What is Design for Manufacturing (DFM)?
Design for Manufacture (DFM) is a set of guidelines and techniques that are used to optimize the design of a product for the manufacturing process. The goal of DFM is to make the product as easy and cost-effective as possible to manufacture, without sacrificing quality or performance. DFM takes into account the materials, processes and equipment that will be used in the manufacturing process and aims to minimize waste, reduce the number of steps and handling required and streamline the manufacturing process as much as possible.de
DFM is an important part of the product development process, as it can have a significant impact on the cost, quality and efficiency of the manufacturing process. By considering DFM early in the design process, manufacturers can improve the manufacturability of their products and reduce the risk of delays or problems during the manufacturing process.
“A successful product not only requires a competent functional design……
….it also needs to be designed for manufacture.”
The Benefits of Design for Manufacturing
There are several benefits to using Design for Manufacture in the product development process:
- Cost savings: By optimizing the design of a product for the manufacturing process, DFM can help reduce the cost of manufacturing by minimizing waste, reducing the number of steps and handling required and streamlining the manufacturing process.
- Improved quality: By considering the materials, processes and equipment that will be used in the manufacturing process, DFM can help improve the quality of the finished product by reducing the risk of defects or problems during the manufacturing process.
- Enhanced efficiency: DFM can help make the manufacturing process more efficient by reducing the time and effort required to manufacture the product. This can lead to faster turnaround times and reduced lead times.
- Greater flexibility: By designing a product with DFM in mind, manufacturers can make it easier to modify or adapt the product for different markets or applications.
If a product is not designed for manufacture, it can lead to a number of issues during the manufacturing process. These may include:
- Increased manufacturing costs: This can occur if the product requires a lot of manual handling or has complex shapes or features that are difficult to manufacture.
- Delays and lead time issues: it may take longer to manufacture, which can lead to delays in the production schedule and longer lead times for customers.
- Reduced competitiveness: it may be more expensive to manufacture, which can make it less competitive in the market. This can make it more difficult for the manufacturer to sell the product at a competitive price.
What type of Products are Designed for Manufacturing?
Here are a few examples of things that might be designed for manufacture:
- Consumer electronics: Many consumer electronics products, such as smartphones, tablets and laptops, are designed with DFM in mind to make them as cost-effective and efficient as possible to manufacture. This might include considerations such as the use of standard components, modular design and the use of automated manufacturing processes.
- Medical devices: Medical devices, such as pacemakers, insulin pumps and surgical instruments, are often designed with DFM in mind to make them as reliable and cost-effective as possible to manufacture. This might include considerations such as the use of biocompatible materials, the use of sterilization-friendly design, and the incorporation of features that facilitate assembly and testing.
- Industrial equipment: Industrial equipment, such as conveyor belts, pumps and motors, are often designed with DFM in mind to make them as efficient and cost-effective as possible to manufacture. This might include considerations such as the use of standard components, the use of modular design, and the incorporation of features that facilitate maintenance and repair.
OEM/ODM Embedded Product Design Services
Our OEM Design to Order processes are adaptable so they can be applied to products suitable for a variety of industrial application purposes – or even harsh environments, specialist use – where operation and maximum up-time in wide & diverse temperature and environmental extremes are unavoidable. Our designs can be made to be shock resistant, dust and waterproof (IP certified) – and optimised for 24/7 running for both hardware and operating system software.
We can follow the proof of concept by further producing pre-production/field trial prototypes to further verify the design for manufacturability and testability. From start to finish, the whole process is defined by BVM’s Quality Management System which is audited and certified to comply with ISO-9001 -2015.
Custom Carrier Board and Custom PCB Design
At BVM we have an established history of design and manufacture of embedded computer boards. From the early days of VMEbus board design through to Compact PCI and PMC Module design.
Custom Chassis and Cooling Design
Not everything ‘off the shelf’ will be a fit for your specific application – which is fine, quite often one size doesn’t fit all. With our CAD design team using the very latest in 3D modelling software, BVM engineering will custom design solutions to provide for the exact heat dissipation needed – whilst also ensuring any ingress protection needs are looked after.
Custom Cable Design
BVM has an experienced team of operatives with the ability to manufacture and build the most complex cable harnesses, wiring looms – and provide ‘box build – from simple control boxes, power & distribution boxes to more complex systems. From the initial design, prototyping, production & test – through to delivery.
Touch Screen Integration and Display Enhancement Services
At BVM we have the ability to integrate the touch screen solution that’s befitting your application, so whether you need single point of touch or full ’10 point’ interactivity with on screen gesturing (‘flick, zoom, pinch’) – we’ll integrate the touch solution that provides functionality you need.
We like to make life easier ….
If you’re interested in learning more about how Design for Manufacture (DFM) can benefit your business, don’t hesitate to get in touch with the team at BVM. Contact us via our website, send us an email at sales@bvmltd.co.uk, or give us a call at 01489 780144.
Our experienced professionals will be happy to answer any questions you may have and help you understand the benefits of DFM for your organization.