Every decision matters in manufacturing, and this is especially the case during the part design phase. When companies skip design for manufacturing (DFM) early in the process, they could end up paying the steepest price of all: time lost.
Working with a precision machine shop that emphasizes DFM ensures fewer redesigns, faster turnaround, parts that meet all performance requirements from the start, and (most importantly) fewer surprises!
The Potential Pitfalls of Skipping Design for Manufacturing
When customers submit designs to Reata without taking DFM principles into account from the jump, problems tend to surface later, either on the shop floor, during assembly, or even after initial production runs. At that point, fixing a seemingly minor issue, like moving a hole or adjusting a radius, isn’t just about money; it’s about time lost in rework, communication, and production delays.
For example, a prototype might need a redesign because of tolerance issues or misaligned features. Adjusting these after machining has begun could add weeks to a project timeline. And in critical industries like aerospace and medical machining, where speed and compliance are essential, this delay can impact entire supply chains.
The Value of Proactive Redesign
At a shop focused on engineering and manufacturing services, our goal is to identify issues before they become bottlenecks. When our team reviews RFQs, we look closely at the design to identify potential manufacturability challenges.
Maybe parts won’t fit together during assembly and sub-assembly, or a feature would require an unusual tool setup. By raising these concerns immediately, we can collaborate with the customer to make small adjustments, saving significant time down the line.
This proactive approach isn’t about slowing projects down. In fact, it does just the opposite. Catching and correcting issues at the quoting stage keeps projects moving forward without expensive and time-consuming surprises during machining.
Design for Manufacturing vs. Redesign Later
When DFM principles are applied early, designs are optimized for our precision machining services. This results in parts that flow seamlessly from CAD model to finished component, without changes and delays occurring midstream.
By contrast, redesigning a part after it’s already on the floor introduces delays that can ripple through an entire production schedule. That delay can mean missing delivery targets or pushing back product launches.
Prototype redesign done right
The prototype stage is the ideal time to fine-tune design details. Our team often works with customers during the prototype phase to ensure that any redesign happens before full production. It’s a smart move, as we’ve proven time and again, that keeps future runs efficient and consistent.
Why a Precision Machine Shop with DFM Expertise Stands Out
Not all shops approach DFM the same way. At Reata, the focus is on staying as close as possible to the customer’s design intent while making smart adjustments that simplify production. That means fewer headaches for engineers and faster delivery of finished parts.
In industries that demand absolute precision and reliability, the margin for error is slim. By embedding DFM into the process, we help customers avoid rework, reduce costs, and (most importantly) save time.
The impact of predictability and steadiness in production timelines
Do you remember the famous fable about the tortoise and the hare? While most believed the speedy hare would win the race, it was actually the steady tortoise who took the victory.
Now, let’s compare production manufacturing to this race. Many OEMs believe that skipping the DFM step will result in speedier results. In reality, skipping that review often leads to a full-scale redesign that could take weeks or even months. Much like the hare who let his overconfidence derail his progress, many manufacturers learn this truth the hard way.
It might feel like taking the time to review a design upfront will slow things down, but it truly allows our team and our customers to move forward with confidence. There are no surprises in the timeline because the process already accounts for the additional design for manufacturing window. This predictability is what helps projects cross the finish line without surprises or unnecessary stress.
Keep Your Projects on Track with Reata’s DFM Expertise
The real cost of redesign isn’t just money spent; it’s time lost. By partnering with a shop that prioritizes DFM, you ensure your parts are built right the first time. That means less rework, fewer delays, and a faster path from design to finished part.
Discuss your next project with our team when speed and accuracy matter, and find out how our upfront DFM expertise yields successful results.