Design for Manufacture and Assembly (DFM/DFA) C0418

Topics: Quality, Safety & Maintenance


This course is verified by Probitas as meeting the AS9104/3A requirements for Continuing Professional Development.

This course provides both a functional understanding of the principles involved in conducting a Design for Manufacture/Design for Assembly (DFM/DFA) study and the process for implementing a DFM/DFA culture into the organization. DFM/DFA principles can apply to both manual and automated processes resulting in significant cost savings through not only simpler designs with fewer components but also analyses workstation setup and workflow, part orientations during build, and design considerations such as component placement, tolerancing and servicing considerations. Related topics include: ergonomic considerations, error-proofing vs. mistake-proofing, and tooling considerations.

Actual examples from the mobility industry are used to support the lecture and participants conduct a full DFM/DFA study which includes completing the DFM/DFA worksheet, calculation of Design Efficiency for Manufacturing, and understanding the challenges of implementing a DFM/DFA culture.  

Learning Objectives

Upon completion of this course, you will be able to:

  • Recognize and list the benefits of the DFM/DFA method in creating product designs which support manufacturing processes leading to short- and long-term product cost savings
  • Identify the elements of a design for manufacturing strategy that optimizes manufacturing efficiency without sacrificing product functionality.
  • Outline the use of specific robust design techniques to ensure a proper balance of functional design and ease of manufacturing
  • Determine the criteria to select designs suitable as DFM/DFA candidates
  • Compare and contrast the two major types of DFM/DFA studies; Boothroyd and Dewhurst and Lucas Assembly Method
  • List the essential steps of an effective Design for Manufacture study
  • Define design for manufacturing (DFM) methods to overcome manufacturing difficulties associated with the product design
  • Define design for assembly (DFA) considerations to address production issues such as workstation design and layout, tool selection, ergonomics, and equipment and fixture design
  • Construct DFM/DFA worksheets and calculate design efficiency using an instructor provided project

Who Should Attend

Product Engineers, Designers and Managers, Manufacturing and Tooling Engineers, and Project Managers who desire to understand DFM/DFA as a product design tool to increase manufacturability of product assemblies. The course is best suited for individuals in the manufacturing industry and is beneficial to OEMs and Tier suppliers.

You must complete all course contact hours and successfully pass the learning assessment to obtain CEUs.

Angelo Mago

Angelo MagoAngelo Mago is senior consultant and owner of ATM Consulting, Inc., which provides customized training and consulting services to a varied design and manufacturing supplier community in the areas of quality assurance, quality control, design engineering, document management, and customer service and improvement methods. Since 1993, he has been acquiring experience in product design, quality assurance, project management working in DOD in the M1 Abrams and Bradley Program Management offices and as the Senior Supplier Quality Engineer for GM Truck Group responsible for NAO and off-shore supplier ISO qualification, Product Development, and PPAP qualification and approval. Through ATM Consulting, Mr. Mago has played a lead role in establishing a PM and APQP environment for both large and small companies. He is a recipient of the SAE Forest R. McFarland Award for distinction in professional development/education. He has a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from Florida Institute of Technology.

Duration: 2 Days
CEUs: 1.3

Format: Virtual

Event ID: S-00978

Location: Live Online

Session Info:

  • Session 1 - May 16 (8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. ET)
  • Session 2 - May 17 (8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. ET)
    2 Sessions


  • Fees: $1,299.00

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