key elements of design for manufacturing
The term “Design for Manufacturing” (DfM) is used to describe a methodology for designing products and processes. It emphasizes the importance of ease of manufacture for product components and simplified assembly into a final product. This methodology also ensures product quality and consistency based on the standards set during the design phase. The following are the key elements of DfM:
A well-designed part will enable the rapid ejection of a molded part. A poorly-designed part may have a tendency to stick together. In addition, a well-designed part may have no drafts, causing friction between surfaces that may damage the part. Moreover, design for manufacturing reduces the cost of the project, reducing labor and power usage. And if all this is done, manufacturing will be faster and more efficient.
Once the Design manufacturer team has a good idea of how to improve a product, they can break it down further. They will study the drawings, talk to users, and look at similar products. They will then focus on the key elements of design for manufacturing. By integrating these five elements, a product will be deemed “manufacturable,” and is ready for production. If the design team can achieve this goal, it can move on to the next stage of development.
What are the key elements of design for manufacturing?
When designing for manufacturing, it is important to keep the product’s complexity in mind. Tight tolerances can increase the cost of machining, and they also require secondary processes. The best solution is to design products with the loosest tolerances possible. This will decrease tooling costs, and reduce the number of defects, making the product easier to manufacture. If you are planning to manufacture a product in China, consider design for manufacturing before you create the final product.
To minimize the production cost, the design for manufacturing team must first determine which manufacturing process is best. For example, a high-quality assembly process can be cheaper than another. Another approach is to design for ease of assembly. This method involves removing screws, which add about 5% of material costs and seventy percent of assembly labor. Standard fasteners, on the other hand, require no re-orientation.
Among the main elements of design for manufacturing, manufacturability and cost are closely related. This method also helps in identifying cost reduction opportunities, which is crucial to the success of any manufacturing process. In addition, design for manufacturing is an essential part of maximizing product performance. In fact, design for manufacturing can help companies increase their revenue by reducing costs and increasing profits. So, if you want to create a value-driven product, consider these key elements.