IBM Proprinter Case Study

DFAA - No Screws

In the past designers would not hesitate to add screws to their designs because the screws only cost a few cents apiece, but futher analysis has shown that due to manufacturing, inventory, and accounting processes the real cost is much higher.

Screws and other fasteners were eliminated by using a snap assembly. Screws are difficult and time consuming parts to assemble manually and are often installed improperly which reduces the product's reliability.

A snap fit makes parts much easier to assemble. Robots are capable of inserting a part by moving it in only one plane with no rotation. Furthermore, since snap fittings are molded into functioning parts, no extra parts are added to the design. Elimination of parts reduces product costs because fewer parts need to be stored, inspected, and accounted for in the factory.

Some snaps require tools to undo Toys inspired many snap fit designs


Some snaps require tools to undo	Toys inspired many snap fit designs

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Last Updated: October 26, 1998, NEEDS Staff
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