Research On The Lifecycle Cost Of Modular Product In Mass Customization

After several momentous transformation of manufacturing industry in the world, Mass Customization (MC) has already become one of the major manufacturing modes nowadays. Innovation gradually shortening and the form of globalization make enterprise confront with constantly changing and competitive market, therefore product response period and cost analysis are crucial to increase the enterprise profits. In order to shorten the response time and reduce the product cost, it is an effective way to research on modular design method and modular product cost to solve this problem. Focusing on the design and manufacturing stage of product lifecycle and from the cost point of view, this paper research on the modular design and modular product manufacture cost problem qualitatively and quantitatively by analyzing cost related module partitioning, series and assembly issue in design period, and the key factors of modular product cost.In Chapter One, mass customization, product modularity and product lifecycle cost are discussed, and some inadequacy is proposed from the cost point of view. On this basis, the research on modular design and manufacturing cost is determined. In addition, the study significance and the framework of this paper are given.In Chapter Two, modularity related concept and significance are discussed firstly, and then module partitioning which is the modular design basis and its cost are elaborated, module operation and configuration based on function flow as well as the multi-target analysis of partitioning cost being indicated as well. Finally study on the series and assembly product design steps and cost.In Chapter Three, around the modular product manufacturing stage of MC and the similarity and reuse characteristics of module and part, cost formation in this stage is elaborated, so as to construct the modular product manufacturing model, and the key factors influencing manufacturing cost as well as the difference between common product are indicated with this model. Also proof the matching and applicability between modular product characteristic and activity-based cost method in MC, and this estimation idea is proposed. Finally talk about using stage cost and high energy-consuming equipment cost.In Chapter Four, cost estimating prototype system is developed according to the research, and feasibility is validated by the main component of industrial steam turbine.In Chapter Five, summary, innovations of the paper and prospect research in the future in this field are given.