What does ‘design for manufacturability’ refer to in IPC guidelines?

‘Design for manufacturability’ refers to the practice of designing products in a way that optimizes manufacturing efficiency. This involves considering factors such as ease of assembly, material selection, and process capabilities right from the design phase. By focusing on manufacturing efficiency, designers can ensure that products can be produced quickly and cost-effectively, thereby reducing waste and increasing overall productivity. This approach also minimizes potential challenges during the manufacturing process, which can lead to higher quality products with fewer defects.

The other choices do not align with the core concept of this principle. Designing complex products may lead to difficulties in manufacturing, and avoiding product design goes against the very essence of creating marketable products. Reducing costs without quality is an important consideration, but it does not encompass the broader scope of optimizing manufacturing efficiency that is central to the idea of design for manufacturability.