Joining process selection in support of a proactive design for assembly

Abstract

There is extensive evidence to suggest that many industrial products are designed with far too many parts. Design for assembly (DFA) case studies indicate that, in many designs, large proportions of excess components are only used for joining. In many cases an excessive number of incorrect joining processes are used, possibly due to a lack of knowledge of such factors as availability, cost and functional performance of alternatives. Selection methodologies exist for some individual joining technologies. However, selecting the most appropriate technology is usually left to the designer through a non-formalized judgemental approach. This paper introduces a new methodology for identifying the most appropriate joining technology and its speci®c process variants, through both a paper-based methodology and software implementation, as a part of a proactive approach to DFA. The underlying strategy adopted is described and the selection process itself and its application to industrial case studies is demonstrated.

A framework for welding process selection

“…The welding factors and sub-factors are found classified in several forms. This can be reviewed from Darwish et al [10], Yeo and Neo [32], Silva et al [27], Balasubramanian et al [3], Brown et al [7], Esawi and Ashby [12], Correia and Ferraresi [9], Balasubramanian et al [4], Jafarian and Vahdat [16], and Mirhedayatian et al [24]. However, this paper summarizes the main welding factors as shown in Fig.…”

Process Selection Strategies and Case Studies

“…Investigations highlighted 73 major joining techniques, as shown in Figure 1.10 [26]. Investigations highlighted 73 major joining techniques, as shown in Figure 1.10 [26].…”

Sheet metal joining process selector

“…Brown et al [6] also contribute to the joining process selection topic. Their proposal is based on the implementation of software as part of a proactive approach to DFA, not aiming at selecting a specific joining process, but at pointing out possible joining processes capable of meeting the imposed conditions.…”