Value Design & Engineering

One of the main things that I pride myself in is that I was taught the great process of “Value Engineering” in a machine and tool design environment. The dictionary definition is very wordy and long winded so I will talk about my experience as a young designer. I had a great opportunity to start as an entry level detailer at an engineering company back in the Mid West. This was great because since everybody new I was entry level they were all willing to teach me all they could. I learned as much as I could, soaking everything in like a sponge.

In tool design, Value Engineering meant to design the best machine using the least expensive materials and components that didn’t require expensive processing. My favorite analogy came from the general manager of the company. He said, “Anybody can design a BMW. You take the best parts and components, put them in a car and the result are an $80,000 car that will run for 200,000 miles. You want to be like the Ford Escort designer that takes affordable parts and components, puts them in a car and the result are a $13,000 car that will run for 200,000 miles.”

I really related to that analogy and understood its meaning. A classic example is the oil impregnated bearing. The bronze/cast iron oil impregnated bearing has been around since the industrial revolution. Lathe spindles started off having bronze/babbitt bearings which helped fuel the industrial revolution. Its very easy to use the nice looking expensive fancy stuff but if you check the load ratings versus your application you can find a lot more affordable items that you can substitute in place of the $50.00 roller ball bearing.

Alot of my designs may not look very sleek and attractive but they work and they are strong. I try to verify that for everybody by taking videos of my machines cutting different materials. I like to show them taking large cuts through material because this shows the heavy duty capability of my machines.