Since when industrial Revolution, Countries have relied largely on manufacturing in bidding to produce a large number of products without compromising on quality, while also taking into account costs. In recent years, however, mass production has proceeded over time, and this is where DFM comes into being. Helps to increase the quality and reliability of assemblies, while conserving valuable resources.
What is DFM?
Design for manufacturing (DFM) is the process of designing parts, components, or products for ease of manufacturing in a bid to create a better product at a lower cost. This is done by simplifying, customizing and refining the product design. As Inflation is continuously increasing globally, It is important business that finds ways to refine processes without increasing prices.
The five principles examined during the DFM process are:
- Procedures
- The design
- Content
- atmosphere
- Compliance / testing
To be a successful DFM, this needs to be done in the initial design process and should involve a number of decision makers including engineers, designers, contract manufacturers, mold builders and material suppliers. This ensures that all aspects of the DFM process are considered.
How to improve DFM?
The design may require additional effort in the design process for the manufacturing process. However, early adoption of the DFM approach will produce more rapid product to meet customer needs, which will be a quick and smooth transition to the manufacturing sector and lower overall program / life cycle costs.
The easiest way to improve your DFM is to collaborate with manufacturing partners. The DFM must take into account the amount of parts to be made and the materials being used, but it is getting the design element right that is necessary. The actual drawing of the part or product should conform to good manufacturing principles for the manufacturing process you choose.
Engineers designing printed circuit boards (PCBs) typically generate a prototype board prior to full-scale fabrication of boards for final products. Several prototype runs will often be included in the development of the final fabricated PCB. PCBs are fitted with many electronic components, such as crimp contacts and resistors, And design should be carefully considered during the product process to ensure the finished product is fit for purpose. Because much of the production cost of the series is determined during the prototype phase, it is important to take time to fix it.
You should discuss the material with your contract manufacturer, who may have access to existing materials in their portfolio that will allow you to secure lower content pricing. And of course it must be fit for purpose, as well as comply with safety and quality standards.
Why improve DFM?
The market is extremely competitive for product creators. Nowadays, for product creators to design innovative and successful products they must ensure that they are designed for manufacturing and assembly. Every product designer needs to reduce costs to achieve the margin they need to survive. This is where Design for Manufacturing (DFM) comes in.
DFM is something every product manufacturer should consider. Companies implementing DFM have already realized the benefits of this process. This is because approximately 80% of the manufacturing cost of a product (material, processing, and assembly) is determined by design decisions in the development process. On the other hand production decisions such as production planning or machine tool selection accounted for only 20%.
The aim of a successful DFM process is to produce products that are easy to manufacture and assemble with superior quality at a lower cost, but without impacting on price and cost.
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