Short answer

Implement or utilize automated cost estimation tools to objectively compare manufacturing methods like CNC milling and SLA, ensuring the most economically viable choice for a given design.

Field: Commercial Production
Source: Mspace (University of Manitoba) (2012)
Method: Development of a cost estimation model and prototype software tool.
Evidence: Strong effect

An automated system can quantitatively estimate costs for 3-axis CNC milling and Stereolithography (SLA) rapid prototyping, enabling informed manufacturing method selection. This commercial production research insight is drawn from a 2012 study published in Mspace (University of Manitoba). Using Development of a cost estimation model and prototype software tool., researchers explored how this design variable affects real-world outcomes. The key design takeaway: Implement or utilize automated cost estimation tools to objectively compare manufacturing methods like CNC milling and SLA, ensuring the most economically viable choice for a given design.

Study

Commercial ProductionHigh ImpactStrong effect

Automated Cost Estimation System for CNC Milling vs. Stereolithography

An automated system can quantitatively estimate costs for 3-axis CNC milling and Stereolithography (SLA) rapid prototyping, enabling informed manufacturing method selection.

Mspace (University of Manitoba) · 2012

Key Findings

01A quantitative cost estimation method for comparing CNC milling and SLA is lacking in current design practice.
02An automated system can effectively estimate costs for both manufacturing methods.
03The developed prototype software demonstrated reasonable and effective cost predictions in case studies.

Application

Design takeaway

Implement or utilize automated cost estimation tools to objectively compare manufacturing methods like CNC milling and SLA, ensuring the most economically viable choice for a given design.

How to apply

When faced with a choice between subtractive (CNC) and additive (SLA) manufacturing for a prototype or part, use or develop a cost estimation tool to compare setup, material, processing, and labor costs.

Project actions

01When comparing manufacturing methods, consider developing a simple cost breakdown spreadsheet.
02Research the specific costs associated with different manufacturing processes relevant to your design project.

Method & Evidence

AimTo develop an automated system for estimating the costs associated with 3-axis CNC milling and Stereolithography (SLA) rapid prototyping to facilitate informed manufacturing method selection.

MethodDevelopment of a cost estimation model and prototype software tool.

ProcedureThe research involved designing a binary questionnaire for CNC setup cost estimation, developing a build time estimator for SLA based on a specific machine (SLA3500), investigating SLA post-processing costs, and integrating these into a prototype software tool that outputs to Excel for analysis.

ContextRapid prototyping and traditional CNC machining in mechanical and manufacturing engineering.

Variables

IV["Manufacturing method (CNC milling vs. SLA)","Part complexity/geometry"]

DV["Total manufacturing cost","Setup cost","Processing time cost"]

CV["Material type (for SLA)","Machine specifications (for SLA estimator)","Number of axes for CNC milling"]

Strengths & Limitations

Strengths

+Addresses a practical gap in design decision-making.
+Proposes a quantitative and automated solution.
+Includes a prototype software tool for practical application.

Limitations

The accuracy of cost estimations depends heavily on the quality of input data regarding material prices, machine operational costs, and labor rates.

Reliability & validity

The validity of the cost estimation is supported by the reasonable and effective results found in five case studies. Reliability would depend on the consistency of the input data and the algorithms used in the software.

Think critically

How might the complexity of a part's geometry influence the cost comparison between CNC milling and SLA, and how could an automated system account for this?

Design Principles

"Quantitative cost analysis should guide manufacturing method selection for optimal economic outcomes."

Accurate cost estimation is crucial for project viability and resource allocation. By providing a quantitative basis for comparing manufacturing methods, designers and engineers can optimize production choices, leading to more efficient and cost-effective product development.

What This Means for Your Design

This research created a computer program that helps figure out which is cheaper to make a part: using a CNC machine or a 3D printer (specifically SLA). This helps designers pick the best way to make something without guessing.

How to use in your project

1.Reference this study when justifying the selection of a particular manufacturing method based on cost analysis in your design project.

Add to My Project

Quick Cite

Paragraph starter

The research by Li (2012) highlights the need for quantitative cost estimation when selecting between manufacturing methods like CNC milling and Stereolithography (SLA). By developing an automated cost estimator, Li demonstrated that objective cost comparisons can guide decision-making, leading to more economically viable production choices.

Source

Mspace (University of Manitoba)

Automated cost estimation for 3-axis CNC milling and stereolithography rapid phototyping

journal · 2012

View source

Questions About This Research

What does the research say about automated cost estimation system for cnc milling vs. stereolithography?: Implement or utilize automated cost estimation tools to objectively compare manufacturing methods like CNC milling and SLA, ensuring the most economically viable choice for a given design. Evidence: Mspace (University of Manitoba) (2012).
Why does "Automated Cost Estimation System for CNC Milling vs. Stereolithography" matter for design?: Accurate cost estimation is crucial for project viability and resource allocation. By providing a quantitative basis for comparing manufacturing methods, designers and engineers can optimize production choices, leading to more efficient and cost-effective product development.
How can designers apply this research?: Implement or utilize automated cost estimation tools to objectively compare manufacturing methods like CNC milling and SLA, ensuring the most economically viable choice for a given design.
What were the main findings?: A quantitative cost estimation method for comparing CNC milling and SLA is lacking in current design practice.. An automated system can effectively estimate costs for both manufacturing methods.. The developed prototype software demonstrated reasonable and effective cost predictions in case studies.
What research method was used?: Development of a cost estimation model and prototype software tool..
How strong is the evidence?: Evidence strength is rated Strong effect, based on a 2012 journal from Mspace (University of Manitoba).
What should I do differently in my next project?: When faced with a choice between subtractive (CNC) and additive (SLA) manufacturing for a prototype or part, use or develop a cost estimation tool to compare setup, material, processing, and labor costs.
What are the limitations?: The SLA build time estimator was based on a specific machine model (SLA3500), and the CNC setup cost estimation relied on a binary questionnaire, which may not capture all nuances.