Specific Product and Process Knowledge

• In each case there must be enough knowledge

available to make a preliminary evaluation of the
suitability of the material, the product, the
modified product, or the process to effectively
accomplish the type of function involved, together
with a reasonable amount of comparative
information concerning costs.
• In some of the lists offered here, only the item is
named, while in others, somewhat more of the type
of information required is provided.
MATERIALS
• Adhesives
– Bonding
– Coating
– Glue-type
– Hot melts
– Rubber-base
– Sealing
– Synthetic-resin
– Thermoplastic
– Thermosetting
– Vegetable-resin

For value analysis work, the usefulness of the data file on adhesives, as
on many other items, is enhanced by a cross-reference listing indicating
the applications for which a particular type is especially suitable,
together with characteristics of the bonds obtained.
• Glass
– Fabric
– Fibers
– Heat-resistant
– Insulation
– Shock-resistant
– Tapes
• Ceramic
– Chemical-containing materials
– Extruded materials
– Guides
– Insulators
– Low-loss materials
– Metal-cutting tools
– Pressed materials
– Specialties
• Fibers
– Animal :
• Mohair
• Silk
• Wool
– Mineral:
• Asbestos
• Metallic threads
• Tinsel
– Trade-name:
• Vistex
• Vulcoid
 Relative Cost Knowledge
• It is obvious that relative costs are of the utmost importance. Therefore,
included in the special knowledge of value analysis will be a large amount
of accumulated relative-cost data to guide in the selection of materials,
processes, and approaches which must be penetrated deeply in order to
find the combination of ideas which reliably accomplish the function at
lowered cost.
• Securing maximum value is a difficult matter, that is, the actual costs of
material and of processes change and so do the relative costs. However,
the change in relative costs results in comparisons and in selecting
alternatives that bring the best value, is far less than the change in actual
costs.
• Inflation factors often increase all costs, be they of steel, aluminum,
copper, brass, or other material. Hence it is valuable in this work to
prepare and accumulate special tables and charts of relative costs which
helps in selection of alternative materials, products, and processes.
• Such tables are useful general guides which provide suggestions for
possibilities to be the bases of subsequent specific examinations.