Question

Why do we specify parts (fasteners, gears, bearings, springs, and similar which are readily available (ready-made)?

Answer 1

Parts such as fasterners, gears, bearings, springs, and similar which are readily available are available in standard sizes in the market. These are standardized world wide and their demand is very high. In order to follow the standard, we need to have a standard specification of the parts, which are readily available as these parts requires high precision, then only it will be a right fit in the main assembly. For example, fasteners are specified as - M12, M8 bolt & nut etc..which needs to be assembled in a hole of suitable diameter. In case of gears, it is specified by No. of gear tooth, pitch, thickness, inner & outer diameter. Similarly, the specifications are given for bearings and springs, and other readily available parts.

Parts standardization across industries is defined as the process of developing, establishing, and implementing a set of guidelines that permits mass production of equipment spare parts and components, which can be easily fitted into any other part/equipment without the need for any adjustment. For any organization, spare parts standardization is an important solution for reducing long-term and excessive inventory along with simultaneously minimizing equipment maintenance costs