Prototyping & Low-volume Production (The Manufacturing Guides)

Designers are presented with a myriad of choices when preparing their work for manufacture. Whether they are professionals or students, they must be fully informed and thoroughly knowledgeable about how their designs can be produced efficiently and effectively. Part of a new series built on the authority of Rob Thompsons highly acclaimed Manufacturing Processes for Design Professionals, this book features new content selected specifically for the needs of students who create prototypes, designs for low-volume production runs, and designs that utilize craft. With some 450 specially commissioned photographs and technical illustrations, it describes more than 30 manufacturing processes, from the traditional and established to emerging technologies. Clearly presented and highly detailed, the book is organized into three easily referenced parts: forming, joining and finishing. An explanation of each manufacturing process provides a full technical description; analysis of typical applications and the design opportunities it offers; and information on cost, speed and environmental impact. Each process is accompanied by detailed step-by-step case studies that show a product or component being manufactured by a leading international supplier. Photographs of geometry, detail, colour and surface finish complete the practical information designers need to select the right process to realize their designs.