Unlocking DfAM's potential

A new field-based design software is supporting more widespread use of Additive Manufacturing, for faster product development times with less rework and risk.

Most models and methods for design and innovation suggest that true innovation comes from not just a single event of inspiration, but rather the constant iteration and improvement upon an initial idea or design. James Dyson tested over 5,000 iterations of his product before releasing the company's first bagless vacuum cleaner. The F-15 Eagle fighter jet models B, C, D, and E were all iterations of the original design. It's clear that the ability to iterate leads to innovation-and an inability to iterate leaves the exchange of risk for knowledge until the very end, when there's little time left to make changes and innovate.

Truth is, iteration in design engineering can be difficult and expensive. Design revisions result in hours of rework and a duplication of effort when models fail due to geometric errors. No wonder there is a natural aversion to iterate even though its impact on product success is well understood.