Designing for Manufacturability
On many projects, Astro Metal Craft provides customers with assisted design. With that, designing for manufacturability consists of experienced, steadfast ideas. Customers bring their concept to a project manager. Then, we explore ideological solutions to save money and resources, while successfully meeting project timelines.
Designing for Manufacturability: Mesh Guardrail
One case in point is a stainless steel mesh railing project we did for Aldrich Ice Arena in Ramsey County, MN. The customer came to us with their design intent and an extremely accelerated timeline. Our project manager first listened to the customer’s needs, and then began designing for manufacturability. The project detailed a labor intensive design with stainless steel mesh infill, top rails and posts. Therefore, our project manager worked with our engineering department to assist in a slight redesign. This included features on the tubes which would allow for the fastening of the mesh infill panels directly onto the posts and still meet load bearing requirements.
After initial approval, Astro’s project manager visited the jobsite for final measurements. Then, digital 3D models were sent to the customer for approval. Upon approval, samples were fabricated to show the customer their updated design in physical form. Plus, paint swatches were provided for color choices. Next, comes planning the production schedule. This ensures all pieces came together for the final manufacturing. While, within a very tight deadline. Most noteworthy, team effort brought this project to completion. Thus, resulting in a 4-6 week schedule reduction to the customer!
Meeting Your Needs
This is just one example of what happens when you engage and embrace a metal fabricator’s expertise and advice on the manufacturability of a project. We welcome the opportunity to assist you in designing, engineering and manufacturing that meets the needs of your specific application. When the time comes for your next project, contact Astro Metal Craft!
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