Decisions on scale of production are influenced by the volume or quantities required, types of materials used to make the products and the type of product being manufactured. There are also considerations of staffing, resources and finance. The growing phenomenon of mass customization brings consumers into the design process, allowing them to make choices that … Continue reading 4.3 Scale of Production
NB: Criteria E and F will need to be completed in tandem. Criterion F aspect/strand (iii), the scale and volume of production, will affect the modelling in Criterion E aspect/strand (i), modification of the design prototype for commercial production, for example if the scale of production is mass/volume then most likely injection moulding could be … Continue reading Criterion F: Making choices for commercial production
As a business grows in size and produces more units of output, then it will aim to experience falling average costs of production—economies of scale. The business is becoming more efficient in its use of inputs to produce a given level of output. Designers should incorporate internal and external economies of scale when considering different … Continue reading 4.5 Production Systems
A (i) Describes an appropriate problem that leads to a design opportunity A problem statement, which includes: The current situation: Situation is a set of circumstances in which one finds oneself. Situation also refers to the physical space/environment of the problem. The current problem: Problem: is the matter or situation regarded as unwelcome. Establish why it is a problem i.e. prove there is a need … Continue reading Criterion A – Analysis of a design opportunity
Designers must consider the market when targeting their product, service or system. The smaller the sector, the more the target audience will have in common. Companies may decide to compete in the whole market or only in segments that are attractive and/or familiar. A designer’s understanding of the identified market is essential. By identifying the … Continue reading 9.2 Market Sectors and Segments
NB: Criteria E and F will need to be completed in tandem. Criterion F aspect/strand (iii), the scale and volume of production, will affect the modelling in Criterion E aspect/strand (i), modification of the design prototype for commercial production, for example if the scale of production is mass/volume then most likely injection moulding could be … Continue reading Criterion E – Detailed development of a commercial product
Designers sometimes engineer products in such a way that they are easy to manufacture. Design for manufacture (DfM) exists in almost all engineering disciplines, but differs greatly depending on the manufacturing technologies used. This practice not only focuses on the design of a product’s components, but also on quality control and assurance. Advancements in 3D printing … Continue reading 4.4 Manufacturing Processess
Designers need to consider how the costs of materials, manufacturing processes, scale of production and labour contribute to the retail cost of a product. Strategies for minimizing these costs at the design stage are most effective to ensure that a product is affordable and can gain a financial return. The economic viability of a product … Continue reading 10.5 Economic Viability
When considering design for manufacture (DfM), designers should be able to integrate computers from the earliest stage of design. This requires knowledge and experience of the manufacturing processes available to ensure integration is efficient and effective. Through the integration of computers, the rate of production can be increased and errors in manufacturing can be reduced or … Continue reading 10.3 Computer Integrated Manufacturing
C (i) Justifies the choice of appropriate materials, components and manufacturing techniques to make the prototype. Identification of materials, components, and manufacturing techniques to be used to create the prototype. Consider 2 or more (if applicable) and compare and analyse to determine the most suitable. Justification of choice of each material, component and manufacturing technique … Continue reading Criterion C – Development of a detailed design