Using Design For Assembly methodology to improve product development and design learning at MSU

Abstract

This paper discusses various aspects and models of how Boothroyd Dewhurst's Design-For- Assembly (DFA) methodology can be integrated into product development and design curriculum. The DFA methodology involves a team that includes all the concurrent engineering disciplines and the stakeholders in the success of the product design phase. Manufacturing engineers usually play a vital role in the conceptual design phase. In order to educate the next generation of manufacturing engineers, we introduced and integrated the DFA methodology into our Manufacturing Engineering Technology (MET) curricula at Minnesota State University-Mankato (MSU). A detailed description of this model, including advantages and disadvantages, future directions and recommendations, are included in this paper. © 2012 American Society for Engineering Education.