An integrated design approach for rapid product development: A case study through application of reverse engineering, re-engineering and fast prototyping tools

Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to present an integrated design approach for rapid product development (RpD) of a broken product. Design/methodology/approach: Reverse engineering (RE), re-engineering (ReE) and RpD systems have been incorporated to infuse agile characteristics in the proposed design and development process. A case study involving a broken clutch shoe was selected to demonstrate the efficacy of the proposed integrated approach. Findings: Integration of RE, ReE and RpD presented an unconventional approach towards achieving reduced lead times for design and development of products. Agile characteristics have been manifested for the broken clutch shoe by retrieval of a digitized parametric computer aided design (CAD) model. Moreover, development and selection of an enhanced feasible design (M<DN>3</DN>) as well as delivery of the corresponding prototype was accomplished just in one week. Originality/value: The proposed integrated approach for RpD can provide solutions to similar industrial situations wherein agility in the product design and development process can be infused so that the developed part can be delivered quickly to the customer at the reduced time and costs.