You're receiving feedback on engineering designs for manufacturing. How can you improve product quality?

Optimization of the manufacturing process begins with careful development of the product design manufacturability (DFM). To improve product quality, computer modeling and simulation systems should be implemented, which allows identifying potential weaknesses and deviations before launching into production. Controlling tolerances at early design stages reduces the likelihood of defects, and the implementation of automated quality control (e.g., vision systems and NDT) minimizes the human factor. Continuous monitoring of data from production lines via IoT platforms ensures prompt adjustment of equipment parameters. It is important to actively integrate the principles of statistical quality control (SPC) to minimize process variability.

One key approach to improving product quality is fostering a continuous feedback loop between the design and manufacturing teams. In my experience, incorporating real-time feedback from the shop floor early on helps identify potential issues before they escalate. It's also crucial to involve the team directly in quality control processes, ensuring that they understand the impact of their work on the final product. Collaborative problem-solving during these stages can result in innovative solutions that refine both the design and the manufacturing process. Rapid prototyping and iteration also play a big role—test small changes quickly to see what works and what needs further adjustment.

Leverage a good Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) software that companies can use to take feedback and put it into to revision control. It's an easy way to ensure drawings/datasheets and other information always get updated with changed. Especially when more companies are leveraging AI to do some pretty amazing stuff. While in Vegas this year at the #REALIZELive event, I saw how we can give feedback into a design and it updates BOMs, materials, manufacturing CNC code all while changing designs.

Prioritizing production quality isn’t only critical to avoiding scrap, rework, and recalls. It’s paramount for long-term success and continued customer satisfaction. 1. Understand the problem Understanding critical problems gives you and your team a starting point for setting goals and KPIs. 2. Identify areas for improvement? There might be opportunities to streamline, find efficiencies to focus on quality improvement, and empower the workforce with helpful tools and resources. 3. Develop quality goals? Quality improvement—and any tools your team implements—should be sustainable and scalable. 4. Adopt solutions to fill the gaps Training programs—and any solutions you adopt to support training and on-the-job learning—should reflect that.

El trabajo multidisciplinario en el desarrollo de productos me ha brindado oportunidades para mejorar los dise?os y los procesos de manufactura de manera simultánea. En los procesos de fundición de aluminio tan simple como cambiar los ángulos de desmoldeo de paredes y/o superficies me permitió robustecer las especificaciones de durabilidad y rigidez y al mismo tiempo mejorar el OEE disminuyendo los paros cortos para limpieza de moldes.