Sourcing fasteners gets easier and faster
Depending on the type of machine being designed, there are any number of fastening components and standard parts that need to be considered to ensure that the equipment will operate efficiently and reliably: quick release pins, cam clamps, torque screws, toggle clamps, magnetic catches, gas struts, hinges, handles, levelling feet and anti-vibration mountings all spring to mind; though the list could keep on going. Each of these components is designed to solve one of a thousand potential problems the designer needs to overcome.
Speeding up the machine design process by sourcing readymade components and standard parts at the CAD stage can reduce the potential time to market for any new machine design. Compressed design time can also translate to reduced test and production development time; using components that are already tried and tested, with known performance envelopes avoids additional testing and prevents surprises further down the line that can be time consuming and costly to rectify.
Reducing the overall time-to-market for a new machine can also make a machine builder more competitive. Reacting to changes in market conditions, and hence customer requirements faster than your competitor will usually translate into a commercial advantage. The speed of change in final product design and the increasing globalisation of manufacturing means that any advantage in this climate should be taken advantage of.
Outsourcing the supply of fasteners and small mechanical standard parts at the design stage has been made possible only by accessibility to the instant download of readymade CAD files. When asked if 'giving away' CAD drawings was a business risk? WDS responded by simply saying that unless your company makes fasteners already, then the service can only be a useful resource.
A manufacture and supply specialist, such as WDS, is able to source and deliver thousands of components on short delivery times. Its knowledge of requirements within the design industry means that it has an experienced sales team on hand to recommend the correct products; offers free downloads of CAD files for each of its standard components; manufactures in-house; has no minimum order requirements; and keeps all bespoke orders on file for future reference.
E: aporritt@wdsltd.co.uk
T: 0113 290 5845
