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The DFM software is a concurrent engineering software analysis tool that provides guidance in the selection of materials and processes and generates piece part and tooling cost estimates at any stage of product design. DFM allows engineers to anticipate manufacturing costs early in the design process, even when only rough geometries are available on the product being developed.
Using Design for Manufacture (DFM) software tools, you achieve a thorough understanding of the primary cost drivers associated with manufacturing your product and establish a benchmark for what your product "should cost."
Given the large number of process technologies and materials available, few design engineers have detailed knowledge of all the major shape-forming processes. Consequently, engineers tend to design for manufacturing processes with which they are familiar. DFM methodology encourages individual engineers and concurrent development teams to investigate additional processes and materials and to develop designs that may be more economical to produce. With more information about viable processes and materials, users can quantify manufacturing costs for competing design alternatives and decide which design is best.
The cost models in DFM Concurrent Costing software guide you through an assessment of alternative processes and materials and provide cost information for the bill of material. Costs update automatically as you determine tolerances, surface finishes, and other part details. Gradually, as you choose effective shape-forming processes and consider how to modify part features to lower cost, your product becomes more optimized.
Benefits of using DFM Concurrent Costing software
Cost-Estimator
Gain quick insight into the cost impact of even simple changes to part dimensions. DFM Concurrent Costing provides a fast, accurate way to review evolving designs for cost efficiency by quickly simulating the use of alternate materials and comparing various shape-forming processes.
Concurrent Engineering
Shorten product development cycles by working collaboratively on cost decisions. With DFM, designers and manufacturing engineers can work closely with personnel from marketing, finance and purchasing to analyze alternative materials and process options.
Useful Design Tool
Redesign existing products for better quality and manufacturability while still adhering to manufacturing cost requirements. DFM Concurrent Costing effectively aids redesign by offering quick testing of alternate materials and processes.
Effective Vendor-Negotiating Aid
Evaluate vendor quotes by comparing the information the software provides on such items as total cost, cycle time, machine size and die cost. DFM Concurrent Costing gives even non-specialists a foundation for meaningful discussions with vendors.
Competitive Benchmarking Tool
Compare your designs with competitors’ products to determine market feasibility and to target costs. Because of its accuracy in predicting costs, DFM Concurrent Costing adds advantage to companies seeking to enter competitive industries. |
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