Activity 2.1.

2 Mass Properties Analysis

Introduction
Based on the information presented to you in the Design Considerations for
Manufacturability presentation, let’s explore mass properties of some known models.
Now that we know the part properties and attributes, we can make some educated
decisions about our approach to manufacturing, packaging, shipping, and finishing.
In the end these decisions could save a company millions in invested capital as well
as increase the profit margin of the product.

Equipment
Computer with solid modeling software
Engineer’s notebook

Procedure
1) Use a solid modeling program to recreate four of the models shown below.

2) When each part is finished, apply the physical properties for the part material and
fill in the values for mass, volume, and surface area, then answer questions for
each.

Project Lead The Way, Inc.

Copyright 2010
CIM – Unit 2 – Lesson 2.1 – Activity 2.1.2 – Mass Properties Analysis – Page 1
 Model 1 – Slotted Angle Block

Model Material

Mild Steel

Density: 7.860 g/cm^3

Part Properties

Mass: 5.128 lbmass

Volume: 18.059 in^3

Surface Area: 52.081 in^2

3) Answer the following questions using model 1.

If the cost of mild steel is $6.25 per pound, what is the material cost of the part?

32.05 $

What is the mass of the material lost in a typical machining process?

7.004-5.128=1.876

What is the cost of the lost material based on your calculations above?

1.876 X 6.25=11.725

What will the volume of the box (in cubic feet) need to be in order to ship 1000 parts
packed without spacers?

24664.0625 cubic in or 14.2729 cubic feet

What other processes could be used to create the same part?

Molten metal incected in mold

Project Lead The Way, Inc.

Copyright 2010
CIM – Unit 2 – Lesson 2.1 – Activity 2.1.2 – Mass Properties Analysis – Page 2
 Model 2 – Mounting Bracket

Model Material

Stainless Steel

Density: 8.080 g/cm^3

Part Properties

Mass: 3.707 lbmass

(Relative Error =
0.000000%)

Volume: 12.698 in^3

(Relative Error =
0.000000%)

Surface Area: 54.178 in^2

(Relative Error =
0.000000%)

4) Answer the following questions using model 2.

If the cost of stainless steel is $15.75 per pound, what is the material cost of the part?

$59.96

What is the mass of the material lost in a typical machining process?

6.568-3.807= 2.761

What is the cost of the lost material based on your calculations above?

$43.48

What is the cost to ship 1000 parts if current shipping costs are $3.75 per pound?

$1015.2

What other processes could be used to create the same part

1) Draw half
2) Mirror on construction line in the middle

Project Lead The Way, Inc.

Copyright 2010
CIM – Unit 2 – Lesson 2.1 – Activity 2.1.2 – Mass Properties Analysis – Page 3
 Project Lead The Way, Inc.
Copyright 2010
CIM – Unit 2 – Lesson 2.1 – Activity 2.1.2 – Mass Properties Analysis – Page 4
 Model 3 – Support Bracket

Model Material

Aluminum 6061

Density: 2.710 g/cm^3

Part Properties

Mass: 3.463 lbmass

(Relative Error =
0.000620%)

Volume: 35.372 in^3

(Relative Error =
0.000620%)

Surface Area: 170.037 in^2

(Relative Error =
0.000000%)

5) Answer the following questions using model 3.

If the cost of aluminum 6061 is $.62 per pound, what is the material cost of the part?
$2.08

What is the mass of the material lost in a typical machining process?

17.623 lbmass - 3.357 lbmass = 14.266 lbmass

What is the cost of the lost material based on your calculations above?
$8.84

How many parts can be painted with one gallon of paint that covers 400 ft2?
2.40 Parts

What other processes could be used to create the same part?

o you can loft
o mirror
o extrude, cut

Project Lead The Way, Inc.

Copyright 2010
CIM – Unit 2 – Lesson 2.1 – Activity 2.1.2 – Mass Properties Analysis – Page 5
 Project Lead The Way, Inc.
Copyright 2010
CIM – Unit 2 – Lesson 2.1 – Activity 2.1.2 – Mass Properties Analysis – Page 6
 Model 4 – Pipe Support

Model Material

Soft Yellow Brass

Density: 8.470 g/cm^3

Part Properties

Mass: 1.395 kg (Relative

Error = 0.000226%)

Volume: 164649.123 mm^3

(Relative Error =
0.000226%)

Surface Area: 29881.694

mm^2 (Relative Error =
0.000000%)

6) Answer the following questions using model 4.

If the cost of soft yellow brass is $13.50 per pound, what is the material cost of the part
(remember that the mass is currently in kilograms)?
41.58$

What is the mass of the material lost in a typical machining process?

1.358kg from the original block size.

What is the cost of the lost material based on your calculations above?

40.365$

What other processes could be used to create the same part?

Building it from the ground up
Creating the piece in multiple parts then connecting them together

Project Lead The Way, Inc.

Copyright 2010
CIM – Unit 2 – Lesson 2.1 – Activity 2.1.2 – Mass Properties Analysis – Page 7