REMOVE COST AND ADD QUALITY USING MARSHALL’S “VALUE ENGINEERING SOLUTIONS”

Marshall’s Engineering Team is often able to assist customers with cost optimization strategies.

We encourage our customers to review their medical device components with Marshall early in the product development cycle, for the most impact.

VALUE ENGINEERING AT MARSHALL MANUFACTURING COMPANY

 

FINDING VALUE ENGINEERING SOLUTIONS AT MARSHALL

 

Optimizing the Manufacturing Process

Our medical device customers often bring new, cutting-edge devices to market. The major difference in working with a medical contract manufacturer like Marshall is our dedication to innovative manufacturing techniques. Our goal is to manufacture our customer’s devices using the most efficient processes, utilizing “Value Engineering”. This often results in time savings, which translates into cost savings, ultimately equating to greater success for our customers. Value Engineering may involve innovative tooling, testing to discover new manufacturing processes, or ideas to simplify component features to improve manufacturability.  Value Engineering is most successful when we have the opportunity to work with our customers’ design engineers, preferably in the early stages of a new product.

We also work with our customers that are moving existing projects from under-performing suppliers. A medical device OEM may have a supplier that is not satisfying their requirements. They may be experiencing delivery issues, quality problems or communication disconnects. Marshall is here to help.

 

Offering A Wide Range of Services:

Marshall offers many manufacturing services, including CNC Swiss Machining and Micro-Swiss Machining, CNC Laser Tube Machining, Wire EDM, and CNC 3D Bending of small diameter wire and tubing. Assembly methods include CNC Laser Welding, mechanical, epoxy and press fit.

It’s all about new thought, effective process techniques, and the power behind the Marshall engineering professionals. We are dedicated to helping our customers find a better medical device manufacturing solution. Give Marshall a call to discuss your project today.

 

Understanding Form, Fit, and Function

FFF is a LEAN concept which is useful in design optimization.   Form is the physical properties of the part.    Fit is the interface of the part with other components.  Function is role this part is intended to perform.  Marshall is not in the business of designing products. We are experts at selecting the appropriate manufacturing process.  If given the opportunity to review drawings with the customers’ design engineer and understand the fit, form and function, we are often able to recommend alternate part geometry that simplifies manufacturability without compromising the engineer’s design intent.

 

Varying Manufacturing Processes

It is likely there is more than one way to designs a component that can perform the same function. Depending upon the complexity of a single component, there is also a high probability that there are a variety of manufacturing methods that exist in order to build that component. Because Marshall possesses a broad knowledge of numerous manufacturing processes, we are often able to help our customer by offering an alternative manufacturing process, while simultaneously generating cost savings.

 

Finishing Options

Often the look and feel of a medical component is critical. Through our decades of experience these esthetic challenges are often remedied by our knowledge of finishing processes. Utilizing any one of our various processes such as rotary and vibratory tumbling, straight lining, polishing, electo-polishing or bead blasting, Marshall can is ready and able to assist customers to achieve the desired component performance and cosmetics.

 

Additional Considerations

 

Chemical Composition

Most metal and plastic materials are generally good candidates for machining. But material machinability varies significantly depending upon the chemical composition of any specified material. If there is an equivalent lower cost material that meets the design requirements, the component can be manufactured more affordably. Selecting an alternate material that is easier to machine will reduce machining time, improve quality, and improve cosmetic appearances. All of these factors should be taken into consideration during the design process.

Stock Size

Marshall can work with either custom or standard materials. However, when a product is designed to use custom material stock it will likely be more expensive with a longer lead time. This is especially the case with lower volume parts and tubing. Designing products using standardized sizes will reduce your product development time and reduce costs.

Tensile Strength

Many times, a customer may be looking for specific characteristics in a material. A material having high tensile strength will allow the component to withstand a great deal of tension without breaking.  Conversely, a low tensile strength material may have a high compressive strength but be more brittle.

Material Condition

Applying the right material in the right condition will result in improved performance. For example, a customer may need a very hard stainless steel, or heat treated or cold worked material may be the right choice. If the component is used in a more aggressive environment, where corrosion is possible, a higher alloyed stainless steel may be required. In special situations, there are magnetic and nonmagnetic types or stainless steel with varying characteristics.

Malleable Materials:

Some customer products require more malleable materials, which can be formed or shaped without breaking. Gold, silver, brass, copper and aluminum are highly malleable metals. Surprisingly, depending upon the part geometry, even 17-4 PH 900 stainless steel (full hard) can be bent without fracturing.

Marshall Can Help

Marshall can assist in getting your product to market for less. Give us a call and let us help you take cost out of your product with our value engineering proposition.

 

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Value Engineering Solutions

"Value Engineering" for Manufacturing

Within the quoting process, Marshall often sees opportunities for cost savings, and shares their ideas with the customer.

Check Out Marshall’s Full Capabilities Video