Sourcing feasibility and modifications required to use them .
• If found attractive , evaluate with Sales team on implications to customer .
• Conduct a proper vendor evaluation with regards to quality norms , standards compliance , etc .
• Incorporate said evaluation and proceed if acceptable .
To illustrate reprocessing sourcing , we will look at some possible examples from the valve industry .
Hand wheel
A large amount of valves produced in the world are manually operated and many of them use a hand wheel . Well , we can design a specific hand wheel to suit our valve and source it by sending out the drawings to manufacturers . Alternatively , a search of the net will show handwheel of all sizes , shapes and materials that are already produced for other manufacturers – both for valves and for other equipment . It would be a simple matter to adopt one of these for your valve .
Pneumatic actuator cylinder
A critical component is the pressure holding cylinder tube , usually made of metal and sometimes of composites . If you look at sourcing them to your exact design , most suppliers will stipulate MOQ requirements ; however , if you source from someone who already makes them for others , small quantity sourcing at good prices may be feasible .
Elastomer moulded parts
Usually some dimensional changes are easy to accommodate in product design without affecting product functionality . If that is the case , redesign to use widely produced equivalents .
Plate , rod raw material
Many parts are made by suppliers out of plates and rods sourced to drawings and specifications . While this is not exactly repurposing , if care is taken to align to raw materials ( plates and rods ) that are widely sourced by many , the ultimate part cost will come down . This may usually involve some redesign but may be worth it . A similar opportunity exists for bolting and fasteners . Design your product using the most commonly sourced sizes .
Conclusion
Of course , not all parts could be sourced this way , nor is it desirable ; at least to retain manufacturer ’ s unique product and brand identity . However , the possibility of using repurposed parts should be examined in this day and age when cost pressures are mounting on manufacturers and global , competitive sourcing is the success mantra .
About the author Dr . S . Vijayakrishnan is a valve professional with over 30 years of experience ; primarily in application engineering and marketing . He first worked with VAAS , a leading knife gate valve brand from India , rising to the position of President & Head- Business Unit . He later worked for Bray as Global Product Manager of their knife gate valve range for another five years . Now retired , he spends time catching up on knife gate valve developments worldwide and trying to help younger valve professionals by sharing his knowledge . He welcomes inquiries and can be reached at
vijykrishnan @ gmail . com . www . valve-world . net Valve World February 2023
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