Value Analysis Techniques
Miles provided 13 ideas as value analysis techniques (Each technique linked to a video).
- Avoid generalities
- Get all available costs
- Use information from the best source
- Blast create and refine
- Use real creativity
- Identify and overcome roadblocks
- Use industry experts to extend specialized knowledge
- Get a dollar sign on key tolerances
- Utilize vendors’ available functional products
- Utilize and pay for vendors’ skills and knowledge
- Utilize specialty processes
- Utilize applicable standards
- Use the criterion, “would I spend my money this way?”
Blast create and refine and Utilize specialty processes are related to low cost products or parts and low cost processes.
Brief Explanation of the VE Analytical Techniques
Blast, Create and Refine
Blast
To do blast activity, the basic functions to be accomplished by a product or a component are given the focus and alternative products, materials and processes are brought into the picture. These alternatives need not entirely accomplish all the basic functions completely. These alternatives need to qualify on the basis of accomplishing some important part of the function or functions in a very economical manner. The alternatives are in the consideration list even if they can accomplish important part of the function based on some modifications. During this activity, the amount of the function which would be accomplished by the suggested or identified alternatives and the cost involved are ascertained.
Create
Use real creativity to generate alternatives to improve the ideas of blast stage, to accomplish large part of the required function with accompanying increase in cost. Increase in functions obtained needs to be accounted by increase in cost.
Refine
The solution obtained in create stage is further sifted and refined by adding features which provide further functions and fully accomplish the desired function. Miles stated that this blast, create and refine technique delivered the total function with the same reliability but at a cost of one-half to one-tenth of the original for many components and products.
Create
Use real creativity to generate alternatives to improve the ideas of blast stage, to accomplish large part of the required function with accompanying increase in cost. Increase in functions obtained needs to be accounted by increase in cost.
Refine
The solution obtained in create stage is further sifted and refined by adding features which provide further functions and fully accomplish the desired function. Miles stated that this blast, create and refine technique delivered the total function with the same reliability but at a cost of one-half to one-tenth of the original for many components and products.
Utilize specialty processes and special tools
Miles defines specialty process as an applicable process which would reliably accomplish the needed function for significantly lower cost and which either exists or could, and would be developed by some one who leads in the technology involved if he understood the need for it.
Miles gave the opinion that even persons engaged in value work take time to recognize specialty processes. In 1961, he gave the delay as three years. Other engineers take around 10 years to recognize specialty processes. The purpose of identifying and emphasizing this point in the list of VE techniques is to reduce this time lag.
Special tools also provide value opportunities. Value engineers have to be on the lookout for appearance of special tools.
Low-cost additive manufacturing materials are primarily driven by thermoplastic filaments for FDM/FFF printers, with PLA (Polylactic Acid) being the most affordable ($20–$30/kg) and beginner-friendly option. Other low-cost, versatile, or specialized materials include ABS, PETG, TPU for flexible parts, and PLA-based composites for increased rigidity or aesthetic properties.
Top Low-Cost Materials (FDM/FFF)
PLA (Polylactic Acid): Excellent for prototypes and beginner projects due to its low cost ($20–$30/kg), ease of printing, and availability.
ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene): Durable and heat-resistant, often used for functional prototypes, though it requires higher temperatures and a heated chamber.
PETG (Polyethylene Terephthalate Glycol): Combines ease of use (like PLA) with higher strength and chemical resistance (like ABS).
TPU (Thermoplastic Polyurethane): Flexible and resilient material used for creating dampeners, toys, and phone cases.
PLA Composites (Wood/Metal filled): These are PLA blends containing wood fibers or metal powder (copper, bronze), offering unique textures and aesthetics, often at a similar price point to standard PLA.
Low-Cost Specialized Approaches
Electrochemical Additive Manufacturing (ECAM): A highly cost-effective, low-energy approach to metal 3D printing that uses electrochemical deposition rather than expensive lasers or powder beds.
Pellet Additive Manufacturing (PAM): Uses, cheaper pelletized polymer feedstock instead of specialized filaments, significantly reducing raw material costs for larger prints.
Recycled Filaments: Using recycled materials can lower costs and increase environmental sustainability.
Key Considerations for Cost Saving
Material Cost: PLA remains the most cost-effective option.
Waste Management: Using methods like PAM (Pellet Additive Manufacturing) or recycling systems minimizes material waste, decreasing the overall production cost.
How Much Does 3D Printing Cost? 2026 Ultimate Guide
Updated
Aug 22, 2025
Cost Factor FDM (Filament) Resin (SLA/LCD)
Standard Material $20–$30 / kg $40–$80 / kg
https://protomont.com/what-are-the-most-affordable-3d-printer-filaments-on-the-market-2/
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Volume 11, April 2022, e00292
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Low cost 3D printing of metals using filled polymer pellets
