Making Smarter Design Choices With BERMO
There’s usually more than one way to manufacture a component. At BERMO Inc., we focus on identifying the best approach.
Our engineering team pinpoints practical ways to make a design more manufacturable and determines the most efficient path to production.
With our design for manufacturing (DFM) guidance, customers can make informed decisions about their designs and receive the parts they need while often experiencing shorter lead times, lower costs, and better consistency across runs.
An Honest Approach to Manufacturing
Sometimes we receive a design that is not optimized for BERMO’s capabilities. This is when we work closely with the customer to identify opportunities to improve the design.
CAD systems make it possible to create highly complex designs. However, not every design is compatible with every manufacturing process. We explain the importance of considering the actual manufacturing process during the design phase, and when a design is not well-suited to the available manufacturing process, BERMO’s engineering team works with the customer to explore alternatives.
For example, a medical industry customer brought us a design with through holes specified to a tolerance of ±0.001 inch.
The equipment available for the job was not capable of producing holes to that specification. We explained why the quoted price was so high and worked with the customer to determine how to achieve a lower price point by modifying the design.
Honest conversations like this give customers a clearer understanding of what is driving the cost of their parts and the options they have.
Early DFM Leads to Better Results
Much of BERMO’s DFM guidance occurs during the quoting stage, when there is still an opportunity to identify potential manufacturing challenges before production begins.
When we evaluate a part’s design, we identify potential manufacturing challenges related to factors such as tolerances, material selection, hardware, and the process required to produce the component.
When we offer alternative manufacturing methods, we also provide the customer with the corresponding price, giving them the information they need to compare options before we proceed with production.
Design Changes Can Help Shorten Lead Times
Improved manufacturability can create a more efficient production process. Our engineering team works with customers to find a quicker way to get to the finished product, often by loosening unnecessarily tight tolerances or simplifying complex features.
A small design adjustment may also allow a component to be produced on a different workstation with current availability. Our engineering expertise enables us to determine whether an alternative process or piece of equipment can produce the same required outcome more efficiently.
Hardware is another example. In some cases, we may suggest a different type of hardware that provides the same functionality but is already available in-house. Using hardware that we already have on hand saves significant time that would otherwise be spent waiting for the order to arrive. And when a design change reduces the time or labor required to produce a part, customers see those efficiencies reflected in the price of the project.
Lower Overall Costs Start With Improved DFM
Another way we are able to reduce costs for customers is with our material expertise. We can recommend less expensive alternative materials that won’t affect the functionality of the finished component.
And if that material can also be processed using a more economical manufacturing method, the customer may see additional savings.
Design and Engineering Solutions for Your Unique Requirements
At BERMO, we operate honestly. Being upfront with customers means setting clear expectations from the quoting stage. If we identify an opportunity to improve manufacturability, we explain the available options and how those changes could affect the price.
At the same time, we understand that making changes to a design is not always possible. When this is the case, we still work with the customer to figure out the most appropriate manufacturing solutions for their parts.
Need a manufacturing partner ready to help with design advice? Request a quote from BERMO today.