The realization of a product starts with design. The design methodology is an organized approach for the most optimal and cost-effective results. The methodology broadly follows the following sequence:



Design Goals

Design at best should be simple. Any design can be implemented at any cost.  But that should not be the design goal. It must be easy to implement.  It must be easy to understand and easy to process. Design must be simple. The fewer the parts simpler the product is.

Design must take standardization into account. Standardize available materials, processes, hardware. Design with right tolerances. Too close tolerances cost money. Evaluate the utility of each tolerance. Design should offer minimal operations, for example, two operations may be combined into one.

Design should optimize Operational Expenditure (OPEX) and Capital Expenditure (CAPEX). Choose what is right for the product. No overdesigning, no under designing.

While attempting to design a sheet metal product the design engineer must review many factors that affect the design process. Planning is important. Planning saves much time.