design for manufacturing involves which of the following course hero

by Al Mueller IV 5 min read

What is DFM?

Design for Manufacturability is a product design ideology that focuses on creating a better design at a lower cost by optimising the selection of materials and manufacturing processes. Following these guidelines, the final product should be easier to manufacture and the production should take less time when compared to the original design.

DFM Applications

There is a range of reasons why DFM is so invaluable in the competitive markets of the present day. Let’s take a look at how following DFM principles can result in an efficient design and manufacturing setup. With DFM, we can:

DFM Principles

In this section, we shall learn about the different avenues on which the designer must focus when creating a DFM-friendly product. Optimising each one of those areas will ensure that the product, as a whole, becomes the very best version of itself. These five focus areas are:

Key Benefits

Any company that invests in DFM will most likely find poor design and manufacturing decisions in their products that could have been easily avoided. Some key benefits of DFM are as follows:

How to Implement

Design for Manufacturing is a great way to save costs while delivering a premium product, but how exactly can companies get started with it? Implementing DFM can be a challenging undertaking for most organisations but it does not necessarily have to be like that.

DFM vs DFA

DFA stands for Design For Assembly and refers to the optimization of the product itself and the assembly process to reduce cost, effort and time. Let’s see what are the main differences between DFM and DFA.

Conclusion

Over 70% of the product’s final cost is determined during the design stage. Engineers are left with very little wiggle room for cost reduction once the design is settled. DFX allows us to select a focus area for the design so that product objectives can be achieved.

Why use modules in design?

Using modules can simplify any future product redesign, and also allows for use of standard components and the re-use of modules in other projects. Design multi - functional parts. This seems rather obvious, but it’s a simple way to reduce the total number of parts: design parts with more than one function.

What is DFMA in manufacturing?

Design for Manufacturing (DFM) is the process of designing parts, components or products for ease of manufacturing with an end goal of making a better product at a lower cost. This is done by simplifying, optimizing and refining the product design. The acronym DFMA (Design for Manufacturing and Assembly) is sometimes used interchangeably with DFM.

HOW LONG WILL THE DFM TAKE?

You might be wondering what kind time you'll have to invest in the DFM? That really depends on the quality of the design that you start with.

How does a tool work?

Here’s how it works: A tool (or mold) is made of two halves. The hot plastic liquid is poured into the mold, then quickly cooled. The two halves are pulled apart and there’s your part. If any feature in your part moves in a direction other than the pull of the mold, that will complicate the tooling and the tool will cost more.

What is a non-customized module?

Using non-customized modules/modular assemblies in your design allows you to modify the product without losing its overall functionality. A simple example is a basic automobile that allows you to add in extras by putting in a modular upgrade.

What is material based on?

Material is based on the planned use of the product and it's function. Consider:

Why is it important to limit the number of parts in a product?

Why? Because it automatically reduces the amount of material and assembly labor required. Reducing the number of parts also means less engineering, production, labor and shipping costs.

What is design for manufacturing?

Design for Manufacturing is a product design philosophy that stresses the importance of designing prototypes and parts in a way that suits the manufacturing process. Many manufacturers also refer to it as Design for Manufacturability or just DfM.

Why is design important in manufacturing?

Design for Manufacturing can also contribute to increased speed of manufacturing. A well-designed part for its manufacturing equipment ensures that cutting tools and other instruments can do their jobs more efficiently.

What is DfM?

Design for Manufacturing is a product design philosophy that stresses the importance of designing prototypes and parts in a way that suits the manufacturing process. Many manufacturers also refer to it as Design for Manufacturability or just DfM.

Why is DFM important?

Perhaps the most fundamental benefit of DfM is the guarantee of manufacturing feasibility and the prevention of part failure. By designing parts that manufacturing equipment can realistically build, companies know in advance. This way, they won’t experience problems like collapsing 3D prints, parts stuck in molds or dangerous chip buildup. In summary, Design for Manufacturing is important for quality assurance.

What is DFM in engineering?

In some cases, DfM involves collaboration across departments and even across multiple companies. That’s because designers and engineers may need to correspond with toolmakers, manufacturers and even material suppliers to assess the possibilities and limitations of the project.

What is DFM in design?

But ideas are only great insofar as a manufacturer can turn them into reality using machines and materials. This is where Design for Manufacturing (DfM) comes to play.

Why is an analysis of potential manufacturing processes, materials, and other factors important?

Therefore, an analysis of potential manufacturing processes, materials, and other factors helps to inform design elements. Design for Manufacturing necessarily works on a case-by-case basis. However, some near-universal rules can lead to better prototypes and parts.

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