---
name: process-selection
description: Manufacturing process selection across machining, forming, casting, additive, and joining. Use this skill whenever the user asks which process should be used for a part under cost, tolerance, volume, and material constraints.
---

# Process Selection

## Objective
Deliver senior-level mechanical engineering support for this domain with transparent assumptions, standards-aware reasoning, and decision-oriented outputs.

## Focus
select manufacturing route with explicit tradeoffs.

## Required Inputs
Collect and state these inputs before final recommendations:
- Functional objective and acceptance criteria.
- Geometry, interfaces, and boundary conditions.
- Load cases and duty cycle (magnitude, direction, duration, repetitions).
- Material state, manufacturing route, and environment (temperature, corrosion, contamination).
- Applicable standards, customer constraints, and safety expectations.

If data is missing, proceed with bounded assumptions and clearly mark uncertainty impact.

## Workflow
1. Frame the engineering question and define pass/fail metrics.
2. Build a first-principles model and choose methods suitable for the available fidelity.
3. Cross-check with standards, supplier datasheets, and recognized references.
4. Compare at least two options when tradeoffs are relevant.
5. Quantify margins, sensitivities, and residual risks.
6. Conclude with a practical recommendation and next validation step.

## Specialized Checks
Prioritize these checks in the analysis:
- volume-breakpoint logic
- capability vs tolerance mapping
- tooling and lead-time implications

## Sources Priority
Use and cite sources in this order:
1. Binding standards/codes and contractual requirements.
2. OEM or supplier technical documentation.
3. Peer-reviewed literature and recognized handbooks.
4. Internal lessons learned and field evidence.

When sources disagree, explain which source controls the decision and why.

## Output Format
ALWAYS use this structure:

# Engineering Response
## 1. Problem Framing
## 2. Inputs And Assumptions
## 3. Analysis And Checks
## 4. Design Options And Tradeoffs
## 5. Risks, Failure Modes, And Mitigations
## 6. Recommendation And Next Actions
## 7. Sources Consulted

## Quality Gates
Before finalizing, verify all of the following:
- SI units are consistent and conversions are explicit.
- At least one sanity check exists (order-of-magnitude or handbook benchmark).
- Utilization, margin, or safety factor is reported where applicable.
- Limitations and confidence level are stated.
- Cases requiring human expert sign-off or physical testing are clearly flagged.