DFMA helps in new pump design
Original article date: October 1999
Fewer and simpler components in the company’s vacuum pumps is the result of ASF Thomas’ foray into DFMA design principles. Alan Quinn reports
Going back to first principles and looking at pump design from the ground up using DFMA (design for manufacture and assembly) was the starting point for ASF Thomas in developing its latest range of vacuum pumps.
Using the capabilities of three sites in the US, Germany and the UK, the goal of the development programme was to design a range of pumps which would lend themselves to fully automated assembly, or make more effective use of semi-automated production techniques or manual assembly methods.
Amongst the key areas explored were:
- How to design parts so that they cannot be assembled in any orientation except the correct one
- How to reduce the number of screws or eliminate them completely
- How to minimise the number of parts in any pump design.
A number of new production techniques emerged from the programme, including “snapper” technology, which allows products to be snapped together instead of requiring screws, nuts and bolts.
The first two products to emerge from the development programme were the LM22 and 5003 pumps. The 5003 emerged from the development of a pump specifically designed for a market-leading electrical appliance manufacturer. During a four-month development phase, ASF Thomas produced a pioneering membrane pump consisting of just eight parts and a single screw.
The pumps is assembled from its key elements – connecting rod, diaphragm, valves and gasket. The design of the drive bearing has been radically simplified also, and to ease assembly, the pump head is equipped with a tried and tested clip fastener.
In contrast, the LM22 was developed as a universal pump. It is a low noise design, intended for the widest range of applications which can be achieved at minimum cost. Fully adjustable without increasing pulsation, a vibration damping version is available and the design allows a DC version to be offered at minimal added cost. A low cost suspension has been developed, with a accessories including a connection manifold with integrated noise damper.
- ASF Thomas
October 1999