The best designs have manufacturing in mind. We have put together design tips to improve costs, quality, and lead times for future sheet metal fabrication projects with Tedco. When going from concept to production, it is best to keep in mind that better designs consider more than just functionality. Designing for Manufacturability (DEM) ensures your next project is efficient and production-ready.
Choosing the Right Materials
Material selection impacts everything from tooling requirements to finishing options. By locking in material choices early, you can account for cost, availability, and timeline.
Aluminum: Lightweight, laser-cuts quickly, which makes it a very cost-effective material for many industries.
Stainless Steel: Offers resistance to corrosion, but depending on its thickness may take longer on the machines.
Exotics like Titanium: Exotics often require specialized tooling or expertise, which can affect the lead time or production process entirely.
Realistic Tolerances
Tedco can execute tight tolerances when critical, but in general, over-specifying them can drive up costs due to complexity, and the possible need for specialized tooling can delay lead times. We will work with you to identify when precision is necessary and to loosen tolerances in non-critical areas. Standardizing dimensions will reduce setup and quality checks.
Minimize Complexities
Complex internal features, sharp internal corners, or overly complicated designs can slow production or require specialty tooling that would increase costs and lead time. If our experts come across ways to eliminate costs, we might suggest adding radii to internal corners, reducing unnecessary undercuts, or using standard drill sizes instead of custom diameters.
Standardize Features and Hardware
To further reduce the need for custom tooling and to simplify assembly and maintenance requirements, we recommend using standardized hole sizes, threads, and fasteners. This will speed up production and ensure costs are also kept as low as possible.
Managing Workflow
Plan the entire process; the Design for Manufacturability ( DFM) does not end with fabrication. When drawings are given to fabricators, make sure to include call-outs for secondary processes like anodizing, painting, heat treatments, or plating. Be sure to also include any specifications for how the parts should be inspected, packaged, and delivered.
Communication
The most obvious and overlooked design tip involves communicating with your fabricator early and often. Sharing CAD files and preliminary drawings as soon as possible allows for faster identification of potential challenges that may arise. It gives the opportunity for collaborative solutions that save money and time and ensure a smooth transition from prototype to production.
Designing with your fabricator in mind guarantees your concept is brought to life and it won’t be compromised due to lingering deadlines and upcosts. Your vision can be built efficiently, cost-effectively, and with consistent quality.
Reach out to Tedco for more design tips, or to get your project started today!>