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How to save time and money when purchasing machined components

Focus on the idea that time is money, have it done right the first time so your project stays on schedule and you don’t have to reorder after rejected parts/company can’t fulfill obligations. Better finished parts means less trouble during assembly, parts are good and don’t fail. Quantity discounts can make a big difference.

Here are the top # ways you can save when purchasing machined parts, without sacrificing quality.

  • The hidden costs of cheap parts. Always remember to account for unexpected costs that can be caused by choosing a cheaper machine shop. Out of spec parts and delays for replacements can hold up million dollar assemblies! Do not let this happen to you or the project you are responsible for. Poorly finished parts that still contain burrs affect assembly efficiency and performance of the end product. Tamshell’s parts are guaranteed to be delivered burr-free and in spec. Not taking this calculation into account can cause months of delays and end up costing you more money in the long run. We love it when a plan and an assembly comes together!
  • Take advantage of quantity discounts. Instead of ordering to fulfill quarterly or yearly part needs. Look into purchasing enough to cover your 2 year MLQ. This can make a big difference because machine setup, …. And ….. all take time and add costs to your order. We offer vmi programs and convenient release schedules we can also hold materials for you.
  • Choose a long term agreement or vmi program with us. As mentioned above. If you choose to go with a larger order quantity you may want to take advantage of our options for long term agreements or VMI programs. Not needing to store parts from orders at your facility can …
  • Schedule fewer releases. Taking a large order in 2 releases vs 4 or more can save you shipping and handling costs.
  • Material stock sizes can affect your final cost. When we purchase materials we have to buy full lengths for each job. If your quantity means we need an extra bar to make your desired quantity… There is the possibility that slightly increasing your order quantity can have a significant impact on your per/unit cost. This is not something we expect customers to be aware of, but we do make sure to let you know when this may an issue. As we try to bid effectively for your business we do everything we can to save you money and make a competitive bid.
  • Ensure your tolerances are appropriate for the application. Pricing for extremely close tolerances can rise quickly. It is important to make sure your prints are fully dimensioned and tolerances are clear. If tight tolerances are only needed for limited dimensions, then make sure they are specified. This is very important component of pricing for tight tolerance machined components. Choosing inspection levels (AQL table?) that are appropriate for the application and the number of critical dimensions that will be measured in final inspection is also important.
  • Choosing the right materials– The same plastic can go by multiple names and the price can vary depending on the source. Trade names are used by certain suppliers to distinguish their product from the generic or scientific name. For example Delrin is a trade name used by Dupont for Acetal material. Sometimes opting for the generic material means a cheaper price or it can drastically cut down your lead times. If there is an issue sourcing a specific trade named material then it may be time to talk to you engineers to see if changing to a generic on the print is an option. This is mostly a concern with plastics and doesn’t come up very often in the metals we work with.

Those a just a few of the ways you are able to save money when you are purchasing precision machined components. The team at Tamshell is looking forward to being your first choice for precision machining.

FAQ

Machining Frequently Asked Questions

We know every project is unique and that questions can arise when it comes to selecting the right partner for your manufacturing needs. Our team specializes in delivering precise, reliable machining solutions tailored to the exact specifications of each client. Below, we’ve gathered answers to some of the most commonly asked questions. If you don’t see your question here, please feel free to reach out – we’re always ready to assist with any additional information you need.

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What parts and component types does Tamshell machine?

Tamshell specializes in producing a diverse array of custom precision machined components tailored to our customers’ specifications. Utilizing modern, advanced 4th & 5th axis CNC mills, CNC Swiss and Swiss-screw, and CNC turning machines, we achieve tight tolerances with nearly any machinable plastic or metal material.

What’s on the shop floor?

Our primary machining department utilizes state-of-the-art CNC machining equipment to ensure precision and quality. The secondary department complements this with a variety of conventional tools and instruments. All our machinery is backed by our specialized in-house tooling department, ensuring seamless support and efficiency.

What materials does Tamshell machine and specialize in?

Our machine shop excels in precision machining of a wide range of materials, with a particular expertise in plastics. We also specialize in machining aluminum, brass, bronze, and stainless steel, ensuring high-quality results for diverse applications. Our advanced equipment and skilled team enable us to meet stringent tolerances and deliver custom components tailored to our clients’ specifications. Whether working with plastics or metals, we are committed to providing exceptional craftsmanship and reliable service.

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What tolerances can Tamshell hold?

We excel in close tolerance machining, holding tolerances as tight as +/- 0.0001″. Our capabilities include advanced 4th- and 5th-axis machining, complemented by a rigorous three-stage inspection process. This ensures burr-free parts and consistently exceeds the highest-quality finish requirements.

Does Tamshell offer manufacturing, material and other advice during the design phase of the project?

In short: yes, our team brings extensive expertise in the manufacturability of components and assemblies. As specialists in plastics machining, our in-house material experts will guide you in selecting the most optimal materials for your application, considering all usage factors.
Our skilled machinists are also proficient in working with various materials, including metals. We can review your 3D models and drawings, recommending any necessary changes before production begins.