Form, fit and function: Difference between revisions

Revision as of 16:38, 18 October 2023

Revision as of 17:46, 12 November 2023

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{{inlinemore footnotes|date=October 2017}}

'''Form, Fit, and Function (F3 or FFF)''' is a concept used in various industries, including manufacturing, engineering, and architecture, to describe aspects of a product's design, performance, and compliance to a specification. F3 refers to a set of characteristics or requirements that are essential for the design and compatibility of products, components, or systems, and can have legal considerations in regulated industries like aviation and defense (e.g., for technical data rights and configuration management). <ref name="ECFR252">{{cite web |url=https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-48/chapter-2/subchapter-H/part-252/subpart-252.2/section-252.227-7015 |title=Title 48, Chapter 2, Subchapter H, Part 252, Subpart 252.2, Section 252.227-7015 |publisher=Electronic Code of Federal Regulations |accessdate=2023-10-14}}</ref> <ref name="GlobalSpec">{{cite web |url=https://www.globalspec.com/reference/60484/203279/chapter-11-configuration-management |title=Chapter 11: Configuration Management |publisher=GlobalSpec |accessdate=2023-10-14}}</ref> <ref name="NASA">{{cite web |url=https://www.nasa.gov/reference/6-5-configuration-management/ |title=NASA Procedural Requirements: Configuration Management |publisher=NASA |accessdate=2023-10-14}}</ref>

The concept originates in the 1960s, and in some cases as form-fit-function. <ref name="DTIC">{{cite web |url=https://apps.dtic.mil/sti/tr/pdf/AD0700066.pdf |title=Form-Fit-Function |publisher=Defense Technical Information Center |accessdate=2023-10-14}}</ref> The United States (US) Government formally recognized it in the legal incorporation of Public Law 98-525 regarding technical data and design changes. <ref name="USCode">{{cite web |url=https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/STATUTE-98/pdf/STATUTE-98-Pg2492.pdf |title=Public Law 98-525 |publisher=U.S. Government |accessdate=2023-10-14}}</ref> F3 can also refer to the ability of a replacement unit or technology upgrade to be compatible with existing systems, or be compatible with change control procedures (e.g., NASA's use in reliability via military standards). <ref name="NASA2">{{cite web |url=https://nepp.nasa.gov/docuploads/6000C904-3093-44CA-96A78169BC195A26/Commercial%20Plastic%20Microcircuits%20A%20Total%20Solution%20For%20Military%20Applications.pdf |title=Commercial Plastic Microcircuits: A Total Solution For Military Applications |publisher=NASA |accessdate=2023-10-14}}</ref> <ref name="DLA1">{{cite web |url=https://quicksearch.dla.mil/qsDocDetails.aspx?ident_number=69354 |title=Quick Search Document: 69354 |publisher=Defense Logistics Agency |accessdate=2023-10-14}}</ref> <ref name="DLA2">{{cite web |url=https://quicksearch.dla.mil/qsDocDetails.aspx?ident_number=67840 |title=Quick Search Document: 67840 |publisher=Defense Logistics Agency |accessdate=2023-10-14}}</ref>

== Alternate Uses ==

Some organizations have supplemental considerations for F3. The United States Navy has been using Form, Fit, Function, and Interface (F3I) since the 1970s, and NASA has published references to Form, Fit, Function, and Reliability to facilitate reliable designs. <ref name="NASA3">{{cite web |url=https://www.nasa.gov/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/nasa_systems_engineering_handbook_0.pdf |title=NASA Systems Engineering Handbook |publisher=NASA |accessdate=2023-10-14}}</ref> <ref name="DTIC2">{{cite web |url=https://apps.dtic.mil/sti/tr/pdf/ADA322079.pdf |title=Configuration Management |publisher=Defense Technical Information Center |accessdate=2023-10-14}}</ref> <ref name="NAVAIR">{{cite web |url=https://acqnotes.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/NAVAIR-Configuration-Management-Policy-Manual-21-Dec-2016.pdf |title=NAVAIR Configuration Management Policy Manual |publisher=AcqNotes |accessdate=2023-10-14}}</ref>

== Definitions ==

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'''Fit''' The fit of a commodity is defined by its ability to physically interface or connect with or become an integral part of another commodity. For software, the fit is defined by its ability to interface or connect with a defense article.

'''Function''' The function of a commodity is the action or actions it is designed to perform. For software, the function means the action or actions the software performs directly related to a defense article or as a standalone application.

=== By Clickfold Plastics, Inc. ===

'''Fit''' refers to the ability of the part or feature to connect to, mate with, or join to another feature or part within an assembly. The “fit” allows the part to meet the required assembly tolerances to be useful.

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==== Note on Source ====

The above definitions were modified from the original source, which is no longer available from the original webpage. Also, the company's new website no longer hosts their own F3 definitions. <ref name="Clickfold">{{cite web |url=https://www.clickfoldplastics.com/form-fit-function.html |title=Understanding the Role of Form, Fit, and Function |publisher=Clickfold Plastics, Inc. |accessdate=2023-10-14}}</ref><ref name="ClickfoldNewSite">{{cite web |url=https://customplasticenclosures.com/form-fit-function.html |title=Understanding the Role of Form, Fit, and Function |publisher=Clickfold Plastics, Inc. |accessdate=2023-10-14}}</ref>

==References==

{{Reflist}}

{{Refbegin}}

* {{cite book |last=Morris |first=R. |title=The fundamentals of product design |year=2009 |publisher=AVA Publishing |isbn=2-940373-17-5 }}

* {{cite book |last=Norman |first=D. |title=The design of everyday things |year=2002|publisher=Basic Books |___location=New York |isbn=0-465-06710-7 }}

{{Refend}}

== External links ==

[[Category:Product design]]