Alas, simple would have been, c. 1975, when the US congress voted to make the US metric, if we had actually followed through. By now metric would be in place, instead of just 'on the books.'
Telecomguy,
I agree that, for the future, designing so metric or gage sheet metal can be used is a smart way to go.
Unfortunately, I expect that if we start looking closely at the current designs we will find places where changing the stock thickness will effect fit and function, for example...
vpl - With all due respect, my question never did get many useful, on topic' replies... (Thanks to a few participants for the limited 'on topic' replies.)
We quoted metricmetal.com on some sheet stock.. but found they want $247 for an aluminum sheet similar to a .060 sheet our vendor pays $55...
gt6racer2
So you use metric stock..
How do you address dimensioning the parts? Do you dimension them in all metric, and shops in the US live with that? Or dual dimension the prints? Or...
What about punched hole sizes? Do you call for standard metric hole diameters? What do US companies do...
Sorry for not specifying in the original post.... I was referring to sheet metal, tubing and bar stock. We do use metric fasteners on all our products, as it makes international field service easier. While metric fasteners are, generally, available in the US at a reasonable cost, the sheet and...
We are a US company which recently merged with a European company. How do we design 'common' products, when we can't but metric stock economically here, and they can't buy US gage, or fractional, stock there?
We certainly aren't the first in this situation. What do other companies do? Any...
