BLOG
How More Part Information Can Lead to Better Pricing
When engineers send a print to us, the drawing usually communicates important requirements through details like tolerances and finishes. Those are essential, but they do not always tell the full story of how the part will actually function in the real world.
At Focused on Machining, we often ask customers for additional information about their parts and projects because what we learn can change how we approach the work. With greater context, we can align our machining strategy with your project’s priorities.
Learn why we can deliver a better quote when we know more about how a part will be used.
The Application Can Clarify Tolerances
We can machine parts with very tight tolerances, and we know that some applications make tight tolerances absolutely necessary. As an AS9100 Rev. D machine shop, for instance, many of our components will face punishing conditions in space that require expert tight tolerance machining.
But sometimes, a tolerance may be tighter than the application truly requires, and that may drive costs higher than necessary. When we understand the function of the part, we can ask better questions. If a tolerance can be relaxed without affecting the final assembly, that may create an opportunity to reduce machining time and cost.
Structural Parts Require a Different Approach
Another helpful piece of context is understanding whether a part is structural or non-structural.
If a component is part of the solid structure of an aircraft or rocket, we need to be especially careful about how we machine it. We do not want to put unnecessary heat or stress into the material or weaken the part through our machining.
Mounting Details Can Change the Fixturing
A standard machining setup might involve holding material in a vise. But if the part will not experience that kind of force when it’s being used, squeezing it in a vise could create stress that causes movement once the part is released.
In those situations, we may choose a different workholding strategy. We might make a custom fixture, for example, or use another method that better mirrors the way the part will be used. We aim to machine and inspect the part in a way that is as close to the real assembly as possible.
A Case Study in the Importance of Context
One of our recent projects involved a waveguide, which helps guide radio signals through an antenna system and into a computer for processing. These parts can be extremely precise because the internal geometry affects how signals move and how certain frequencies are filtered.
In this case, the part had an internal channel that turned 90 degrees, with tight tolerances on the width, height, and end-to-end dimensions of the channel. Because so much material had to be removed internally, the part began to twist slightly during machining.
After talking with the customer, we learned how the waveguide would be bolted into the final assembly and how other waveguide sections would attach to it. With this information, we made our own fixture to simulate that mounting condition, using the same hardware the customer specified. Once the part was mounted that way, the twisting was controlled, and we were able to machine and inspect it more efficiently.
Better Information Leads to Better Pricing
Sharing more application details can create a more reliable process for both engineers and buyers. If we know important details about your part upfront, we can help you meet your most important priorities, whether that’s tight tolerances or improved pricing.