Book Contents Structure in "Estimation and Costing in Mechanical Engineering"

A typical book on "Estimation and Costing in Mechanical Engineering" would cover topics like: introduction to cost estimation, elements of cost (material, labor, overhead), mensuration, detailed estimation in various manufacturing processes (machining, sheet metal, forging, welding, foundry), cost breakdown structure, project budgeting, and relevant software applications, often including sections on:

Basics:

• Introduction to Estimation and Costing:

  • Importance of cost estimation in mechanical engineering projects
  • Factors influencing cost estimation
  • Different types of cost estimates (rough, preliminary, detailed)
• Elements of Cost:

  • Direct material cost
  • Direct labor cost
  • Manufacturing overhead cost
  • Indirect expenses 

Mensuration and Calculations:

• Basic Geometrical Calculations:

  • Volume and surface area calculations for various shapes
  • Weight calculations based on material density
• Material Estimation:

  • Material selection and specification
  • Calculation of material quantities for components based on drawings
  • Material allowances for machining and finishing 

Manufacturing Process Estimations:

• Machine Shop Estimation:
  • Turning operations
  • Milling operations
  • Drilling operations
  • Grinding operations
• Sheet Metal Fabrication:
  • Cutting and blanking
  • Bending and forming
  • Welding estimation
• Forging Estimation:
  • Forging process calculations
  • Die design considerations
• Foundry Estimation:
  • Pattern making
  • Molding and casting calculations 

Other Important Topics:

• Labor Cost Estimation:
  • Time study analysis 
  • Labor rates and allowances 
  • Labor productivity factors 
• Overhead Cost Estimation:
  • Factory overhead components (power, maintenance, depreciation) 
  • Overhead allocation methods 

• Cost Breakdown Structure (CBS):
  • Defining a CBS for a project 
  • Breakdown of costs into different work packages 
• Project Budgeting:
  • Preparing a project budget 
  • Cost control and monitoring 
• Estimation Techniques:
  • Parametric estimating 
  • Bottom-up estimating 
  • Analogous estimating 
• Software Applications:
  • Introduction to cost estimation software 
  • Using software for complex project calculations