0:06 - 0:07

is chosen.

0:07 - 0:11

Every product begins with decisions about materials, shapes, and performance needs, and

0:11 - 0:16

the process must be matched to those requirements.

0:16 - 0:19

Each process is designed to work best with certain materials.

0:19 - 0:24

That means the choice of material often narrows down which processes are suitable.

0:24 - 0:30

For example, some high temperature metals cannot be di-casted and can only be sandcasted.

0:30 - 0:35

If your product must use a certain material for its unique properties, then the manufacturing

0:35 - 0:40

processes you can pick from are narrowed accordingly.

0:40 - 0:44

Processes also place limits on what shapes can be created.

0:44 - 0:48

Some are ideal for flat sheet-like parts, while others excel at building intricate three

0:48 - 0:50

dimensional forms.

0:50 - 0:55

It is important to pick the optimal process based on your parts' geometric complexity.

0:55 - 0:59

Just because a shape can be made with a particular process doesn't necessarily mean it should

0:59 - 1:06

be, especially if a simpler and more cost-effective method can achieve the same result.

1:06 - 1:08

Precision is another big factor.

1:08 - 1:13

Processes like machining can achieve extremely tight tolerances, producing highly accurate

1:13 - 1:14

parts.

1:14 - 1:18

On the other hand, forging may result in less precise dimensions.

1:18 - 1:23

If the design calls for exact fits or high performance assemblies of the required tolerances

1:23 - 1:27

will dictate which processes are viable.

1:27 - 1:29

Surface finish matters too.

1:29 - 1:33

Some processes like injection molding can produce smooth polished surfaces right out

1:33 - 1:38

of the mold, while plasma cutting tends to leave burrs on part edges.

1:38 - 1:42

This can be remedied with post-processing, but adds costs.

1:42 - 1:46

Depending on whether appearance or smooth mating surfaces are important, surface finished

1:46 - 1:50

requirements can strongly influence the choice.

1:50 - 1:53

Production volume is another consideration.

1:53 - 1:59

High-volume processes such as injection molding and die-casting require expensive tooling,

1:59 - 2:03

but the cost per part becomes very low when millions of parts are made.

2:03 - 2:08

Consider other processes if you are prototyping or targeting a smaller audience.

2:08 - 2:12

Finally, overall cost always plays a role.

2:12 - 2:17

Processing, labor, and processing time vary widely across different methods.

2:17 - 2:21

Balancing performance requirements with budget constraints ensures that the chosen process

2:21 - 2:24

is both technically and economically feasible.

2:24 - 2:29

The challenge is finding the process that delivers the needed quality at a cost that makes

2:29 - 2:32

sense for the project.

2:32 - 2:34

Thank you for watching!

2:34 - 2:38

Check out CustomPartNet's Process Selector Tool for a quick and easy way to guide your

2:38 - 2:39

process selection journey.