Methodology and technology of Design For Cost (DFC)

Design for X(DFX) is the key technology in concurrent engineering. Design for cost (DFC) is a branch in DFX. DFC is a design method which analyze and evaluate a product's life cycle cost (LCC), then modify the design to reduce the LCC. In order to realize DFC, some key technologies were proposed: LCC model; design result's evaluation and generation of design suggestions; integration of DFC and other DFX methods. DFC's conceptual model included design tools, LCC estimation methods base, feature mapping and decision-making support system. Using Group Technology and feature modeling technology, a general concept model of DFC was developed at the detail design stage. The Activity-Based Costing (ABC) method was used to estimate product LCC in the conceptual model. Finally, a structure of LCC estimation methods base was established using agents. It can be used to estimate the LCC of mechanical parts and products.