The large number of new technologies being developed means it is vital for
organisations to make appropriate selections that will translate limited ca
pital resources into maximum competitive advantage. However, a thorough eco
nomic evaluation of a technology requires considerable time and effort. Thi
s paper presents a tool developed from the techniques of quality function d
eployment. This tool allows a rapid evaluation of the feasibility of using
the thixoforming process to manufacture products. The paper describes the s
emi-solid metal processing technology of thixoforming, the relevant quality
function deployment techniques and the approach used to develop the tool.
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