Just wondering which method do YOU use?

[verge]

Nice rant!

 

[wsylvester]

Kev,


I don't consider it a rant at all. Although I'm not so much refering to sheetmetal in as much as machined parts.


Verge.... you just like banging on the drum..it's is drum correct

 

[prohammy]

Guys,


I've re-read my post and have decided to take my pendestal and burn it

. If I'm not careful, I'm going top get a reputation or a nasty e-mail from someone I offend


Kev


PS I have had a bad day, ProE is taking hours to regen anything I ask it to and I have a feeling that it is my fault it is doing so......

 

[verge]

Very much so. I don't consider it a rant, either. The whole focus of this topic has been to examine ways to be better at designing for manufacture. An excellent topic, and one that I'm always open to more ideas about.


We may see a few rants before this one's over, though. Could become a real hot-button topic!

If you think engineers are bad, you should listen to drummers talk about techniques! Or their favorite drummers!

 

[wsylvester]

Verge, that would have to be Ed Cassidy


http://www.bostream.nu/johanb/ed/


and Kev, yourpedestal is fine

your input on the forum has been great !


hope the day gets better...but isn't it night there...or almost

 

[prohammy]

hope the day gets better...but isn't it night there...or almost

Wsylvester,


Coming close to end of day (greeeeeedy contractor milking the last out of each day)


Kev

 

[prohammy]

I know it sounds like a whine, but it's not. We are not all Nasa, some of us have to turn a profit. but then I'm back in a union, so why should I care

wsylvester,


Just to pick up on a few things. I wasn't trying to be smart in any way. I spend my life looking at the manufacturability of my designs. There's a simple set of 'rules' I try touse when I am looking at a design


1. Less parts = less cost (This is NOT the be all and end all of a design)


2. More functionality per part = less cost (Combining parts OR combining function, either way suits me)


3. Nesting components = less cost (More components that are the same sheet size the better)


4. Justified Component Function = less cost (I always challange a designs initial spec, I always make people convince me that they need what they think they need. As a contract design engineer this is much easier. I NEVER accept 'Because that's the way we always do it' without a good reason.


5. Design MUST suit manufacturers process = less cost (This is your point wy and it is well made)


The above is not a definitive list, each design brings it's own challanges, but they are the basic way I think of my work as an engineer


Kev


PS I know that this has been a bit of a rant so sorry

Just thought of something else that can make a huge difference to the overall cost....


Symmetry, good for designers and good for production operatives


Aaaahhhh....done


Kev

 

[SRINIVASANIYER1]

"start with a big block and cut away" is not in general a good technique. But it depends on your experience and the type of dimensions etc.

I am with Israr. I normally start with the elements like positioning points, axis etc.. and then build the material around it. Earlier I used to start with a block and start adding & cutting away material (similar to machined components), but then at the end of it felt that I should have started with the elements.

 

[magneplanar]

just for fun...

1. Less parts = less cost (This is NOT the be all and end all of a design)***ya think?


2. More functionality per part = less cost (Combining parts OR combining function, either way suits me)

***Unless they break, oh sure you can ship it back to us at our cost and charge us hourly fees for labor and lost business.



3. Nesting components = less cost (More components that are the same sheet size the better)

***all new models will be square!

4. Justified Component Function = less cost (I always challange a
designs initial spec, I always make people convince me that they need
what they think they need. As a contract design engineer this is much
easier. I NEVER accept 'Because that's the way we always do it' without
a good reason.

***But I need that extra plastic housing to make it look curvy and ergonomic



5. Design MUST suit manufacturers process = less cost (This is your point wy and it is well made)
***It rarely does, but for a fee we will make a custom fixture/process for you. Did you say chrome plated plastic with overmolded soft grips and integrated ESD protection? Oh we like you....

cheers,

M

 

[prohammy]

just for fun...

1. Less parts = less cost (This is NOT the be all and end all of a design)***ya think?



2. More functionality per part = less cost (Combining parts OR combining function, either way suits me)

***Unless they break, oh sure you can ship it back to us at our cost and charge us hourly fees for labor and lost business.



3. Nesting components = less cost (More components that are the same sheet size the better)


***all new models will be square!

4. Justified Component Function = less cost (I always challange a designs initial spec, I always make people convince me that they need what they think they need. As a contract design engineer this is much easier. I NEVER accept 'Because that's the way we always do it' without a good reason.

***But I need that extra plastic housing to make it look curvy and ergonomic



5. Design MUST suit manufacturers process = less cost (This is your point wy and it is well made)



***It rarely does, but for a fee we will make a custom fixture/process for you. Did you say chrome plated plastic with overmolded soft grips and integrated ESD protection? Oh we like you....

cheers,

M

Har, har, har who's a funny boy then!!!!

Re:-


4. I hate those idiots in marketing....they have this inate knack of saying the most annoying dross at the most annoying time


5. Do you know how close to the bone you are with that one... I know one or two manufacturers who get a very good income out of engineers who think that gold-plating is cheap


Kev

 

[verge]

This is developing into a good rant!

I think "all new models will be square" is a classic. I'll definitely be stealing that one at some opportune moments!


It's too early in the morning yet for me to come up with anything nearly that good. Give me time, give me time...