3 Cost-Saving Tips to Achieve Better Yields in Your Metal Fabrication Project
Any metal fabrication project will always come with numerous challenges, planning and critical decisions to make. Before budgeting for your next metal fabrication project, it's essential to understand various manufacturing aspects involved. Besides, it'll be helpful to have a full grasp of optimisation steps vital for cost reduction, timely delivery and efficacy.
To assist you narrow down your options, here are key considerations and tips for optimising each:
Manufacturing Costs
Your metal fabrication project will involve various costs that are crucial for determining the scope and appropriateness of your manufacturing process. For example, escalating tooling costs can significantly impact your bottom line. These, as well as cost amortisation terms, will often determine the ideal fabrication process.
Tooling costs are primarily affected by the run volume of a new project. Other cost factors to consider include transport, assembly and logistical costs. Conceptual part engineering and judicious evaluation can help you cut down these costs without compromising on quality.
Metal Part Design
You can also assess the metallic part geometry, and find methods to simplify its profile to minimise excessive bends while still meeting the required specs. For intricate sections with excess punching, bends or piercing, consider multiple hits to achieve an ideal profile.
Such projects are suitable for roll forming due to its versatility in producing complex linear shapes. Multi-part products can be crafted into single part structures, which in turn, streamlines production. Remember, turret punching, press braking and stamping aren't ideal for long-part manufacturing and must be left to roll forming and extrusion.
Material Selection
Fabrication metal selection has a direct impact on design integrity and cost control. With a large number of materials on the market, it may sometimes be overwhelming to make the right choice. However, certain metal fabrication processes function excellently with specific materials. For instance, steel is a more preferred material for fabricated parts due to its durability and corrosion-resistant qualities.
Therefore, proper material selection is a vital element of metal fabrication cost control. If possible, consider lighter and durable metals like light-gauge HSLA. They allow you to re-engineer the product's profile so that you can utilise minimum materials, as well as drop gauge, while still upholding structural integrity.
Final Thoughts
These are the three cost-saving tips to achieve excellent yield in your metal fabrication project. You can also optimise your fabrication process further by reducing market time. Consider researching this and other strategies to get the most out of your metal fabrication process.
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