by Hopley | August 11, 2016 | 4.2b Timber
Natural timber is timber that is used directly from the tree after being seasoned (a controlled drying process). It is actually a type of composite material because it is made up of cellulose (wood fibres) held together with a natural adhesive (lignin)....
by Hopley | August 11, 2016 | 4.5 Production systems
Design for manufacture (DfM) means designers design specifically for optimum use of existing manufacturing capability. Designers need to consider designing products so they can be easily and efficiently manufactured with minimal impact on the environment. Design for...
by Hopley | August 11, 2016 | 4.5 Production systems
Design for disassembly is when a product is designed so that when it becomes obsolete it can easily and economically be taken apart, the components reused or repaired, and the materials repurposed or recycle. By minimising components, assembly can be made to...
by Hopley | August 11, 2016 | 4.2f Composites
Composites are an important material in an intensely competitive global market. New materials and technologies are being produced frequently for the design and rapid manufacture of high-quality composite products. Composites are replacing more...
by Hopley | August 9, 2016 | 4.5 Production systems
One of the blogs I regularly read is Robin Wood’s blog. Robin (whom I don’t personally know) is a maker of wooden bowls and plates, made with a foot-powered lathe, and he is passionately interested in preserving traditional crafts in England. Not just the...
by Hopley | August 9, 2016 | 4.2b Timber
Softwoods come from coniferous trees which are evergreen, needle-leaved, cone-bearing trees, such as cedar, fir and pine. Softwoods can often be harder than hardwood. Douglas Fir has a higher tensile and compressive strength than many hardwoods. Balsa ...
