This series was filmed and edited by Keaton Bowlby
In Episode 2 of Cutting Corners with Jim and Jake we’re diving deep into what goes into the cost of custom sheet metal parts and how you can save money on your projects, whether you’re working on something for your car, a DIY project in your garage, or a larger manufacturing need.
Material Costs: We start by comparing the pricing of parts made from different materials, like 5052 aluminum, HRPO (Hot Rolled, Pickled, and Oiled) mild steel, and 304 stainless steel. Even though these materials have different properties, the pricing can be surprisingly similar depending on the quantity and type of material you’re purchasing. For example, you might assume aluminum is more expensive, but in bulk, it can be just as cost-effective as mild steel.
Understanding Material Grades: We discuss the different grades of aluminum (5052, 6061, and 7075 series) and how these can impact pricing. Choosing the right grade can save you money—if you don’t need the added strength of 6061, sticking with a lower grade like 5052 can be more cost-effective.
Complexity and Cutting Time: When you add more geometry or complexity to a part, it increases the machine time needed to cut it, which in turn affects the price. We demonstrate this by comparing a simple part to a more complex one and explaining how the additional cutting and deburring contribute to the overall cost.
Choosing the Right Material for the Job: One of the biggest factors in pricing is selecting the right material for your project. If your part needs to be corrosion-resistant, for example, stainless steel might cost more upfront but save you money in the long run by avoiding the need for additional coatings or replacements. We also talk about using materials like G90 zinc-plated steel, which can be used right out of the box without any extra finishing work.
Quantity Discounts: We break down how ordering in larger quantities can significantly reduce the cost per part. For example, ordering a single small part might cost $29, but if you order 10, the price can drop to as low as $3 each. This is because once the machine is set up, running additional parts is quick and easy, allowing us to pass those savings on to you.
Minimizing Waste: When designing your parts, keeping the size and shape efficient can help reduce waste and lower costs. We handle all the scrap and waste for you, so you don’t have to worry about it—but by designing parts that nest well together, you can help us keep costs down, which we pass on to you.
No Hidden Costs: The price you see is the price you get. When you get a quote at sendcutsend.com, it includes everything—cutting, deburring, and even shipping. We ship from two facilities across the country, so you’ll usually get your parts within a day or two, with no extra charges tacked on at checkout.
Additional Services: Need more than just cutting? We also offer bending, tapping, countersinking, and other secondary operations. These services are also subject to quantity discounts, so the more you need, the cheaper it gets per operation. For example, if you need 50 parts each with five bends, you’ll get a discount on the total volume of bends, making it even more cost-effective.
Custom Projects: We give a real-world example by showing a custom part made for a personal project, breaking down the cost with and without additional finishing like powder coating. We also discuss the practicality of doing it yourself versus having it professionally done, helping you decide what’s best for your specific needs.
