With
the axle housing in the fifth year of production, there were three important lessons
learned in this successful redesign and production effort.
- A ductile iron casting replaced the welded steel assembly
with equivalent performance and an annual cost savings of $120,000.
Conversion of the
welded assembly to a casting produced a near-net shape piece with reduced machining
requirements, weight savings and a final design that simplified final attachment of the
housing to the frame.
- Concurrent engineering between the
foundry and the buyer was critical for meeting cost, quality, and schedule goals.
|
|
