Quality engineering has frequently been used for optimization in the field of cutting work, but there have been few studies on boring, which is applied when high-precision drilling is required. In this study of the optimization of boring with a lathe, parameter design was carried out by electric power evaluation. Although an adequate gain was not obtained, it was possible to conclude that the combination of work and electric power or time and electric power provides an effective estimation method.

In the past, machining center structures have usually been determined on the basis of experience, but the current enthusiasm for quality engineering has led to an attempt to use quality engineering to optimize the shapes and other aspects of structural members that, so far, have been determined empirically. One of the many issues that have emerged is the impossibility of using previous evaluation methods for tuning matched to the purpose of the product. This has led to a reconsideration of the generic functions of a machining center, a study of the optimal shapes required to meet machine specifications, and studies aimed at establishing an efficient design methodology.

Image parameter design, which can run through possible improvement strategies without spending time or money, was applied to improve the automatic mounting and soldering of an electronic circuit board for an aircraft engine. Image parameter design is a virtual parameter design process carried out in the designer's head. The term 'image' is intended to stress the difference from conventional parameter design, which involves experimentation or simula. tion. Although there are issues that remain to be worked out regarding evaluation methods and computational techniques, image parameter design was shown to have the potential to yield improvements by gathering and organizing the store of information and experience available from corporate personnel and departments without incurring the cost and time required for experiments and simulation. Optimal image parameter design methods are thought to depend on the subject under design; further discussion of this matter will be necessary.