ABSTRACT
For most manufacturing processes, production variables such as tool cost, tool lead time, material cost, process cycle time, and process yield are determined by the interactions that occur between the material and the process. These interactions are heavily influenced and/or controlled by the detail geometry of the component to be produced (Fig. 16.2). Therefore, the design of low cost, functionally acceptable components requires a close matching of component geometry to material and process capability. Specifying component geometry that is compatible with a particular material and manufacturing process usually requires considerable process specific knowledge and experience. For this reason, it is always best to involve tooling and process experts from the beginning of the design process using a team approach. The availability of a broad spectrum of knowledge is especially important in the early stages of the component's design, when the initial configuration and detail geometry are being decided.
