Integrated Design and Manufacture (IDM) The NEPPCO Approach
December 1st, 1994
Presentation to the Transtech International Conference, Technology Transfer, Cardiff International Arena
S F Bush, UMIST
Synopsis
IDM treats the process of going from a design requirement to manufactured product as a single system. It relates initial product concepts to choice of materials and process route in a single strategic design before detailed design commences. The expensive step of mould or die manufacture thus ocurs with the assurance that both detailed design and strategic design are optimised.
The North of England Plastics Processing Consortium (NEPPCO) exists to make this concept a practical reality. NEPPCO includes in its membership a unique spread of thermoplastic and thermoset processors, toolmakers, of product design and raw materials supply capabilities, and of finishing techniques. No individual company has this coverage, which allows a completely open-minded approach to fulfilling customers’ requirements.
UMIST Polymer Engineering conducts research on polymeric materials and processes and is able to transfer its results directly to NEPPCO members. Technology transfer also takes place between members, particularly on areas of common concern such as recycling. Examples are given of research results entering the commercial domain and of new products designed for the market.