design for manufacture and project management

Why is planning for accuracy important in prototype development?

It reduces risk of failure and ensures products meet specification criteria.

What is a feasibility study?

An assessment to determine if a project is practical, cost-effective, and achievable.

What must designers consider during planning?

Equipment availability, legal requirements, budget, and timescales.

What is Quality Control (QC)?

The monitoring and testing of products during production to ensure they meet tolerances.

Name 3 QC tools or techniques.

Vernier calipers, go/no go gauges, visual checks.

What is the difference between QC and QA?

QC checks outputs; QA prevents errors through planned procedures and standards.

What is Quality Assurance (QA)?

A set of procedures to ensure consistent production within tolerances, aiming for "right first time".

Name 3 QA systems or methods.

TQM, Six Sigma, ISO 9001.

Give an example of a QA measure in industry.

Setting temperature ranges for moulding to ensure cavity filling and cooling.

What are 3 pre-production accuracy techniques?

CAD simulations, working drawings with tolerances, and making jigs/templates.

What types of checks are used during production?

Visual checks, dimension checks, tolerance checks, machine calibration.

What is CPA?

A method to find the minimum time needed to complete a project by identifying the longest path of dependent tasks.

What is a Critical Path Network (CPN)?

A visual chart showing task relationships, dependencies, and durations in a project.

What are the 4 elements needed for CPA?

Task list, time estimates, dependencies, deadlines.

How can CPA reduce project time?

By identifying tasks that can be done in parallel.

How long does it take to make tea sequentially?

510 seconds.

How long does it take using CPA (parallel tasks)?

420 seconds — saving 90 seconds.

What’s the critical path in the tea-making example?

Fill kettle → Boil water → Add to pot → Brew → Pour tea.