Investigating the human capabilities for intuitive evaluation of component manufacturability

Abstract

This article explores the intersection of Design for Manufacturing (DFM) principles and human cognition in component manufacturability. In the context of contemporary manufacturing challenges, where design and manufacturing departments often operate separately, this study aims to bridge the gap by investigating human capabilities in intuitively assessing manufacturability during the design phase. Research employs experimental trials with visual stimuli representing various part designs, categorizing them based on adherence to DFM rules. Participants, without prior formal education in DFM, are tasked with choosing the more manufacturable component within a pair. Results indicate that a majority of participants demonstrate an innate ability to make correct manufacturability assessments. Additionally, the study evaluates the impact of stimulus exposure time on participant performance. These findings provide valuable insights into the intuitive aspects of human manufacturability assessment and lay the groundwork for further research, including larger participant groups and deeper exploration of decision-making processes and knowledge types involved in DFM practices. The main contribution of presented study involves showcasing human capabilities for component manufacturability assessment with the use of intuitive thinking and quick decision-making in place of following strict rulesets and design principles.