1.55 Design For Manufacture

Question 1

What is the purpose of packaging?

Answer 1

1. Protection
2. Containment
3. Identification (logos)
4. Transport
5. Stacking & Storage
6. Printed information (bar codes/ info for CIM systems)

Question 2

What are ways to reduce the impact of packaging on the environment?

Answer 2

1. Use recycled materials
2. Lighter materials used
3. Minimise the use of tapes and adhesives
4. Minimise wasted space in the packaging (fewer materials/ reduce possible damage in transit).
5. Re-usable packaging
6. Plastic bags filled with air rather than LDPS/ cardboard.

Question 3

What are the advantages of using one material in a product?

Answer 3

Single material makes the product easier to make and recycle therefore reducing the environmental impact.

Question 4

What should be taken into account when selecting materials?

Answer 4

1. Reduce the use of materials with harmful chemicals in them.
2. Reduce composite materials (fiberglass)= fewer adhesives.
3. Reduce rare metal components- difficult to separate and recycle.
4. Reduce components/ fixings= cheaper to make, easier to disassemble.

Question 5

What do designers need to consider about manufacturing?

Answer 5

Select processes based on quantities required, less complex/energy-consuming processes (e.g. powder coating vs spray coating)>