Designing for Efficient Production and Low Cost

Design for Manufacturing is the process of designing or engineering a product so that it is easy to manufacture at the lowest possible price. The process includes a review of the raw material selection, secondary processes (finishing, plating), dimensional requirements and even final packaging.

Benefits:

1. Reduces material, overhead and labour cost
2. Shortens the product development cycle
3. Focuses on standards to reduce cost

Key Principles in the DFM Process:

• Minimize part count
• Standardize parts and materials
• Create modular assemblies
• Design for efficient joining
• Minimize re-orientation of parts during assembly and/or machining
• Simplify and reduce the number of manufacturing operations
• Specify ‘acceptable’ surface finishes for functionality