Stamped parts vs. other methods of manufacturing:

1. On jobs that repeat, set up charges can easily over shadow tooling costs.

Not all set-up charges are shown up front, some can be hidden in the "part price" resulting in escalating per part costs. With the help of modern technology, today's tooling costs can be a lot less than one expects.

2. "Part prices" on tooled projects tend to be about 1/2 to 1/3 the cost of fabricated parts.

This is almost always the case with smaller and/or more complex parts. The opposite can be true when making large sheet metal enclosures or covers in small quantities.

3. Tooling a project allows for cosmetic improvements and intricate detail.

These improvements would cost extra in a fab-shop using punching machines. Radiused corners, slots and bend reliefs can be incorporated directly into the tooling at no extra cost.

4. Parts that are tooled need less deburring and cosmetic clean up than do "fabricated" parts.

This is important when considering over all cost. Punching machines leave seams and small tabs that can interfere with your products' look and ease of assembly, resulting in lost time spent hand finishing your parts.

5. Stamping shops tend to have faster lead times than do sheetmetal houses.

A stamping press can be less expensive than punching machines, so stamping shops usually have more equipment. This means that your job spends less time in line waiting for machine time.

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