Completing a sheet metal fabrication project is costly. The design, prototype, production process, and finishing stages all incur fees. Besides the labor, the materials themselves also cost money. To save money, you need a well-optimized design and a cost-saving plan. Here are tips to help you save on your next metal fabrication project.
1. Utilize In-House Engineers
Whenever possible, look for a metal fabrication partner with in-house engineers offering design services. These engineers usually have specialized skills and experience relevant to your chosen fabrication process. They can help you optimize your design through material choices and processing techniques you may not know about.
Having these engineers available can reduce material, production, and shipping costs. Without them, your project will still meet specifications, but any design mistakes will be evident in the final product.
2. Choose the Right Material
Choosing the right material for your project is essential to save money. Use stock sizes of materials and opt for the cheapest materials for prototypes, like aluminum over stainless steel. For your final material, select the most affordable option that still functions properly.
3. Design to a Common Gauge
When designing your part, use standard sheet metal gauges. The thickness constraints depend on the geometry of the part. Thicker materials might restrict achievable bends. Therefore, design to a common gauge to cut costs associated with variable gauges.
4. Consider Mill-Direct Supplies
Some metal fabrication companies buy mill-direct supplies, allowing them to negotiate material costs on behalf of their clients. They can secure better prices and products due to their relationships with the mills. This benefits you without requiring much effort. If they buy mill-direct, they can also handle buying, shipping, storing, and processing the steel.
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5. Simplify Your Folds
The more complicated your part, the more expensive it is to produce. Design for simple angled bends with a radius equal to or greater than the thickness of the sheet. Small bends on large, thick parts are often inaccurate and costly to produce. Aim for the simplest design that meets the part's requirements to remain affordable.
6. Limit the Use of Tight Tolerances
Only a few surfaces of a part are critical to its function. The more features with tolerance callouts, the more expensive it will be. Assign key tolerances only to features and surfaces crucial to the part's functionality. Limiting the use of tight tolerances creates a more affordable design.
7. Maintain Uniform Bend Orientation
Maintaining uniform bends throughout your design increases its affordability. Bends in the same place should be designed in the same direction to avoid part reorientation, saving both money and time. Keeping a consistent bend radius makes parts more cost-effective as they are easier to produce.
8. Use a Local Fabricator
Proximity is a significant advantage when partnering with a local metal fabricator. You can easily inspect the facilities, saving time and money compared to a trip to another part of the world. Local meetings are simpler to arrange, whether by phone or face-to-face, leading to more productive and frequent interactions. This allows for greater detail in discussing plans and goals, and easier problem-solving for sudden adjustments or unexpected issues.
Ensure you clearly communicate your goals and material requirements. Match these with a local fabricator experienced and capable of meeting your needs. This can lead to a fruitful, long-term partnership.
CAMM Metals | CT Metal Fabrication Company
It's crucial to do your research when choosing a metal fabrication company, as not all are capable of delivering the same quality of work. CAMM Metals has years of experience, honing our skills to deliver quality products and measurable bottom-line value to our customers.
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