This series was filmed and edited by Keaton Bowlby
In chapter 3, lesson 2, Jake explains how to choose the right material for your project, one of the most important parts of design for manufacturing. Using motorcycle parts as examples, he shows how to balance performance, cost, and practicality when making material decisions.
The process starts with understanding your requirements and constraints, things like corrosion, wear, and chemical resistance. For outdoor parts, Jake leans toward materials like stainless steel or aluminum to avoid rust. From there, he looks at machinability and formability, since some materials are easier to shape or cut than others.
Next comes cost and tolerances. Budget often determines your options, and tighter tolerances can raise costs quickly. Jake also considers surface finish, weight, and lead time, especially when a part needs to look good, stay lightweight, or be produced in quantity.
By weighing these factors, you can narrow your options to the best-fit material for your design. The lesson wraps up with a look ahead to the next topic, understanding different material forms and how to choose the right one for manufacturing.
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