QFD in new production technology evaluation

The large number of new technologies being developed means it is vital for organisations to make appropriate selections that will translate limited capital resources into maximum competitive advantage. However, a thorough economic evaluation of a technology requires considerable time and effort. This paper presents a tool developed from the techniques of quality function deployment. This tool allows a rapid evaluation of the feasibility of using the thixoforming process to manufacture products. The paper describes the semi-solid metal processing technology of thixoforming, the relevant quality function deployment techniques and the approach used to develop the tool.