3.2 What factors need to be considered when developing design solutions for manufacture?

Question 1

what are 4 things you must be aware about when designing for manufacture

Answer 1

• planning for accuracy and efficiency through testing and prototyping
• being aware of issues in relation to different scales of production
• designing for repair and maintenance
• designing with consideration of product life.

Question 2

what must you be aware of in product lifecycle management and engineered lifespans

Answer 2

• system compatibility
• the need for maintenance of machinery
• product support and end of life (EOL).

Question 3

how do environmental factors have an impact on sourcing and processing raw materials into a workable form

Answer 3

depending on the material, sourcing and extraction costs may differ.

once materials have been sourced, mined or harvested, they need further processing into a workable form to be used for manufacturing. Some processes use a lot of energy and create pollution, but some have a less environmental impact.

Question 4

how do environmental factors have an impact on cost implications related to materials and processes

Answer 4

2 significant cost factors are premises costs and labour costs

when companies make cost savings by using lower-cost materials, they must ensure quality is maintained

if the quality of the product is not maintained, it could become harmful to the user and others affected by the product

(for example if alloy wheels are bad quality and break while a car is travelling at high speeds it would be dangerous)

Question 5

list some sustainability issues relating to industrial manufacture

Answer 5

fair trade and the Ethical Trade Initiative

economic issues and globalisation

material sustainability and optimisation, availability, recycling and conservation schemes, such as:

• exploring the impact and use of eco-materials
• exploring how materials can be up-cycled.