Metrics and scales of comparison – links between design and manufacturing composites

Composites decisions are highly coupled between materials, configuration and processes. Faced with a global economy and increasing competitiveness, the issue of high cost, product and robustness and long lead times associated with product development are emerging in the forefront of challenges facing the composites industry. The successful development of a product is dependent of the efficiency of the early decisions made in order to satisfy not only the technical requirements but also those within the larger picture of consumer economics and customer satisfaction. The focus of this paper is emphasizing metrics of comparison aids in concept selection process, and the integration of disciplines of design, manufacturing, and economics in the composites product development process.