The Machinist Probably Knows More About Your Design Than You Do

🤯 Mind blown: Machinists are the unsung heroes of the design world!

You might think that as a designer, you have all the knowledge and skills needed to make your design a reality.

💥But let me blow your mind - the machinist probably knows more about your design than you do!

Think about it, while you might have the fancy software and the artistic vision, the machinist has the experience and expertise to bring your design to life. They know all the ins and outs of the machinery and the materials, and they can spot potential problems before they even happen.

Here are a few testimonials from our Machinist Network👇

👉A machinist once caught an error in a design that would have caused the final product to snap under normal usage, saving the company thousands of dollars in potential recalls and liability.

👉A machinist suggested using a different type of steel that not only saved the company money but also made the final product 30% stronger.

👉 A machinist suggested a new manufacturing process that reduced production time by 40%.

👉 A machinist suggested using a new cutting edge technology that improved the precision of the final product by 20%.

It's like the machinist is the secret weapon of the design world. They take your beautiful sketches and turn them into something that can actually be made. They make your designs stronger, more efficient, and more cost-effective. And let's not forget, the machinist can also be the one to save your behind when the design is not feasible.

The machinist is not just a skilled tradesperson operating the machine, but also a key player in the design process. They possess a unique set of skills, including problem-solving, creativity, and deep understanding of materials and manufacturing processes that make them an essential part of the engineering process.

🤓 Respect the wizard behind the curtain:

1. Listen to their input: Machinists are like the Oracle of Delphi, they have a wealth of knowledge and experience when it comes to designing and making parts. They can spot potential problems and suggest improvements that you might not have considered. So, when they offer their input, listen to it carefully and consider it in your design. Anecdote: A machinist suggested using a different type of steel that not only saved the company money but also made the final product 30% stronger.

2. Communicate clearly: When working with a machinist, it's important to communicate clearly and accurately. Provide them with detailed drawings and specifications, and make sure they understand what you're looking for. The more information they have, the better the final product will be. Anecdote: A designer once forgot to mention a critical dimension on a drawing and the machinist had to redesign the part from scratch.

3. Be open to suggestions: Remember that machinists are the ones who will be working with the part day in and day out. They may have suggestions for improvements or changes that will make the part more efficient or cost-effective. Be open to their suggestions and consider them when making changes to the design. Anecdote: A machinist proposed using a new manufacturing technique that improved the surface finish of the final product by 50%.

4. Show appreciation: Machinists work hard to make your designs come to life. Show them your appreciation by acknowledging their contributions and giving credit where credit is due. Anecdote: A machinist once worked

🧐 Tolerance-ally awesome

Machinists know the ins and outs of tolerances better than anyone else. They understand that tolerances are like Goldilocks' porridge - not too tight, not too loose, but just right. They know how to adjust them to make sure your design is functional and fit for its intended purpose.

👉 A machinist once caught an error in a design's tolerance that would have caused the final product to malfunction during use, saving the company thousands of dollars in potential returns and liability.

"I'm like a detective, solving tolerance crimes."

👉Another machinist suggested loosening the tolerance on a certain part, which resulted in a significant reduction in manufacturing time and cost

"I'm like a wizard, making magic with tolerances"

When working with a machinist, remember that they are the experts when it comes to tolerances. So, trust their expertise and listen to their suggestions for adjusting tolerances, and you'll be sure to have a product that performs as intended without breaking the bank

Here is a great video about designers and machinists. Check it out!👇

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0CutVc9WRc4