Catalog and Tooling
What Is The Catalog Or Standard Part Number Nomenclature?
When ordering standard catalog products, understanding several keywords and phrases will help in the communication process.
- All standard catalog cases are prefixed with the letters HU or TC.
- HU part numbers are categorized by their shape or features:
| PART NUMBER SERIES | SHAPE |
|---|---|
| HU 2000-3000 | Round |
| HU 4000 | Square |
| HU 5000-7000 | Rectangle |
| HU 8000 | Specials (parts w/flanges) |
- TC series cases are classified as relay cases. TC cases are square or rectangular, and have unique dimensional and tolerance specifications.
- Specials are generally catalog cans with flanges. Specials may be round, square or rectangular. Some octagonal shapes can be found here.
- Plain Less Finish (P/L/F): This is a standard catalog case, manufactured to our catalog dimensions without any additional modifications or plating.
- Less Finish (L/F): No plating or paint.
- Hudson Standard Tolerances: go to Standards & Tolerances for details
- Cut To: A standard catalog can that is being trimmed to a length, other than the length stated in the catalog for that specific can.
- Mod Per Drawing: A standard catalog can is being modified with a customer specific feature, such as hole, notch or embossment. The detail and the tolerance of the feature is indicated by the customer supplied drawing. All other catalog case dimensions and tolerances remain as stated in our catalog.
- Cut and Mod Per Drawing: The standard catalog case has a customer determined length and is being modified to a customer drawing. The drawing tolerances apply to these features. Hudson tolerances apply to the remaining catalog features of the case.
Why Is The Hudson Part Number Sometimes Different On A Part I Have Not Ordered In A Long Time?
In 2005, Hudson changed its part number identification on Standard catalog cases. The traditional part number identifier was the HU part number, followed by the length, and the material type abbreviation.
You may now see what we call a “new dash” number (-00001, -00002, -00003, etc.) in place of the former material abbreviation (SS, CR, AL, etc.). For example: HU2360-1.188-SS is now HU2360-1.188-00003. NOTE: There is no correlation between an old material type abbreviation and a newly assigned dash number.
On the QUOTE you will see the Hudson part number listed with “NEW DASH,” for example: HU2360-1.188-NEW DASH.
On the ORDER you will see the Hudson Technologies part number has a new five digit extension in place of the old material type abbreviation. The new dash number is assigned at the time of order entry.
Please update your files and use the new number when placing future inquiries or orders.
Do You Have A Minimum Lot Charge?
YES. All of our products are built to order. Depending on the number of parts you request, a minimum lot charge may apply if the quantity is low.
Round, square and rectangular shapes will have different minimum lot charges based on their complexity and differing number of operations. Minimum lot charges currently range from $1100 – $2900. This charge will cover a range of quantities, giving you the flexibility to order as many or as few pieces as you need within that range for one price.
Even with a minimum lot charge, our standard catalog products are very cost effective because you pay little to no tooling charges. Higher quantities can be quoted for even greater savings.
What Is Tooling?
Tooling is the means with which the deep draw process occurs. Tools are the hardened steel components that are designed and constructed to produce the enclosure from the sheet or coil raw material to the finished part. Tooling can be represented as an investment and in some cases a substantial one.
Do I Need Custom Tooling or Will a Standard Catalog Product Suit My Needs?
You can save thousands of dollars of initial investment by ordering standard sizes. Hudson Technologies has made the tooling investment for you with our catalog line of drawn cases.
Whenever possible, consider using one of our catalog (standard) round, square, or rectangular cases. If a custom enclosure (non-catalog) is needed, we will try to utilize existing tooling during the quote and design process and only construct what is necessary to make the case unique to your need.
Our catalog includes 15,000 catalog products, including a variety of shapes, sizes, requirements, and materials. Download CAD files of the best fit or inquire for customized pricing information.
What are the Types of Tooling?
Draw tooling can be categorized in two ways – automated and line tooling. Volume usually determines the proper method to use.
Automated tooling packages are designed for use in progressive or transfer presses for high volume needs (annual usage of 100,000 pieces and higher). Once the dies are loaded, a finished part is produced with every stroke of the press. All of the forming operations are done in one very large press. Generally, this is a higher tooling cost and lower part price due to high speed automated nature of the process.
Line tooling utilizes a number of different presses, each carrying out a single operation of the forming process. Generally, this is lower cost tooling but higher part price due to the less automated process and slower production rates.
Who Owns The Tooling?
Simply put, the customer owns, in part or whole, the tooling that was purchased. If we use Hudson-owned tooling as part of the process, only the customer specific tooling that makes the part unique is owned by the customer.
Regardless of ownership, Hudson Technologies maintains the tooling for life, including replacement for wear, at no charge (unless a drawing change from the customer renders the tooling obsolete).
Customer-owned tooling will be considered obsolete after three years of inactivity unless Hudson Technologies is notified in writing of its status.
Hudson Technologies has decades of experience with creating custom tooling for projects across a wide array of industries, including aerospace, defense, medical and more. Get in touch to learn more about how we can help with your next project.
