Short answer

Implement cost estimation tools early in the design process to evaluate the economic feasibility of different manufacturing strategies for composite structures.

Field: Commercial Production
Source: elib (German Aerospace Center) (2015)
Method: Life-Cycle Cost Analysis (LCCA) integrated into a computational tool.
Evidence: Strong effect

A computer-based tool can accurately estimate the total manufacturing costs of filament-wound composite structures, aiding decision-makers in selecting optimal production systems early in the design phase. This commercial production research insight is drawn from a 2015 study published in elib (German Aerospace Center). Using Life-cycle cost analysis (lcca) integrated into a computational tool., researchers explored how this design variable affects real-world outcomes. The key design takeaway: Implement cost estimation tools early in the design process to evaluate the economic feasibility of different manufacturing strategies for composite structures.

Study

Commercial ProductionHigh ImpactStrong effect

Filament Winding Cost Reduction Tool Optimizes Composite Manufacturing Decisions

elib (German Aerospace Center) · 2015

Key Findings

01A comprehensive cost estimation tool for filament winding can be developed.
02The tool allows for the tracing of manufacturing costs to specific unit processes.
03Comparison of manufacturing scenarios aids in selecting optimal production systems.

Application

Design takeaway

Implement cost estimation tools early in the design process to evaluate the economic feasibility of different manufacturing strategies for composite structures.

How to apply

When designing composite parts, utilize or develop cost modeling software to predict the total manufacturing expenditure, considering all stages from material selection to final production.

Project actions

01When researching manufacturing processes, consider the associated costs beyond just material prices.
02Explore existing software or develop simple models to estimate production expenses for your design project.

Method & Evidence

AimHow can a computer-based cost estimation tool be developed to accurately assess the total incurred costs for manufacturing composite structures via filament winding and trace these costs to specific unit processes?

MethodLife-Cycle Cost Analysis (LCCA) integrated into a computational tool.

ProcedureThe study involved evaluating the total costs associated with the filament winding process for composite structures. This information was then integrated into a computer-based tool designed to calculate these costs and allow for the tracing of cost sources within the manufacturing chain. The tool facilitates comparisons between different manufacturing scenarios.

ContextAerospace composite structure manufacturing.

Variables

IVManufacturing scenarios for filament winding.

DVTotal incurred manufacturing costs.

CVMaterial properties, component geometry, specific filament winding process parameters.

Strengths & Limitations

Strengths

+Focuses on a critical aspect of manufacturing: cost.
+Proposes a practical tool for decision support.
+Adheres to industry standards (ISO).

Limitations

The accuracy of cost estimations is highly dependent on the quality and completeness of the input data.

Reliability & validity

Reliability would depend on the consistency of the cost data inputs and the algorithm's logic. Validity would be assessed by comparing the tool's estimations against actual production costs for similar components.

Think critically

To what extent can a generalized cost estimation tool be applied across different industries and scales of composite manufacturing, beyond the aerospace sector?

Design Principles

"Integrate comprehensive cost analysis into the early stages of the design process to inform material and manufacturing method selection."

Understanding the full lifecycle costs associated with composite manufacturing processes like filament winding is crucial for competitive product development. This insight enables designers and engineers to make informed choices about materials, processes, and production strategies, directly impacting profitability and market viability.

What This Means for Your Design

Building a computer program to figure out all the costs involved in making composite parts using a specific method (filament winding) helps designers choose the cheapest and best way to make them.

How to use in your project

1.Reference this study when discussing the economic considerations of your chosen manufacturing process, particularly if it involves composites or filament winding.

Add to My Project

Quick Cite

Paragraph starter

Research by Muro and Hilmer (2015) highlights the importance of life-cycle cost analysis in composite manufacturing, demonstrating that a computer-based tool can effectively estimate total production costs for filament-wound structures. This approach aids in selecting optimal manufacturing systems early in the design stage by tracing costs to specific unit processes, thereby enhancing decision-making and economic viability.

Source

elib (German Aerospace Center)

Life-Cycle Cost Analysis for Filament Winding of Composite Structures

journal · 2015

View source

Questions About This Research

What does the research say about filament winding cost reduction tool optimizes composite manufacturing decisions?: Implement cost estimation tools early in the design process to evaluate the economic feasibility of different manufacturing strategies for composite structures. Evidence: elib (German Aerospace Center) (2015).
Why does "Filament Winding Cost Reduction Tool Optimizes Composite Manufacturing Decisions" matter for design?: Understanding the full lifecycle costs associated with composite manufacturing processes like filament winding is crucial for competitive product development. This insight enables designers and engineers to make informed choices about materials, processes, and production strategies, directly impacting profitability and market viability.
How can designers apply this research?: Implement cost estimation tools early in the design process to evaluate the economic feasibility of different manufacturing strategies for composite structures.
What were the main findings?: A comprehensive cost estimation tool for filament winding can be developed.. The tool allows for the tracing of manufacturing costs to specific unit processes.. Comparison of manufacturing scenarios aids in selecting optimal production systems.
What research method was used?: Life-Cycle Cost Analysis (LCCA) integrated into a computational tool..
How strong is the evidence?: Evidence strength is rated Strong effect, based on a 2015 journal from elib (German Aerospace Center).
What should I do differently in my next project?: When designing composite parts, utilize or develop cost modeling software to predict the total manufacturing expenditure, considering all stages from material selection to final production.
What are the limitations?: The study focuses specifically on the filament winding process and may not be directly transferable to other composite manufacturing techniques without adaptation.