Given below are some of the tips which can help you save the cost of your parts. Please bear these in mind while designing your products:

• Finer Tolerances Increase Cost
  The tolerances on the parts should never be more accurate than required. The non-critical dimensions can be in a loose tolerance.
  
  
• Materials also affect machining cost
  The choice of material not only changes the material cost but can also have a significant effect on the machining cost. As an example Stainless Steel 316 takes longer to machine than Stainless Steel 303 0r 304. The consumable tooling cost can also increase with some materials. You may call us if you need help in selecting materials.

• Cosmetics and finish
  The faces of the part which are visible to the end-user should be clearly stated, so that extra care can be given towards their cosmetic appeal whereas the non-critical faces can be in a regular finish to decrease cost. Similarly special colors or types of paints, coatings, plating etc. for smaller quantities can increase the cost.
  
  
• Reference Dimensions
  Reference dimensions (non-working dimensions) should be clearly shown on the drawing. Common examples are:
  1.0”(ref) , [25.4mm] , .375”(as stock)

• Use as stock
  If a comment like “Use as stock”, or “no machining required” are used at places where regular stock sizes of materials can be used without compromising the end-use, then it eliminates un-necessary machining and thus reducing the cost.
  
  
• Tapping Depths should be the Minimum Required
  Excessive tap depths, especially for blind smaller taps, increase the cost of the part. So these should be specified taking into account the fasteners to be used in actual assembly. Comments like “Depth minimum 7 mm” help us
  
  
• 3-D Solid Models
  Although we can interpret hand-drawn and 2D Formats, there would be some saving in costs we are provided with Three Dimensional Solid Models at the time of production.
  
  
• No cost consultation
  We can share our experience with you in designing “economical to produce” parts. Call, fax or e-mail for more details.