DfMA is a methodology used in the field of engineering and construction to optimize the design and construction processes for efficiency and cost-effectiveness. The goal of DFMA is to simplify the manufacturing and assembly processes, reduce the number of parts, and minimize overall costs while maintaining or improving product performance.
Lightrus & DfMA : A Better Way
Lightrus adopts DfMA principles when designing structures by designing them in a way that makes them easier and more cost-effective to construct and assemble. This includes considering factors such as materials, fabrication processes, ease of handling, and simplicity of assembly.
By moving work to a factory environment, we are able to adopt higher mechanisation and automation processes, resulting in higher quality structures and lower prices.
Our DfMA consultancy services ranges from
– Digital Design & Engineering
– Rapid Prototyping
– Prototype Making & Installation
– Mass Production
Design for Manufacturing
DfM is achieved via Simplified Design of standardized components and simple connections. This makes it easier to design structures with fewer parts and straightforward assembly processes.
In practice, we translate client drawings into machine-readable designs and then feeding these instructions into the machine for automated fabrication of walls and trusses.
Precision and Consistency: LGS components are manufactured with high precision, ensuring consistency in dimensions. This precision is essential for DFMA, as it allows for interchangeability of parts and simplifies assembly.
Reduced Material Waste: The precision in manufacturing LGS components helps minimize material waste, contributing to cost savings and environmental sustainability.
Flexibility in Design: LGS allows for a high degree of design flexibility, enabling architects and engineers to create efficient and innovative designs while still adhering to DFMA principles.
Design for Assembly
Ease of Handling and Assembly: Light Gauge Steel components are lightweight and easy to handle, facilitating faster and more straightforward assembly on-site. This ease of handling aligns with DFMA principles of simplifying assembly processes.
Efficient Construction Process: LGS construction typically involves a fast and efficient assembly process. The speed of construction is a significant advantage in terms of reducing labor costs and shortening project timelines—important considerations in DFMA.
The fabricated components need to be put together easily and efficiently. We rely on specialized fasteners such as rivets and screws in our design to ensure fast and reliable assembly.
Benefits
Using DfMA enables fast track fabrication in a controlled factory environment, resulting in cost optimization for clients.
Life Cycle Cost Savings: While the initial costs of materials and construction may be comparable or slightly higher than traditional methods, the long-term benefits of LGS, such as reduced maintenance and durability, contribute to life cycle cost savings—an aspect considered in DFMA.
It also enables MEPS consultants and contractors to explore higher levels of prefabrication for better benefits higher up on the DfMA continuum.
Current Shelf Products
Our DfA walls are customized to your exact requirements and available in various prefabrication levels to suit your project.
Lightrus PPVC Structures are external grade fire-rated walls which can be designed to complement existing PPVC systems as a cost-optimized product.
Our Prefabricated MEPS Structures are currently under development and we are seeking interested parties to work together on Prefab Horizontal Modules.