Manufacturing Process Selection Handbook

Appendices

Appendix A – Guidelines for Design for Manufacture (DFM)

A number of rules have been developed to aid designers when thinking about the manufacture of component parts by common processes:

• Ensure maximum simplicity in overall design.

• Be aware of the capabilities of in-house manufacture and outside suppliers.

• Select materials to suit the process, as well as lowest cost and availability.

• It is not desirable to design structures with abrupt changes in section due to stress concentrations. Aim at uniform wall thickness, cross-sections and gradual changes.

• Parts should be designed so that as many operations as possible can be performed without requiring repositioning. This promotes accuracy and minimises handling.

• Dimensions in ...