Avoiding Redesign: The Importance of Upfront Planning

“I wish we had thought about that when we started our design effort.” These words are articulated every day when the important questions aren’t addressed as a precision metal part is being developed. When starting a new project, the people responsible for delivering that new product into the boardroom are under pressure. There are delivery dates, quality expectations, and the need to bring it in within budget. Because of these outside stresses, a metal component being developed to prove a concept is often not ready for a high-speed stamping press. If the end goal is not addressed early, a redesign is looming in the future. What constitutes the development of a precision metal part? What should an engineer responsible for a project be thinking in order to avoid delays and cost escalations?