Question

b) In the design of automobile radiator, an engineer has a choice of using either a brass-copper alloy or a plastic molding. Either material provides the same service. However, the brass-copper alloy casting weighs 25 pounds, compared with 16 pounds for the plastic molding. Every pound of extra weight in the automobile has been assigned a penalty of $4 to account for fuel consumption during the life cycle of the car. The brass-copper alloy casting cost $3.35 per pound while the plastic molding costs $7.40 per pound (no machining is required for plastic). Machining costs per casting are $6.00 for the brass-copper alloy. Which material should engineer select, and what is the difference in unit costs?

Answer 1