What is Design for Manufacturability?
Design for Manufacturability (DFM) is the process of being proactive during the product design phase by considering the manufacturing stage of product development at the start of the design cycle. Early consideration of the manufacturing phase shortens product development time, minimizes development costs and ensures a smooth transition into production for quick time-to-market. Overall development costs are minimized when DFM is utilized because the product design, from the onset, aims to reduce the number of parts that need to be manufactured which speeds up assembly. The entire goal of DFM is to produce a product that is easily and economically manufactured.
Why is Design for Manufacturability Important?
When you are working towards commercialization of a product, the goal is to be efficient, minimize costs and get your product onto store shelves quickly—DFM works to do just this. With DFM you work out any potential issues before manufacturing planning which saves both time and resources.
At the heart of Design for Manufacturability is a group of design guidelines structured to help the designer reduce costs and manufacturing difficulty. The following is a brief list of these guidelines:
- Reduce the number of total parts
- Use of standard components
- Design parts to be multi-functional
- Design for ease of fabrication
- Minimize assembly directions
- Maximize compliance
The Importance of Strategic Product Development
Quality product development is a competitive advantage in the marketplace. Product design establishes product features, how it will work and overall reliability of the product. When the product development cycle is planned out and every stage is properly accounted for, a product is able to be successfully designed, manufactured and put into the hands of consumers at a much quicker rate.
Do you have additional questions about DFM or the manufacturing phase of the product development cycle? Let us help! Contact us by e-mail at info@3d-innovations.comor or by phone at 1-808-772-8667.
Works Referenced
- Design for Manufacturing Guidelines
- Design for Manufacturability: How to Use Concurrent Engineering to Rapidly Develop Low-Cost, High-Quality Products for Lean Production
_______
3D Innovations is a Product Development Company – from the 3D Design to a fully functional 3D Prototype & Product.
Startup Connector is a Manufacturing Accelerator helping companies commercialize—turning ideas into products.
Subscribe to the 3D Innovations newsletter on our Facebook page!