Advice for DFMA Users

This article gives advice on the best time for a design-for-manufacturing-and-assembly (DFMA) analysis. DFMA is basically a process that investigates product designs and explores how those designs can be improved and simplified for the purpose of cost-savings. A frequent question is at what point in the product development cycle should DFMA analysis be considered. The answer, according to the article, is as soon as possible in order to generate the largest cost-savings. Many companies have chosen to wait until a physical model has been developed to perform a DFMA analysis. While it is possible to get benefits from DFMA analysis at any point before full production, the maximum benefits will be realized before physical prototypes are built. To accomplish this, CAD models must be reviewed for any potential assembly difficulties prior to production. While the article cites an electronics manufacturer as an example, any type of machine design can also benefit from this type of analysis.   Read the full article in Design News. 

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