A framework for concurrent material and process selection during conceptual product design stages

The main aim of this research work is to draw up a framework proposal for integrated materials and process selection in product design. Following an in-depth review of existing studies and the factors that influence decision-making, the flow of reasoning in the process is defined and the relations among the parameters of the whole life cycle to be considered in the conceptual design phase are established. This analysis is then used to define a workflow that breaks the work down into stages and gates, and specifies how the preliminary selection is to be performed.

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► A review of methodologies for materials and manufacturing processes selection.
► Decision making support tools in product life cycle management including qualitative attributes evaluation.
► Stage-gate process proposal for conceptual product design in order to include knowledge management.
► Preliminary conceptual map for capturing product requirements and functionality in conceptual design.