DESIGN FOR STAMPING - ANALYSIS OF PART ATTRIBUTES THAT IMPACT DIE CONSTRUCTION COSTS FOR METAL STAMPINGS

This paper describes an alternative approach to the rules-of-thumb-bas ed design of metal stampings. The design for manufacturing system (DFM ) presented here highlights those manufacturing-related features that significantly increase cost so that designers can minimize difficult-t o-produce features. The DFM system is not dependent on the creation of a geometric model, and can be used to qualitatively and quantitativel y assess a preliminary concept sketch. The system focuses on stampings produced by ''hard tooling '' and is based on expertise gained from s tampers who produce parts for the office automation, computer, electro mechanical, and small consumer appliance industries. The application o f the system to a real-life part is illustrated.