{"id":32668,"date":"2026-09-10T07:06:53","date_gmt":"2026-09-09T22:06:53","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.machicoco.co.jp\/archives\/32668"},"modified":"2026-10-04T20:37:44","modified_gmt":"2026-10-04T11:37:44","slug":"manufacturing-smtcxq3hh22","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.machicoco.co.jp\/en\/archives\/32668","title":{"rendered":"Points to reconsider in the design when you want to make experimental jigs cheaply."},"content":{"rendered":"<!-- lm-skin -->\n<style id=\"mc-article\">\n\/* \u8aad\u307f\u3084\u3059\u3055\u3060\u3051\u6574\u3048\u308b\u3002\u8272\u306f\u8db3\u3055\u306a\u3044\uff08\u7dda\u306f\u898b\u51fa\u3057\u3068\u540c\u3058\u8272\uff1dcurrentColor\uff09 *\/\n.elementor-widget-theme-post-content{max-width:800px;margin-inline:auto}\n.elementor-widget-theme-post-content p{font-size:17px;line-height:1.95;margin:0 0 1.15em}\n.elementor-widget-theme-post-content li{font-size:17px;line-height:1.95;margin-bottom:.35em}\n.elementor-widget-theme-post-content h2{font-weight:800;line-height:1.55;margin:56px 0 18px;padding-left:15px;\n  border-left:7px solid currentColor}\n.elementor-widget-theme-post-content h3{font-weight:700;line-height:1.6;margin:34px 0 10px}\n.elementor-widget-theme-post-content figure{margin:30px 0}\n.elementor-widget-theme-post-content figure img{width:100%;height:auto;border-radius:14px;box-shadow:0 12px 28px rgba(0,0,0,.12)}\n.elementor-widget-theme-post-content figcaption{font-size:.82rem;opacity:.7;margin-top:10px;text-align:center}\n.elementor-widget-theme-post-content img{max-width:100%;height:auto}\n\n\n\n@media(max-width:600px){.elementor-widget-theme-post-content p,.elementor-widget-theme-post-content li{font-size:16px}.elementor-widget-theme-post-content h2{margin-top:44px}}\n<\/style>\n<!-- \/lm-skin -->\n\n\n<h2>The request was to make just one jig for a single-use application.<\/h2>\n\n<p>We received an inquiry from someone looking for a manufacturer to create a jig for a certain experiment.<br>\nA jig used in experiments with demanding conditions, such as combustion tests.<br>\nThey wanted to make just one to test it out first.<\/p>\n<p>However, it was difficult to find a company willing to take on a one-off, small-scale production project.<br>\nThe discussion then turned to whether the design itself could be revised.<\/p>\n\n\n<h2>If we stick with the old drawings, the number of parts and the weight will increase.<\/h2>\n\n<p>The drawings I was consulted about were drawn with machining in mind.<br>\nThe design, which involved machining from a solid block of metal, tended to increase both the number of parts and the weight.<br>\nMachining itself isn&#039;t inherently bad.<\/p>\n<p>However, if you request a quote for a one-off, small-lot order using this drawing, the cost is likely to be high.<br>\nThe number of places willing to take on the job will be limited.<\/p>\n\n\n<h2>Machining processes result in the loss of both material and time as material is removed.<\/h2>\n\n<p>Machining is a processing method that involves removing unwanted parts from a block of material to create a specific shape.<br>\nThe material that is removed is essentially unusable, and the time spent removing it is directly added to the processing cost.<br>\nIn mass production, the setup cost per unit is reduced by dividing it by the number of units produced.<br>\nFor one-off or small-volume orders, setup costs tend to be a significant factor, adding up to the price per unit.<\/p>\n<p>If you narrow down the manufacturing method to just one during the design phase, this tendency will remain.<br>\nWhile some parts can be done easily and cheaply using sheet metal processing or other methods,<br>\nOften, the shape is left as it was after machining.<\/p>\n\n\n<h2>First, identify the functions required for the jig, and then re-select the machining method.<\/h2>\n\n<p>When reviewing the design, the first thing we did was confirm what the jig actually does.<br>\nFor example, there are parts that determine the position, parts that require strength, and parts that are for appearance and mounting.<br>\nWe will divide the roles according to each function.<br>\nThen, we compare multiple processing methods, such as sheet metal fabrication and cutting.<\/p>\n<p>Each processing method has its own strengths in terms of shape, strength, and cost.<br>\nEven with the same functionality, the final result can vary depending on how it&#039;s made.<\/p>\n\n<ul>\n<li>Sheet metal fabrication is a method that allows for the relatively inexpensive production of thin, lightweight parts by bending and cutting sheet-like materials.<\/li>\n<li>Machining is suitable for complex shapes and parts requiring high precision, but it is a machining method that is prone to material and time loss.<\/li>\n<li>Even with the same part, the range of processing methods you can choose from will vary depending on the required level of strength.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<p>Instead of making everything by machining,<br>\nWe rethought the design from the perspective of combining processing methods according to function.<\/p>\n\n\n<h2>From the rough sketch, identify the parts that can be replaced with sheet metal.<\/h2>\n\n<p>Specifically, first draw a rough sketch of the entire jig,<br>\nI have listed the required strength and precision for each component.<br>\nNext, we mark the parts that seem like they could be done without cutting.<\/p>\n<p>For parts where strength is not particularly important, or where a flat shape suffices,<br>\nWe considered whether it could be replaced with sheet metal processing.<br>\nWhen using sheet metal, the strength is determined by the thickness of the sheet metal, so we also need to confirm the required sheet metal thickness.<\/p>\n<p>When the component configuration is rearranged in this way, only the parts that can only be made by machining remain.<br>\nThis alternative design reduces both the number of parts and the weight.<br>\nThis will make it easier to get quotes even for one-off or small-lot orders.<\/p>\n\n\n<h2>Design can begin with questioning drawings and manufacturing methods.<\/h2>\n\n<p>The idea of not simply accepting existing drawings as they are, but rather re-selecting the processing method to suit the usage conditions,<br>\nThis perspective is applicable not only to jigs but to prototyping in general.<br>\nIf you simply continue using old drawings and past production records,<br>\nSometimes, the processing environment and conditions from that time remain as the underlying assumptions.<\/p>\n<p>If we review it under the current conditions, we may find parts that can be made lighter and cheaper.<br>\nWhen looking for a company that can manufacture jigs even for a single unit, instead of searching with a fixed drawing,<br>\nFinding someone who can help you rethink the design from the ground up will broaden your options.<\/p>\n\n\n<h2>From design revisions to selecting the manufacturing site<\/h2>\n\n<p>MACHICOCO is a company based in Higashi-Osaka, and works in collaboration with engineers from local factories.<br>\nWe are currently working on a product development project.<br>\nThey do not own large facilities in-house, and are involved not only in development and manufacturing,<br>\nWe work together with you all the way through to the point of sale.<\/p>\n<p>For consultations regarding jigs and testing equipment,<br>\nYou can be involved from the design stage, including reviewing existing drawings and revising manufacturing methods.<br>\nBecause we have connections with engineers who can handle both sheet metal processing and cutting processes,<br>\nThe process can be carried out by selecting the most suitable processing location for each part.<\/p>\n<p>Selecting a manufacturer for one-off or small-batch production,<br>\nWe also provide consultation services regarding manufacturing and mass production beyond the prototyping stage.<\/p>\n\n\n<h2>You can start a conversation with hand-drawn pictures and photographs.<\/h2>\n\n<p>When you contact us for advice, please send us the following information to help us proceed with your inquiry.<\/p>\n\n<ul>\n<li>Hand-drawn rough sketches and drawings<\/li>\n<li>Photos of actual products or prototypes<\/li>\n<li>Approximate dimensions<\/li>\n<li>How to use the jig and its operating conditions<\/li>\n<li>Desired quantity<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<p>Drawings are not required.<br>\nEven before the processing method is decided, we can consider the manufacturing method while looking at drawings and actual samples.<br>\nFirst, I&#039;d like to see what you have.<\/p>\n\n\n<!-- \u56f3\u89e3\u6848\uff1a\u5de6\u306b\u300c\u65e7\u8a2d\u8a08\uff08\u5207\u524a\u52a0\u5de5\u524d\u63d0\uff09\u300d\u3068\u3057\u3066\u584a\u304b\u3089\u524a\u308a\u51fa\u3057\u305f\u4e00\u4f53\u90e8\u54c1\u306e\u30a4\u30e1\u30fc\u30b8\u3001\u53f3\u306b\u300c\u898b\u76f4\u3057\u5f8c\u300d\u3068\u3057\u3066\u677f\u91d1\u90e8\u54c1\uff0b\u5207\u524a\u90e8\u54c1\u3092\u7d44\u307f\u5408\u308f\u305b\u305f\u5206\u5272\u69cb\u6210\u306e\u30a4\u30e1\u30fc\u30b8\u3092\u4e26\u3079\u305f\u6bd4\u8f03\u56f3\u3002\u90e8\u54c1\u70b9\u6570\u3084\u91cd\u91cf\u306e\u9055\u3044\u304c\u8996\u899a\u7684\u306b\u308f\u304b\u308b\u3088\u3046\u306b\u3059\u308b\u3002 -->\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.machicoco.co.jp\/en\/manufacturing\/\">Even at the stage where the processing method has not yet been decided,<br>\nYou can consider manufacturing methods while looking at drawings and actual samples.<br>\n<\/a><\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>\u5358\u767a\u306e\u6cbb\u5177\u30921\u500b\u3060\u3051\u4f5c\u3063\u3066\u307b\u3057\u3044\u3001\u3068\u3044\u3046\u76f8\u8ac7\u3067\u3057\u305f \u3042\u308b\u5b9f\u9a13\u7528\u306e\u6cbb\u5177\u306b\u3064\u3044\u3066\u3001\u88fd\u4f5c\u5148\u3092\u63a2\u3057\u3066\u3044\u308b\u3068\u3044\u3046\u76f8\u8ac7\u3092\u3044 [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":32713,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[171],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-32668","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-column"],"acf":[],"aioseo_notices":[],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.machicoco.co.jp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/1790157816293-E5AE9FE9A893E794A8E6B2BBE585B7E38292E5AE89E3818FE4BD9CE3828AE3819FE38184E381A8E3818DE38081E8A8ADE8A888E381A7.png?fit=2560%2C1340&ssl=1","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.machicoco.co.jp\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/32668","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.machicoco.co.jp\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.machicoco.co.jp\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.machicoco.co.jp\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.machicoco.co.jp\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=32668"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/www.machicoco.co.jp\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/32668\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":33421,"href":"https:\/\/www.machicoco.co.jp\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/32668\/revisions\/33421"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.machicoco.co.jp\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/32713"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.machicoco.co.jp\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=32668"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.machicoco.co.jp\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=32668"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.machicoco.co.jp\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=32668"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}