Axiomatic Design for Understanding Manufacturing Engineering as a Science

Abstract

The objective of this work is to advance the understanding of manufacturing engineering as a scientific discipline in the context of axiomatic design. Scientific disciplines have a few, simple self consistent rules that can be applied to a wide range of problems. Manufacturing engineering includes a wide range of processes and systems without a clear unifying foundation. Two top FRs for the design of any manufacturing process or system are proposed: maximize value added, then minimize costs. The similarities with value engineering are acknowledged. The application of maximize and minimize FRs are discussed in process, business, and societal contexts.