Design for Manufacture Techniques Help the Team Make Early Decisions

SUMMARY This paper introduces the role and value of design for manufacture tools and techniques in a team-based simultaneous engineering design process. The Lucas design for assembly techniques is described and the benefits of its use in terms of parts count reduction, assembly cost reduction and product cost reduction are given. A second technique, quality function deployment, is outlined and its advantages listed. Finally, an implementation strategy for design for manufacture is recommended.