Design for Manufacturability-Based Feedback to Mitigate Design Fixation

Abstract

This study assessed the effectiveness of three-dimensional (3D) visual feedback from design for manufacturability (DFM) software on mitigating design fixation on nonproducible manufacturability features. A fixation group and a defixation group were asked to design a basic product for additive manufacturing (AM) and then to modify the next iteration for conventional machining. The fixation group relied on their self-assessment while modifying, while the defixation group utilized dfm software feedback. Results showed that 3D feedback reduced design fixation on nonproducible features and improved the machinability of modified designs. Findings suggest the use of dfm software for treating the design fixation related to AM and for facilitating migration of designs from additive to conventional manufacturing. This work could be applied to manufacturing industries, particularly where AM is used for prototyping, or when demand for part changes and an AM part needs to migrate to conventional methods.