ビッグBang「ワンクリック式」ポップアート腕時計の独立自己、HUBLOT宇汽船表前衛のファッションブランドイメージと卓越した女性の腕時計を通じて1項のデザインをさらに強調する女性腕時計の昇華と。

ビッグBang戛然キャビア镶钻腕時計

ビッグBang戛然キャビア镶钻腕時計、ケース採用精鋼材質、36粒のきらきら光るダイヤベゼルを象眼して、自然を踏襲経典：41mm直径のケースは完璧な解釈優雅な輪郭、幾重にもカット、面取りと研磨工程令腕時計が咲くまるで百万ドルのキャビア黒ドリルのように輝きを華やかについて。腕時計を搭載したHUB1112自動的に機械ムーブメントとはさん時位置のカレンダーペイン、疑いの目を引きつけた腕時計コレクター。光沢のあるブラックカーフバンド縫合黒天然ゴムの上に、腕の間を魅力的な肌に感じながらも配布究極快適と耐久フィット。42時間動力を保存とじゅうの標準気圧防水の深さは「キャビア添え明るいもの。

http://copy2017.com/

As the old saying goes, April showers bring May flowers, and despite the fact that it's been dreary and rainy all month long, Taraji P. Henson's eye shadow is as bright and fresh as a beautiful spring day.

The Color Purple star attended the Time100 Gala in New York City wearing a head-to-toe emerald ensemble, starting with the green-on-green-on-green hues on her lids. (Henson is one of the publication's Most Influential People.) Makeup artist Saisha Beecham blended a variety of green tones across the actor's eyes, starting with a pale pistachio color on the eyelid up to the brow and in the inner corners, anchored by a deep, vibrant teal in the crease. Beecham then applied a deep stroke of eyeliner and fluffy lashes to further enhance Henson's eyes. The blend of aquatic green tones resembles the layered, almost translucent tones of a watercolor painting. It's serene, yet energizing — just like the energy of springtime.

Beecham kept the rest of Henson's look simple to let the eyes really shine, applying a touch of satiny lip color. The star's chic, short curled bob with a deep side part by her go-to hairstylist Tym Wallace was the perfect match for the green shadow, gown, and matching jacket; the warm auburn tone of her hair really set off the luxurious emerald color.

Green eye shadow doesn't often get its well-deserved moment in the spotlight, but Henson makes a very strong case for making it part of your regular rotation. An eye shadow stick is an easy way to dip your toes into greener pastures, so to speak; you could apply just a touch of color on your lashlines or go full green masterpiece like Henson. We've rounded up some of our favorite shadow stick formulas for when you need a little spring zing in your step this season.

---

More makeup inspo:

• I Could Watch Cardi B Peel Off Her Porcelain-Skin Makeup For Hours
• Here's How Lupita Nyong'o Got Her Y2K Body Shimmer at the Oscars
• Peach Makeup Will Be One of Spring's Biggest Beauty Trends

---

Now, let's throw it back to one of Henson's go-to beauty routines:

Follow Allure on Instagram and TikTok, or subscribe to our newsletter to stay up to date on all things beauty.