Mechanical Engineering Design: The Role of DFM and DFA

What is Design for Manufacturing?

Essentially, DFM refers to the best practices being followed in the design of end products, parts and machine components which greatly reduces the cost of manufacture because it takes care of several factors including raw material costs, tolerances, quality methodologies being used (SPSS, Six Sigma etc.), and testing procedures. It gives a whole new fillip to product design because its main role is to help identify stress and strain factors in the product in advance, while providing a means to map and monitor defects avoidance. It further visualizes any possible ergonomic aspects which can impact the usability of the end product and future sustenance requirements. Basically, DFM is one of the best ways to achieve cost leadership, quality assurance and fulfilling sales objectives.

Some of the ways DFM can help reduce costs and achieve better design:

• Using common datum features and primary axes













• Tapping into existing marketing knowledge, DFSS techniques, process capabilities













• Optimized design to ensure fast production-readiness













• Better symmetry in design

What is Design for Assembly?

Design for Assembly (DFA) refers to the best practices being followed in the design of end products, parts and machine components which ensures reduction in overall costs during assembly. It follows the principle that individual components are more difficult to design, than final assemblages. A lot of costs can be saved if the design keeps in mind the final assembled product instead of singular parts. The Sony Walkman was one of the first products to follow DFA principles which explains its rapid popularity and uptake in the early 1990s. DFA allows more flexibility in terms of incorporating product safety features and workmanship. This plays out in the following ways:

• Rapid fastening of features













• Minimized relocation of parts and components













• Saving of money in material costs













• No repetitive work













• Testing the assembled product in initial conditions such as temperature, humidity, vibrations etc.













• Part controls

In order to meet functional requirements of product manufacturing, assembly design has to be more seamless. As a result, DFM and DFA often come together in what is today known as Design for Manufacturing and Assembly (DFMA).

Design for Manufacturing and Assembly

Design and process improvements sit at the heart of a successful product development initiative. The basic way to do it is through minimization of parts involved in design. DFMA analysis is based on knowledge behavior where functional design has to be taken into account. DFMA analysis helps align the marketing position of the company with cost, purchase and material requirements. Some of the factors that are taken into account include:

• Understanding the movement of all parts and components with respect to their neighboring parts and components













• Understanding the material requirements of various parts and knowing about replacement procedures













• Reducing complexity of design to an easy level so that best value can be derived from the entire operation













• Achieving final value

In Conclusion

Mechanical engineering services are focusing on details of value engineering where "small is increasingly better" and migration from old methods to new is in vogue through legacy conversion. Increasingly, Design for Manufacturing and Design for Assembly are seen as the best ways to get results.

How to Make Money Opening a Bar

Opening a bar could be a funny way to make money, but it is very tough: you have to think very well about this project before starting to move and you must be prepared to work hard in this business if you want to succeed.

You will need patience, motivation, money to invest at beginning, experience managing a bar and if the location varies requires it, you will need a liquor license. Also remember that on average 90% of restaurants and bars fail in their first year. Of those who survive, 90% fail in their second year. But if you win, the fact of own a successfully bar can be very rewarding.

In this article you will find the steps involved in opening a bar and the tips in order to succeed.

1. Visit some successful bars in your area

Buy a drink in each one and take notes on what you like and what you do not like. Take a look also at the busy time and then come back later at a quiet time. Familiarize with the laws, regulations and other requirements in the area where you wish to open your bar.

2. The theme in your bar

This is probably the most important decision you have to take. To help your choosing, consider that people tend to visit bars close to where they live and take a look to the competition in your area. Start to think about the menu: depending on what you will offer you might have food, drinks and cocktail menus.

3. Your business plan

You have to consider the amount of money you want to invest, with relation to the location, theme and future income statement. You should also need an accountant and interior design or architect. Your business plan is also used to request finance (if you do not have enough money) from banks or investors for your new business, so be sure to arrange everything.

4. Decide the location

Before select the location for you bar, consider your potential client in the area and make sure you understand the competition in that area. Also, think about the trends and consider the more people in the area, the more clients you could attract. Be careful to choose your location in residential areas, because of the noise, there could have been some restrictions on operating for certain hours. Finally, look for vacant promises, for rent or sale, that can be suitable for your bar.

5. Select and purchase furniture

Tables, chairs, couches, bar stools: if you need some help hire an interior design. Your furniture should of course fit with your chosen theme. Think also about audio, lighting and all the other electronics for you bar. Set also computer systems for sales, orders, stock level and payments like salies and purchasing stock.

6. Licenses

You should apply for all the licenses that you need in your bar: you will have to get a permission to serve food, a permit to serve alcohol, and all your employees will need food handling permits.

7. Bar staff

This includes bartenders, floor staff, security and dj It is very important to hire experienced people, go to personnel agencies if necessary. Consider that the amount of employees you will need depend on the size of your bar. Create your working procedures that the staff has to follow, as bartender service standards or envelopes depending on your bar theme.

8. Entertainment

Bands, dj's or any other entertainment you can offer to your clients.

9. Opening of your bar

You may choose to make a VIP opening, also for media and celebrities and why not, to your suppliers. Or you can directly organize the public opening party and that's all!

It is now time to make money and have fun with your new business !!!

Carpet Cleaning Methods - Choose The Best One For Your Carpet

Maintaining a carpet is absolutely essential as any noticeable spot on your carpet can blotch your image. Approaching a professional carpet cleaning service is quiet essential as they know what type of cleaning method is right for your carpet. Depending on the factors such as type of material and whether the fabric can end the cleaning process etc., commercial carpet cleaners decide the cleaning method. Beside, professional carpet cleaners will cause minimum disturbance to your schedule as they are prepared to work as per your convenience.

Discussed below are a few carpet cleaning methods that commercial carpet cleaning services often follow. The most common cleaning methods include shampooing, steam cleaning and dry cleaning etc. Regardless of the method used for the carpet cleaning, initially it is necessary to vacuum everything from the carpet, especially when deep cleaning is needed. Carpet owners need to understand these methods and identify the most appropriate one depending on their carpet type, budget and convenience.

Shampooing

In this cleaning method, following equipments are used: rotatory floor machine also called as floor buffer that comes with solution tank attachment and nylon shampooing brush. Particles like loose soil are removed initially by pre-vacuuming the areas where shampooing is expected to be done. Once the machine is assembled, technicians use it by mixing carpet shampoo. The amount of shampoo to be used depends on manufacturer's instructions. Then the cleaners work the machine in circular motion throughout the carpet, so that the shampoo is released even on the carpet. The process is continued till it forms letter 'C'. Then they stop releasing the shampoo and move the machine circularly or in other directions to scrub the dirt away. The shampoo can then be extracted by vacuuming the areas. This method is suitable for carpets with traffic pattern or those which are heavily soiled.

Steam or hot water extraction cleaning

This method requires a steam machine, which is used to inject hot water and cleaning solution into the cleaning areas of carpet. The machine features wand and hot water solution holding unit. To set up, the vacuum hoses and solution unit are attached to the wand and machine unit. For starting the cleaning process, technicians start from far end and then clean returns, release the cleaning solution into the carpet by squeezing the trigger, while moving the wand backwards. The process is completed by giving a dry pass to the areas using the wand and removing excess moisture. This method is recommended for office cubicles and areas where tight cleaning is needed.

Quick dry cleaning

As the quick drying technique allows you to get back to your routine life within few hours, it is being preferred over steam cleaning. The most popular method in this category is Bonnet cleaning, which is a low-moisture and quick-drying cleaning technique. This method needs the same machine used in shampooing technique but the attachments vary. Here a block driver is used, which is connected to the machine for holding the absorbent pad. The cleaning solution is mixed and dispensed into the pressure spray, which can be used to spray in the cleaning areas. To start the cleaning, technicians buff the areas with the bonnet pad and move the machine in circular and other directions. All the dirt and moisture is absorbed by the bonnet and the carpet will be set for use in about an hour.

While implementing any of these methods the commercial carpet cleaners carry few things such as air movers, fans, spot cleaning chemicals and removers.

Air movers and fans: While performing the cleaning process it is common that workers occupy the area. They step in and out from wet areas to dry areas making it difficult to dry the area completely. So, to quickly dry the wet areas it is a must to carry the air movers and fans.

Spot cleaning chemicals and tools: Spot cleaning tools are required for areas where strains can be found. Spot cleaning chemicals and tools like gum remover, all-purpose spot remover and rust remover are quiet essential for the spot cleaning.

Request your carpet cleaner to use a protectant at the end of the cleaning process. You can also request them to spray deodorizer. These important carpet cleaning tips will help make your carpet remain clean for long and emanate a lingering fragrance.

How To Select A Gift For Your Girl

Gifts are one of the many ways to impress the girl you like. It is not only used to impress but also to express your feelings to a person. Some boys think that giving gifts end with courtship. But, then again, does courtship end with a girl's yes? Of course not! Some might hesitate to give a gift because they find it difficult to choose one. But, we're here to help. In order to choose the right gift for her, follow these steps:

- You need to know what things she likes. When you're together, you have to pay particular attention to what she does, what movies she likes to watch, what food she chooses to eat, what genre of music she listens to, what colors she usually wear, and what clothes she wears . However, you still do not get what she likes and you really do not have a single idea, try to ask her. But make sure you do not sound obvious.

- You need to know what kind of person she is. Does she care about brands, fashion, or shopping? Does she have love for adventure? Does she like to cook? Does she like flowers and chocolates? And so on ... with all these, you will now have an idea on what to give her.

- You need to know what her hobbies are. If she's into painting, you can buy her a paint set.

- Recall if she's already told you what she likes or if she already got a hint about it.

-Trying asking her friends, sister, brother, or parents. They usually give the best advices regarding this matter.

- If you already have a gift in mind, then go and buy it. If it's out of the budget, buy it some other time or just buy it something else that is less expensive. After all, it's the thought that counts. Girls always appreciate the things their guy gives them.

- Remember that the simplest things usually work. A long-stemmed rose with a note may do the trick.

- If she has an iPod or an mp3 player, browse through her playlists and know what genre of songs she listens to or know her favorite band or singer, then buy her a CD.

- Never ever give her money as a gift. It is kind of offensive. Give her a gift certificate instead.

- Do not go cheap when you choose to buy her jewelry, clothing, or purses. You have to know what labels she like.

- Stuff toys are cute, but they're a 4 out of 10. A girl might think that you do not know her that well that you just opted to buy her the most expected gift a girl would receive from a guy.

- Making her a gift or a personalized gift may be the best option. Girls like to receive things that are ESPECIALLY made for her.

Everything You Need to Know About CDL Training and Getting Your CDL License

CDL Training

CDL training is broadcasted all over the place. Almost every newspaper has advertisements listed offering readers a chance to open the door so there is a satisfying and stimulating future with a CDL training school. It's one of the first things people flock to when they feel like they have been confined in an office job, unappreciated, or desperate for work. CDL training schools are always open to new students and the best part is-it's not the game of the young alone. Instead it's a great way to make money while you cross over the country. Plus in most cases CDL school can be free if you sign contracts with companies that are looking for new drivers.

What do you learn in CDL training?

First the basics, you will learn safety measures, driving logs and how to plan for an emergency if one should arise. Over the road truck driving is the most common option, and it's a demanding one at that. The days are long and most cases the driver is away from his or her family for at minimal three weeks of the month and home one week. There may be cases where the driver is not home at all for a month. CDL training is not as easy as most think, but it certainly is a way to make a regular paycheck with immense rewards.

The first step is to contemplate what school you are going to be attending. Grab a duplicate of a commercial driver's manual and contact a few of the CDL school that you have been researching in your area. Keep in mind there are schools all over the nation so you do not have to limit yourself to your area alone. The goal of most CDL schools is not to simply train drivers-it's to make sure that you are a professionals and that you are able to handle any situation you might come into contact with as a CDL driver over the road of local delivery. CDL training schools administer on site classroom learning and hands on driving experience. Classrooms cover laws, regulation and more all surrounding the industry and including hours of service, vehicle inspections, log books and procures that allow drivers to back up safely.

Testing to become a truck driver includes a series of exams and written testing with a road test arranged buy the school itself. There are also many endorsement that you can be picked up along the away including: passenger, school bus, air brake, combination vehicle, tank vehicle, double triples and hazardous materials endorsements. Also since the 9/11 attacks all drivers are required to go to the local TS area to be fingerprinted and to pay for a background check so that you can get your hazardous material endorsements.

How to pay for CDL Training?

In most cases you can either find school loans that will help you and in some cases trucking companies will pay for you to geo to school for free with the exception that you work with them for a contracted period of time. So yes you can get CDL training for free, but you will need to pay back a loan or sign a contract to work with the company that paid for you school for a period of time.

Each school has varied regulations because each state has it's own set of rule pertaining to CDL licenser or driving regulations in general. The latest regulations in certain states like Washington State require all driver to keep their medical examiners certificate on file with them while driving. Again each state has it's own regulations and so depending on the state in which you take your training you will then affect what you are learning.

CDL truck driving is a growing industry with over 230,000 jobs advertised online in the United States. The numbers are growing daily, and because of this the market for truck driving is experiences a boom. It is true there really is not any other way to get the freedom of the road and see the country any other way. Learning CDL is not an easy task and it's not for everyone. But for the few who are handed down the genetics of adventure hailing from those pioneers of yesteryear-it's excellent.