A CAD model can look perfect on the screen and still become a problem once it reaches the machine shop.
Maybe the part can be manufactured exactly as designed. But that doesn’t necessarily mean it can be manufactured efficiently, economically, or with the expected lead time.
This is where Design for Manufacturing (DFM) and Design for Additive Manufacturing (DFAM) become important.
A manufacturable design is not always a good manufacturing design
When a part is sent for quotation, the first question is usually simple: “Can you make it?”
In many cases, the answer is yes. The more important question, however, is how should it be made?
A small design decision can have a surprisingly large impact on manufacturing. Tight tolerances may require additional machining or inspection. Difficult tool access can require extra setups. Certain geometries may increase machining time, tooling requirements, or post-processing.
For additive manufacturing, the same principle applies. Part orientation, support structures, wall thickness, feature size, material selection, and post-processing can all affect the final result.
Sometimes a change that looks insignificant on a drawing can completely change the manufacturing approach.
DFM and DFAM should happen before production
DFM is not about changing a design simply because a manufacturer prefers a different geometry. It is about understanding the relationship between design, function, cost, quality, and manufacturing.
A good DFM review can identify potential problems before production starts and help answer questions such as:
- Can the geometry be machined efficiently?
- Are the tolerances appropriate for the function?
- Can the tools or cutting equipment access the required features?
- Will the part require unnecessary setups or special tooling?
- Would additive manufacturing provide a better production route?
- What inspection or post-processing will be required?
The goal is not always to make the cheapest possible part. Sometimes a more expensive manufacturing method is the right choice. The goal is to find a manufacturing approach that makes sense for the part and its requirements.
Manufacturing starts before the machine
At Prototype Expert, we don’t see manufacturing as something that starts when a machine starts running. It starts with understanding the part.
Before production, we look at the design, material, tolerances, quantity, manufacturing method, and the practical requirements of the finished component. Depending on the part, this may involve DFM, DFAM, machining strategy, additive manufacturing considerations, post-processing, or inspection requirements.
Because sometimes the best manufacturing decision is not about making the machine work harder. It is about making the design work better with the manufacturing process.
So instead of asking only:
“Can you manufacture this part?”
it may be worth asking:
“What is the best way to manufacture this part?”
Good manufacturing starts before the machine starts running.
Have a part in mind? Send us your design and request a quote — we’ll help you find the right way to manufacture it.