Identified research directions for using manufacturing knowledge earlier in the product lifecycle

Area of Science:

• Engineering and Technology
• Manufacturing Systems
• Product Development

Background:

• Design for Manufacturing (DFM) is academically studied but lacks mature industry solutions.
• Current DFM often relies on static, case-by-case rule-based systems in CAD.
• Industry practice for integrating manufacturing knowledge into early design remains under-explored.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate how manufacturing knowledge can be effectively utilized earlier in the product lifecycle.
• To foster a more collaborative product development environment by integrating design and manufacturing insights.
• To identify research gaps and propose future directions for DFM.

Main Methods:

• Discussion of results from a workshop focused on manufacturing knowledge.
• Proposal for investigating the relationship between manufacturing knowledge and product characteristics (shape, behavior, context).
• Recommendations for studying system-level barriers to knowledge reuse and the role of model-based manufacturing.

Main Results:

• Identified several research questions requiring further investigation.
• Highlighted the need to understand the critical aspects of manufacturing knowledge for design.
• Acknowledged system-level barriers hindering the reuse of manufacturing knowledge.

Conclusions:

• Further research is needed to holistically integrate manufacturing knowledge early in the product lifecycle.
• Understanding the interplay of manufacturing knowledge with product attributes is key.
• Model-based manufacturing approaches may facilitate knowledge sharing and overcome reuse barriers.