Design for manufacture is optimising parts for efficient downstream processes and product assembly.
The in-house design team at The Laser Cutting Co. take a holistic approach to part optimisation, considering everything from material waste to reduced handling and assembly processes, to realise downstream efficiencies.
The more complex a design is, the higher the risk. The aim of The Laser Cutting Co.’s CAD design service is to reduce component volume, reduce material waste, and reduce overall complexity. The results are an average 50% cost saving for customers.
#Fewer, more accurate parts that are fast to assemble deliver significant savings for manufacturers including reduced assembly times, reduced handling and storage, and a reduction in defective parts.
Efficiency
CNC fibre laser cutting machines operate 24-hours a day for rapid lead times at competitive prices.
Quality
ISO9001 and BS/EN 1090-1 accredited service delivers reliable quality on the largest and most complex projects.
Experience
Over 40 years’ laser profiling experience using the latest cutting technologies. Our investments, your benefit.
Self-jigging parts
Fabrication time and cost reduced by 50%
50% reduction of post processing operations
Increased throughput
Faster fabrication and assembly
Efficiency Through Design
Self-Jigging Parts
Self-Jigging Parts
Fast and intuitive to assemble, accurate self-jigging parts reduce the margin for error. Known as self-locating, rationalised part design also reduces set up costs, eliminating the need for additional fixtures to assist with assembly.
Fast and intuitive to assemble, accurate self-jigging parts reduce the margin for error. Known as self-locating, rationalised part design also reduces set up costs, eliminating the need for additional fixtures to assist with assembly.
Part Folds
Design for manufacture can reduce multiple parts into a single-piece design. Part folds significantly reduce weld requirements, reduce material waste, and speed up assembly.
Slot and Tag
Slot and tag is used to circumvent the need to produce fixturing in order to hold two parts together. Slot and tag is a recent design feature now widely used for super-efficient welding and assembly processes.
Leading Design for Manufacture
Profitability is at the heart of Smart Design Production. When around 70% of product manufacturing costs originate from early design decisions, such as materials and machine routing, design for manufacturing has the potential to unlock the greatest margin boost.
Parts rationalised through The Laser Cutting Co’s CAD design service will have lower production costs but higher production rates. The development process tends to be shorter with fewer parts, thus delivering faster time to market.
Simplified parts that are easier to assemble massively reduces the margin for error, helping to protect margin and reputation. Fewer parts also reduces the volume of materials to be handled and stored, further reducing risk for the manufacturer.
How it Works
Simply send us your drawing, volumes and assembly capabilities. The Laser Cutting Co. in-house design team will reduce fabrication time and costs through rationalised part design.
Replace several manufacturing steps with one simple process using self-jigging parts:
- Remove margin for error
- Eliminate customer rejects
- Less handling and storage
- 50% cut in production time
- Increase product margins
- Double throughout
- Reduce time to market
- Faster assembly times
The Laser Cutting Co.’s Quality Promise
The highest possible quality standards with the after sales support to match
Our Factory Production Controls are in accordance with legally enforceable construction product regulation BS EN 1090 – Level 3, allowing intricate cutting of construction regulation profiles
Certified to BS EN ISO 9001:2015 for all profiling requirements
Quality Assurance
Smart Design Production FAQ's
What is design for manufacture?
Smart design production utilises the design for manufacture ideology, focusing on creating streamlined, more efficient production and waste reduction for laser cutting. The goal is to enhance downstream efficiency and how to simplify complex projects that still produce high-quality results.
What are the design for manufacture principles?
There are several principles from the DFM model implemented when considering project requirements and production. These include:
- Manufacturing process – Engineers must ensure the correct manufacturing procedure is chosen based on the project requirements.
- Product design – Understanding product design and what is feasible, which design elements can be simplified and how to enhance workflow.
- Product material – Material type must be chosen accordingly as the fundamental of any design, reducing waste and meeting the required finish of the product.
- Service environment – Considerations are made depending on the potential impact on the finished product, such as exposure to harsh weather elements or any possible damage.
- Testing and compliance – Compliance must be at the forefront of smart design production, ensuring that the finalised product meets stringent specifications for testing.
What are the benefits of smart design production?
Smart design production has various benefits, with a proven reduction in component volume, minimised material waste, streamlined approach to complex projects and an average of 50% saving on cost and time without compromising quality.
What are self-jigging parts?
Self-jigging parts allow for easier assembly accuracy with a faster turnaround and reduced customer rejects. With the use of part folds or slot and tag, assembly becomes more intuitive whilst improving safety, reducing welding and featuring self-locating parts that eliminate fixtures, effectively reducing the margin of error.
How do I know if my project is suitable for smart design production?
You can send in your design drawings, product volume and assembly capabilities to further understand a rationalised part design for your project. The Laser Cutting Co. in-house design team carefully considers your design aspects and requirements to deliver the most effective solution for your project.
What is considered when you receive a laser cutting project?
Upon receiving a new project, we observe all aspects of the specified requirements. We carefully consider the raw material used and its thickness, project complexity, handling and storage, whilst optimising production to enhance downstream processes.
What smart design features can you produce?
Smart production design can implement features such as slot and tag, part folds in-house, 45° bevels, and many more elements that meet your product specifications. For more guidance on product design features, contact our expert in-house design team at The Laser Cutting Co.
What materials can be laser cut?
Whilst plenty of robust metals and delicate materials can be cut, careful considerations are made depending on the design requirements, method of cutting, material thickness and the expected finish of the product. To further understand your product material capabilities, reach out to a professional laser cutting supplier for specialised expertise.
How do you ensure laser cutting quality?
We employ stringent standards throughout the production process, with compliance at the forefront of the project and beyond with our aftercare service. Our factory production complies with BS/EN 1090 – level 3 regulations and is certified to BS/EN IS0 9001:2015 for all profiling requirements.
