What is Value Engineering in Sheet Metal Fabrication?

Описание: What is V.A.V.E?
V.A.V.E (value analysis/ value engineering) is a process of reducing cost / increasing value for the customer in the production of components and assemblies. This is an extremely important exercise for OEM’s when working with a manufacturing partner as products are often produced in high volumes. Any small saving which can be made in the manufacturing stages can equate to huge overall savings across a product lifecycle.

V.A.V.E is often combined with other manufacturing principles such as D.F.M.A (Design for manufacture and assembly) in order to optimize the product in the design phase ahead of production. A manufacturing partner may suggest alternative solutions to achieve the customer requirements. For example, a new tool may be designed to create certain forms when used with a punch or press brake. This may equate to a small upfront cost for the customer but result in a much bigger saving in the long term through reduced processing or increased efficiency.

When does V.A.V.E occur?
A manufacturing partner can either be asked by a customer to manufacture a product to an exact specification (Design to print) or to take a more involved, collaborative role in the design phase (Design and specification manufacture).

In the case of design to print projects, there may be an opportunity for the manufacturing partner to review the existing design, using DFMA principles to suggest modifications with the aim of reducing cost. This may include changes to process, for example, CNC punching forms / extrusions as opposed to welding separate parts together, removing processing time, reducing material and ultimately lowering the cost for the customer. Product function and features are also reviewed during this phase, with alternative solutions and possible design changes suggested.

These alternative solutions are then tested and costed to assess feasibility. Following this process, the manufacturing partner will propose any design or process changes to the customer, along with a cost analysis.

Where customers require design input from the manufacturing partner, NPI (New Product Introduction) teams will be heavily involved in the V.A.V.E process from the outset. This allows the product to be fully optimised for manufacture with all aspects considered well ahead of production.

Materials, features, processes and resourcing can all be considered fully, with a comprehensive cost analysis. Working in this way is the most efficient and cost-effective solution for the customer as design for manufacture insight informs production from the outset. By taking this time early on in a project, the customer is assured that the product is fully optimised for manufacture and as cost effective as possible.