A case study analysis of the application of design for manufacture principles by industrial design students

This paper describes a case study evaluation of a module that engages students on product and industrial design programmes with the principles of Design for Manufacturing (DFM). The primary element of the module is to expose students to the constraints of a full design to manufacture process. The module explores the design of a small polymer promotional item, together with the means of mass producing that item. This is done through the process of injection moulding and students design an injection mould tool to allow the production of the promotional item out of a suitable polymer. This module brings together CAD, CNC part programming, injection moulding tooling design, polymeric material selection and production considerations. The paper will highlight the benefits of practical engagement with the DFM process.