(01-01-2015, 08:00 AM)PixMan Wrote: Yes, I am because the PTFE in that spec is going to be made by a limited number of extruders with sheet dies, and just like a metal alloy it has to have composition in keeping with a standard to allow it to be called polytetraflouroethylene. There's even odds that a local source with lower cost and margins would source it from the exact same maker as McMaster-Carr and sell it significantly cheaper.

I understand where you're coming from Ken, and believe me you are correct.

The problem lies in the fact the drawing states specifically a McMaster Carr P/N.

Should I venture off in another direction to make more profit and for whatever reason am being asked to provide proof of material source, I'd be screwed.

These items go on forensic test machines and I'm quite sure every little detail has been considered by the engineer when designing their product given consideration to the scientists who will be using them and their expectations for the results provided by the equipment due to the exact specifications of the components being used in their manufacture.

Therefore, I feel compelled to use materials per the exact specification on the drawing.  The call out is not for something generic like 6061, or even CRS, it is specific.

Now......if you can come up with a tool that will drill all the holes at once.......that would be awesome!!!  

Of course, it would have to dirt cheap. I actually make more money on the material mark up than I do on the the actual profit from the hourly rate. 

Later,
Russ