Design for Manufacturing

Specializing in Practical Performance

Design for Manufacturing (DFM) involving prototypes, can be a complicated process that involves turning an idea into a physical object, one that can actually be created and tested to prove that the idea works in the real world. Unfortunately, while creating a product design proves that a concept can work, prototypes are seldom suited for actual manufacturing.

Design for Manufacturing (DFM) involves moving beyond the prototype or initial manufacturing design to designing and engineering a product so that it meets the specifications necessary to allow for manufacturing at a specific scale and cost. In general, the Design for Manufacturing (DFM) process involves reducing the cost to manufacture a product design automation by making it cheaper, faster, and easier to do so.

Our DFM process includes:

• Defining the manufacturing scope
• Simplifying the design
• Minimizing part count
• Using existing parts or processes
• Selecting optimal materials
• Optimizing the manufacturing process
• Creating a modular assembly process
• Minimizing cost
• Minimizing time to market
• Minimizing manufacturing time and cost

All optimizations and design changes of product design automations must meet the necessary specifications required for the final product. Depending upon the product type and the manufacturing process required, there can be numerous specifications.

Featured Solution

Sample Handling System for Diagnostic Instrument

This medical OEM was close to finalizing their design when they decided to partner with Motion Solutions to optimize the Design for Manufacturing. Motion Solutions worked through the final details of the design and recommended design modifications to improve manufactuability and reduce parts cost.

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Any design for manufacturing must meet the following requirements:

• Demonstrate efficacy
• Size and weight specifications
• Ready for automatic alignment
• Simplified testing
• Assembly-friendly
• Scalability to match desired manufacturing numbers
• Time to Manufacture (varies)
• Cost to Manufacture (varies)
• Specific industry or product tolerances
• Passed compliance testing

Ideally, Design for Manufacturing (DFM) begins early in product development, before tooling and the creation of the assembly process. Successful design for manufacturing will result in many advantages for the product design automation, such as:

• Lower overall manufacturing cost
• Faster manufacturing and assembly
• Elimination of waste and inefficiencies
• Fewer errors
• Higher scalability

Our engineering services team can help ensure a successful Design for Manufacturing (DFM) process. Our experts specialize in practical performance that makes sure your product and its function are exceptionally reproducible. Let us help with your design for manufacturing needs.