Fabricability Checklist

This step should happen prior to the build.

General

Lean Analysis

• Justice technique

• Parts count minimization
• 80% of function in 20% effort

• Perform Product Ecology Review - efficiency occurs because parts and modules are interchangeable

Sourcing

• All metal should in stock sizes if possible. IE. use 1”x4” instead of 1”x3.75”. This makes it easier to obtain for fabricators. Check material availability at a local shop.
• All metal should be common alloys if possible.

• Steel: A-36, 4130 Chromoly, 1018...
• Aluminum: 6061, 3003

• Materials should be accessible through common suppliers (McMaster Carr, Surplus Center, Grainger)

Parts Size

• Individual parts should be reasonably simple, and consist of very few welded items, so if any parts break they’re easy to fix.
• Are there any parts which are too big (>80 lbs, or awkward dimensions) for an average fabricator to easily handle? Can the size of these parts be reduced, without lowering function?

Geometry and Parts Fit

• Are there bolts that can not be put in because of spatial conflicts?
• Will cylinders fit throughout their full range of motion?
• Will hoses or wires get stretched or broken if parts motion is involved?

Metals

Welds

• Are all welds accessible to the welder?
• Is the weld % correct?
• Will welds cause warping? Will this cause issues?
• Are all welds necessary?
• Will welds adversely affect hardness?

Torching

• Will torching adversely affect hardness?
• Will torching warp the metal?

Hole sizing and placement

• Tolerance all holes to be drilled, to insure there won’t be interferences. Factors include:

• human error ( usually 1/32” - 1/16”)
• Equipment error (depends on method of making holes- torching (>1/16”), Drilling (not much)

• Are all holes accessible to drill or torch?
• How will holes over 1” Diameter be made? Torch? Mag-Drill?

• Mag-Drill:

• Consider the cost of bits, and the possible drill depth of mag-drills.
• If surface is recessed, will bit be able to reach?
• Keep in mind that by drilling a center hole, you can magdrill 2x as thick material.

• Torch:

• Will torch be precise enough? Or will further machining ( such as reaming or boring) be necessary?

Machining

• Is all machining necessary, or can precision be achieved thru other methods (IE match drilling)?
• What is the expected amount of time reqiured for machining?

Precision

• How will necessary precision (for things like shafting) be achieved? Is it possible?
• What is the alignment procedure for achieving desired precision?
• What is the estimated precision that will be achieved?