Design for Manufacturing (DFM): 5 Rules Every Designer Must Follow

DFM will ensure that all designs created will manufacture and assemble at a reasonable cost and at a maximum of design efficiency based on available manufacturing capability. To ensure your product is within the designated manufacturer capability, it is crucial to determine what limitations exist with that specific manufacturer, (e.g., what are their drill and spacing limitations in regards to trace width), prior to finishing the design. You should also use normal tolerance and clearance settings that complement the manufacturer's capabilities when creating your part. It's also important to keep part complexity to a minimum by creating simple geometry to reduce tool operations. Also provide enough space for testing and verification of parts during assembly and inspection. Lastly, review your DFM with respect to your part's manufacturability as early as possible so that you can identify problems prior to starting production. Following these guidelines will help to improve your yield, reduce your cost, and shorten your time to market.

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