Wordng of a number of a certain size
Wordng of a number of a certain size
(OP)
I am looking for advice. We make a tool that cuts holes in metal stock. We want the tool to be durable enough to make 25 holes each week. These holes should be 6 inches in diameter. The tool is adjustable to make any size hole from 2 to 12 inches in size. It can cut metal in thickness up to 26 gauge.
This statement in quotes is what we plan to use in a statement on the requirements of the tool that will travel to other manufactures. " Normal use is defined as cutting 25 six-inch holes per week in 26 gauge sheet metal."
A. Will this be understood 2 or more ways?
B. The choice of punctuation could be better perhaps?
C. Any suggestions?
Thanks, John
This statement in quotes is what we plan to use in a statement on the requirements of the tool that will travel to other manufactures. " Normal use is defined as cutting 25 six-inch holes per week in 26 gauge sheet metal."
A. Will this be understood 2 or more ways?
B. The choice of punctuation could be better perhaps?
C. Any suggestions?
Thanks, John





RE: Wordng of a number of a certain size
If you define "Normal use" as you do above, then any other use is "abnormal". If the tool wears prematurely while cutting five-inch holes for example, you will have no recourse.
RE: Wordng of a number of a certain size
I agree that "normal" is a poor term to use. Perhaps "benchmark" or "standard"?
http://www.EsoxRepublic.com
RE: Wordng of a number of a certain size
As for "25 six-inch holes", I think I would state "twenty-five 6.00 holes". This way you can apply any general tolerances you may have to the hole diameter. Use as many decimal places as required.
Ray Reynolds
"Computers in the future may weigh no more than 1.5 tons."
Popular Mechanics, forecasting the relentless march of science, 1949
Have you read FAQ731-376 to make the best use of Eng-Tips Forums?
RE: Wordng of a number of a certain size
I agree Normal is not the best choice of word to use for this note. Does "Intended normal use" do anything for you?
The number and frequency and size of holes is a good hint of the load applied to the tool, yet it lets the reader imply or suggest that either smaller holes or fewer of them is less than normal use. This could lead them to relate how long they expect the tool to last and let them assume any amount of time. As a side note, the balance of the tool is expected to last one year with some renewal parts offered as common consumable parts. The grand total life is 5 years.
This will take more thought. Have a great holiday for those in the USA.
RE: Wordng of a number of a certain size
Without knowing how your tool works, it is difficult to provide more specific advice.
RE: Wordng of a number of a certain size
RE: Wordng of a number of a certain size
One option may be to show the number of holes, approximate size of those holes and number it should cut in a lifetime then in fine print near this information also list the perimeter and the formula of Pi times the diameter to get each distance and then times the total holes for those who might want to try that for themselves.
In our line of tools we also sell a circumference ruler, so that might be help for them to understand the distance traveled for each hole.
It is great to get fresh people to give input, thanks all.
Have a productive week, John
RE: Wordng of a number of a certain size
Best regards
StephenA
RE: Wordng of a number of a certain size
This would avoid the idea that anything other than 6.0 inch holes are abnormal usage as MintJulep suggests.
RE: Wordng of a number of a certain size
I'd reword the above to avoid ambiguity:
"...as cutting a 6-inch diameter (max.) holes, 25 per week, in 26 gauge sheet metal."
- Adding "max." or "maximum" is sufficient to show that smaller diameter holes may be cut.
- "Normal use" or "Design usage" etc. are fairly common terms.
Just my $.02 worth.
- Ben Trueblood
RE: Wordng of a number of a certain size
" Normal use is defined as cutting 25 six-inch holes (or equivalent length of cut) per week in 26 gauge (or thinner) sheet metal."
Jeff
RE: Wordng of a number of a certain size
I gave stars to most of you, yet I do appreciate the viewpoints of all.
I plan to use the "Normal usage includes, but is not limited to cutting 6-inch diameter (max.) holes, 25 per week, in 26 gauge (or thinner)sheet metal."
We also tell the user what the recommended RPM should be used for the tool.
Thanks, John
RE: Wordng of a number of a certain size
Also, does it matter if they do all 25 cuts on one day?
Or, what if they make 50 cuts over two weeks - no cuts for 6 days, 25 on one day, 25 on the next, and then no cuts for the remainder of the second week?
I'm not really suggesting that you change your wording but you should always be cognizant of the extreme interpretations someone might make.
RE: Wordng of a number of a certain size
Hole dia: 6 inch
Material spec: Steel, xxUTS, xxVHN ?
Material Thickness: 26 AWG
Production rate: 25 holes / week
Tool life: 2 years ?
If you are specifying this internationally, remember that '26 gauge' has a different meaning in UK and absolutely no meaning elsewhere in the world. There are over 40 different 'wire gauge' material thickness systems; they're all now more or less obsolete except for AWG in the US.
RE: Wordng of a number of a certain size
And GA (probably more accurate abbreviation if not describing wire sizes) is different in steel vs galvanized steel: USS United States Standard Gage or MSG Manufacturers Standard Gage for Sheet Steel - is this .0188 inch or .0179 inch?
Be more specific by using decimals. [Even ASTM/ASME standards have moved away from gauge descriptions.]