2.2.2 Design Selection for a Product The design modification of a product may result in reduced raw material Elementary Economic Analysis 19 requirements, increased machinability of the materials and reduced labour. Design is an important factor which decides the cost of the product for a specified level of performance of that product. The elementary economic analysis applied to the selection of design for a product is illustrated with two example problems. EXAMPLE 2.3 Two alternatives are under consideration for a tapered fastening pin. Either design will serve the purpose and will involve the same material and manufacturing cost except for the lathe and grinder operations. Design A will require 16 hours of lathe time and 4.5 hours of grinder time per 1,000 units. Design B will require 7 hours of lathe time and 12 hours of grinder time per 1,000 units. The operating cost of the lathe including labour is Rs. 200 per hour. The operating cost of the grinder including labour is Rs. 150 per hour. Which design should be adopted if 1,00,000 units are required per year and what is the economic advantage of the best alternative