Alphabet Soup: What is DFM and Why is it so Important?

DFM is an abbreviation for a process known as "design for manufacturing". As the name already hints, this is an engineering principle which revolves around designing small and complex parts in such a way that they are easy to manufacture. The ultimate goal here is to find an intrinsic balance between the quality of a part and a cost-effective solution for its development within an industry. Should this balance be met, the company will enjoy a higher ROI and more robust production levels while not sacrificing the quality of the product in question. There are many sectors which have enjoyed success from this approach.

Fixing Problems Within the Design Phase

As we offer years of experience within this challenging sector, one of the benefits that we supply in regards to DFM is to identify any potential problems during the design phase. Not only is this the least expensive place to rectify any errors, but even the smallest changes in the process of DFM can have a massive impact upon a business. It therefore stands to reason that we will place a great deal of emphasis into this procedure before physical production begins. Prototyping, client reviews, feedback and bench testing are a few of the tools which are used to create the most efficient DFM approach. Some examples of when this techniques is extremely useful can be seen in the production of printed circuit boards and integrated circuits.

The Role of Automation

Another challenge that must be taken into account is how to seamlessly implement production automation within the Dfm model. In other words, products need to be manufactured in the most efficient ways possible while still enjoying accuracy during all automated processes. Once again, we will find the best means possible to accomplish this synergy through direct client engagement. It is critical to keep in mind that the needs of every production facility are quite different. Some of the main areas to address include:

• Cost

• Sustainability

• User Preferences

• Support

• Implementation

While some of these issues can be solved during the initial testing phases, it is also important that the client is provided with superior levels of support. This equates to a quicker implementation within the real-world environment and negligible downtime.

The ultimate goal of DFM is to provide any company with the most effective methods possible to produce small and complex parts. This can save time, increase ROI and reduce overall manufacturing times.