A model to build manufacturing process chains during embodiment design phases

Abstract

The methods for manufacturing process selection from early design phases avoid later mistakes and ensure the success during product manufacturing. Currently, the majority of the products need more than one manufacturing process to become finished parts. This is known as a manufacturing processes chain, and it is important that this manufacturing chain is well designed. This paper presents the bases and the activity model (IDEFØ) to develop a decision-support system that helps designers and manufacturing engineers to configure manufacturing process chains while the product is being designed. The model schematizes all the activities and information involved in obtaining reliable manufacturing process chains. The support system has been applied to an air-bending die design process to be used to perform either air-bending or bottoming