Approach to Design for Cell-based Manufacturing

Abstract

This paper describes the redesign of a product range specifically for manufacturing within a flexible manufacturing cell. Manufacturing in this context is taken to include the provision of material and externally bought components, part processing on DNC machine tools and cell-based assembly. Each of these factors is considered during the design process, making this a true example of design for manufacturing. The work shows how good design practices can be used to exploit fully the advantages offered by advanced manufacturing technology. This, in turn, can produce a product range which is of increased quality and is more comprehensive, but which is much easier to manufacture, so matching the desired goal of the timely manufacturing of quality products to meet customer demands.