“Custom standard” – What sounds like an oxymoron can actually be an efficient, cost saving solution when it’s applied to deep draw cans, cases, enclosures, covers and headers.
Knowing how to customize a deep drawn part to include secondary operations such as modifications and finishes can reduce total production time, improve quality and lower the overall cost of a product.
Modifications such as beads, ribs, holes, inserts, notches, slots, trimming, embossing, dimpling and markings can be designed into the deep draw process.
Further efficiencies can often be gained by having a part delivered complete with finishes such as paint and chem film, passivation, electro-polishing and plating, and features including brazing, laser drilling and laser etching.
A good example of a “custom standard” solution is replacing a standard round, square or rectangular can that has a welded or brazed bracket with a can that has a drawn flange, a modification that can be formed as part of the deep draw process.
Finding a “part complete” solution is a two-step process.
First, identify the secondary operations that are performed on the part after you receive it, along with any specifications or requirements needed.
Second, determine which of these operations can be included in the deep draw process. This step can be accomplished by simply requesting a quote. A full-service deep draw manufacturer with experienced design engineers can use your part drawing to determine which options will be the most cost-effective.
Before sending an RFQ to a deep draw manufacturer, be sure to ask about their tooling library. If they have a catalog of standard products available with no tooling charges, this keeps costs down and reduces lead time. Even if some tooling is required, a manufacturer with an extensive tooling library can often use some existing tooling to provide a more cost effective solution.
Sometimes more is less.
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