For raw stock removal, should you design parts for minimum or maximum removal?

• A. Maximum
• B. Minimum
• C. Moderate
• D. None

Answer: (B)

Minimize the amount of material you have to remove. When you design parts with as little stock removal as possible, you start from stock that’s already close to the final size, so machining takes less time, uses less tool wear, and consumes less energy and waste. Finishing steps will still bring the part to final dimensions and surface quality, but you’ve kept the bulk of the work and cost down by not carrying excess stock through the process. Designing for maximum removal would waste material, increase cycle time and tooling costs, and generally raise overall manufacturing expense.