Appliance Design - October 2007 - (Page 37)

PROTOTYPING Program Manager at Phillips Plastics. Adds Steve Adamietz, Business Development Coordinator, parts can sometimes go through a couple dozen models, and using the most appropriate prototyping technology for that version will eventually produce the best possible parts. In one project, for instance, Phllips worked with a California pharmaceutical company to mold several plastic components to a drug delivery device. As the design evolved, Phillips’ involvement included prototyping and optimizing the design based on their work. Rapid prototyping machines can make parts in a relatively short-time frame, ranging from a few hours to a few days. The timeframe depends on the technology employed, the part’s size, and the part’s complexity. The advantage of RP is that it can produce multiple iterations without incurring any upfront tooling costs, allowing the design to be repeatedly tweaked, reworked, and reevaluated while still in the concept stage. Rapid prototyping technologies generally employ an additive and subtractive method of fabrication technologies. Additive fab- A 56-way electric connector built by PTI Engineered Plastics using their shortvolume prototype-to-production P3 tooling. Richco’s new break-away bumper features a removable mounting tab that provides for easy installation. Features • Easy pull-through assembly • Break-away mounting tab • Shock absorbing Silicone rubber • Temperature resistant to 482°F (250°C) Benefits • Absorbs shock • Saves space • Anti-skid/anti-marking • Maintains aesthetics on chassis • No adhesives Richco World Headquarters • 8145 River Drive • Morton Grove, IL 60053 For more Information Enter 114 AD09074Rich1.indd 1 www.applianceDESIGN.com www.richco-inc.com 8/7/07 2007 37 October 11:58:41 AM applianceDESIGN http://www.richco-inc.com http://www.richco-inc.com http://www.appliancedesign.com

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Appliance Design - October 2007

Contents Editorial Shipments/Forecasts News Watch Applying Powder Coatings to Plastic Parts is No Longer a Pipe Dream New Technology Platform Provides the Ability for a single IC to Control Two- Motors in a Single Appliance, Simplifying Motor Control Design Advanced Motor-Control Techniques have Become More Accessible to a Wider Array of Appliances, Helping to Improve Efficiency and Reduce Noise Adding USB Host Capability to Appliances Permits In-Field Programming and Acquisition of Test Data ZigBee Modules Make it Easier to Design Wireless Connectivity into Applications New Concepts such as Rapid Tooling and Rapid Injection Molding Provide Stepping Stones Between Prototyping and Full Scale Production A Number of Factors and New Developments Affect the Decision on Whether to Build Prototypes In-House or Outsource to a Service Bureau DesignMart Advertiser’s Index Association Report: CEA

Appliance Design - October 2007

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