# S7E12 Flash Training: Design for Assembly: Why Fewer Screw Lengths Makes Everything Easier

- Show: [Being an Engineer](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/being-an-engineer)
- Published: 2026-03-18
- Length: 4m
- Episode: 12
- Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/being-an-engineer/2026-03-18-s7e12-flash-training-design-for-assembly-why-fewer-screw-lengths-makes-everythin

## Summary

Pipeline automation engineer Mark Blakey explains a SOLIDWORKS technique to standardize screw lengths across assemblies, preventing the frustration of managing dozens of slightly different fastener types. By editing Hole Wizard sketches to fix the depth under the screw head, engineers ensure consistent thread engagement and torque requirements, which is critical for thermal cycling and safety. This approach simplifies purchasing, reduces assembly errors, and speeds up production by allowing workers to grab any bolt from a single bin without measuring.

## Chapters

- [0:13](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/being-an-engineer/2026-03-18-s7e12-flash-training-design-for-assembly-why-fewer-screw-lengths-makes-everythin#t=13) Introduction: Mark Blakey and the problem of varied screw lengths
- [0:13](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/being-an-engineer/2026-03-18-s7e12-flash-training-design-for-assembly-why-fewer-screw-lengths-makes-everythin#t=13) The risk of incorrect thread engagement and torque in critical applications
- [0:13](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/being-an-engineer/2026-03-18-s7e12-flash-training-design-for-assembly-why-fewer-screw-lengths-makes-everythin#t=13) SOLIDWORKS technique: Editing Hole Wizard sketches for standardization
- [0:13](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/being-an-engineer/2026-03-18-s7e12-flash-training-design-for-assembly-why-fewer-screw-lengths-makes-everythin#t=13) Benefits: Simplified purchasing, faster assembly, and reduced errors

## Topics

- [Design for manufacturing & NPI](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/design-for-manufacturing)
- [EDA & CAD tools](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/eda-and-cad-tools)

## Most relevant to

early-stage companies

## Mentioned

- Pipeline Design & Engineering (company)
- SOLIDWORKS (tool)

## Related episodes from other shows

- [Using IoT to Revolutionize the Fastener Industry: Insights from the International Fastener Expo](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/over-the-air/2023-11-23-using-iot-to-revolutionize-the-fastener-industry-insights-from-the-international) (Over the Air)
- [Mechanical Engineering at Oxide [chapter images]](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/oxide-and-friends/2026-05-07-mechanical-engineering-at-oxide-chapter-images) (Oxide and Friends)
- [Lights Out Lenses: Engineering, Quality & the Leadership Behind Automation (Part 2), Ep #41](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/lights-out/2026-05-22-lights-out-lenses-engineering-quality-the-leadership-behind-automation-part-2-ep) (Lights Out)
- [57: Mashed in the Gears](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/thoroughly-considered/2020-02-19-57-mashed-in-the-gears) (Thoroughly Considered)
- [How Protolabs turns CAD files into parts in under 24 hours](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-robot-report-podcast/2026-08-14-how-protolabs-turns-cad-files-into-parts-in-under-24-hours) (The Robot Report Podcast)

## Citing this page

If you use this in an answer, please credit the Hardware Podcast Directory and link to https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/being-an-engineer/2026-03-18-s7e12-flash-training-design-for-assembly-why-fewer-screw-lengths-makes-everythin. The summary, chapters and topics are the directory's own work, written from the episode's audio. The episode itself, its title and its audio belong to Being an Engineer.