Now the world has become very competitive for companies or startups to survive and to make a profit from their products or services they have to take various strategic steps to run efficiently and effectively. This is where DFM i.e. Design for Manufacturing comes into the picture which helps them in multiple ways to use their limited resources.
Let’s understand what is DFM and why companies are more focused on it.
What is DFM (Design for manufacturing)?
Design for manufacturing is a set of guidelines and principles that companies set to help their engineers and designers to design a product in a more efficient and effective way. This helps the company to create products that are optimized for efficient and cost-effective manufacturing. The main goal of DFM is to reduce the cost, time, and material used to manufacture a product while maintaining its quality, performance, and reliability.
DFM principles can take into account a variety of factors, including the choice of suitable materials, optimization of part geometry and tolerances, reduction of the number of parts and assembly steps, simplification of assembly procedures, and design for effective utilization of manufacturing resources and equipment. By applying these concepts, firms can eliminate waste, cut manufacturing costs, and boost productivity.
History of Design for manufacturing:
Design for Manufacturing (DFM) has been important in manufacturing since the industrial revolution. It gained formalization and development in the 1950s and 1960s with the introduction of new technologies like automated assembly lines and CAD software.
In the 1950s, General Motors engineers developed “Design for Production” guidelines to streamline manufacturing, lower costs, and improve assembly techniques. These guidelines focused on standardizing parts, reducing product complexity, and optimizing manufacturing procedures.
The phrase “Design for Manufacturing” began to acquire popularity in the 1960s, and many businesses started to create their own DFM ideas and criteria. Toyota was one of the forerunners of DFM. Toyota created a set of guidelines known as “The Toyota Production System” with the goal of reducing waste, streamlining manufacturing, and raising product quality.
With the rise of many CAD software, more complex product designs were created, but it also increased the complexity of the manufacturing process. In order to overcome this difficulty, businesses started incorporating DFM principles into their design procedures.
Why design for manufacturing (DFM) is important?
DFM is now more crucial than ever in the modern manufacturing sector for a variety of reasons. We are going to focus on three main points, First, to stay competitive, businesses must manufacture high-quality goods at lower prices due to the increased worldwide competition in the manufacturing industry. By cutting down on waste and boosting manufacturing efficiency, DFM aids manufacturers in achieving this objective.
Second, it is now more challenging to produce goods efficiently due to the rise in product complexity. DFM assists designers in streamlining and manufacturing-optimizing product designs, lowering the likelihood of mistakes, flaws, and delays.
Finally, manufacturers must lessen their environmental impact since environmental and sustainability issues have gained importance. DFM may support producers in using sustainable materials, minimizing waste, and conserving energy, all of which contribute to more environmentally friendly manufacturing practices.
How DFM is helping manufacturing companies?
Design for Manufacturing (DFM) is helping modern manufacturing in a number of ways, including:
- Reducing production costs: DFM can aid producers in cutting down on material waste, assembly stages, and parts, as well as the amount of time needed to build a product by optimizing product designs for manufacturing. As a result, production expenses are reduced, and profitability is increased.
- Improving product quality: Early in the design process, DFM can assist designers and engineers in identifying potential manufacturing problems and implementing adjustments to reduce defects and raise product quality. This may lead to a decrease in product returns, fewer problems, and more customer satisfaction.
- Shortening time-to-market: By streamlining the production process, minimizing the number of parts, and improving assembly techniques, DFM principles can assist businesses in shortening the time needed to bring a product to market. This can help organizations remain ahead of the competition and adapt rapidly to shifting market demands.
- Increasing productivity: DFM can assist enterprises in boosting efficiency and output by streamlining manufacturing processes and minimizing the number of parts and assembly procedures. This can assist businesses in satisfying client demand while boosting revenue.
Why should manufacturing companies add DFM to Your Workflow?
- Reduce to essentials:
Reducing the total number of components and the total number of steps needed for the manufacturing of a product will make manufacturing more efficient. It will also reduce the total time required to assemble the parts i.e. there will be a reduction in the time of the assembly line. All of these lead to faster turnarounds and a reduction in costs.
- Use standard components:
Consider whether a customized element will promote or obstruct the project’s success. Standard components are made in greater quantities and are less expensive than specialized ones.
- Easy machining materials:
While using DFM, materials are crucial since they have an impact on manufacturability. You might find that a specific high-carbon steel has all the qualities you’re looking for. Yet, if a CNC machine is required, you’ll eventually be making everyone’s lives more difficult. In that situation, it will be necessary to select a material that is more machine-friendly. 3D printers and other devices are subject to similar restrictions.
- Reduce the Need for Fasteners:
A significant amount of the production time needed for separate fasteners can be avoided by incorporating snap closures and tabs into components.
- Using Loose Tolerances in Manufacturing:
Keep in mind that precise tolerances demand more machine time and hence cost more. So, if possible during design and manufacture, use loose tolerances as long as doing so won’t affect the part’s operation.
DFM software’s:
There are many DFM software, we have maintained a few of them which are used widely used by various companies all over manufacturing industries:
- SolidWorks DFMXpress
- DFMPro by Geometric
- CAM350 by DownStream Technologies
- Valor NPI by Mentor Graphics
- PADS by Mentor Graphics
- GerbTool by WISE Software Solutions
- CircuitCAM by Aegis Software
- HyperLynx DFM by Mentor Graphics
- BluePrint-PCB by DownStream Technologies
- Optimal Electronics Corporation.
Conclusion:
Design for Manufacturing (DFM) is essential for ensuring that a product’s manufacturing process is efficient. DFM seeks to eliminate errors, cut costs, and raise quality by taking production restrictions into account throughout the design phase. Early in the design process, designers can greatly benefit from using DFM software to identify and address potential production concerns. SDFM can achieve shorter lead times, lower costs, and improved product quality by designing products for easy manufacturing. Emphasizing the deployment of DFM is crucial for optimum efficiency and profitability in manufacturing operations.
FAQs:
Q: What is DFM?
A: DFM stands for Design for Manufacturing. It refers to a set of guidelines and principles that help companies optimize product designs for efficient and cost-effective manufacturing.
Q: Why is DFM important?
A: DFM is important because it reduces manufacturing costs, saves time, and improves product quality by considering manufacturing requirements during the design phase.
Q: How does DFM benefit manufacturing companies?
A: DFM benefits manufacturing companies by lowering production costs, enhancing product quality, shortening time-to-market, and increasing overall productivity.
Q: What are some key DFM principles?
A: Key DFM principles include using standard components, minimizing assembly steps, selecting machine-friendly materials, reducing the need for fasteners, and applying loose tolerances.
Q: Are there DFM software tools available?
A: Yes, there are various DFM software tools like SolidWorks DFMXpress, DFMPro, CAM350, etc., that help identify and address manufacturing concerns during the design process.
Q: How can DFM improve efficiency and profitability?
A: By implementing DFM, companies can achieve faster production, cost savings, improved product quality, and ultimately enhance their overall efficiency and profitability.
MANUFAST can help to achieve your production and manufacturing goal using DFM and MaaS(Manufacturing as a Service). To know more press the below button to contact us.
