selections of materials or components Flashcards
what are the main factors that need to be considered
aesthetics
cost
customer
environment
size
safety
function
materials
aesthetic considerations when selecting materials and/or making prototypes
- colour: to see if colours work well together and if they are pleasing to the eye
- finish: if it needs to be shiny or matt
- pattern: some materials like wood have patterns and could enhance the visual appearance of the product
what does the FSC logo show
shows that wood or paper products have come from a sustainable source from sustainably managed forests. meaning that they use selective logging and replanting to create a cycle of productivity and supply that does not harm the environment
functionality
- if the material will do the job it is selected for
- if the material is easy to work with to create the product
availability
- if the materials are easy to source
- if the materials are widely available and quick to deliver
- what stock forms they are supplied in
cost
- overall costs of design, materials, manufacture, testing, packaging, delivery should not exceed selling price
- different types of production:
one off, batch mass, continuous
advantages of one-off production
the product is tailored to the customer. If the product was a piece of clothing, it would fit the customer perfectly, making it comfortable. other types of production might make product too big or too small. it meets the customer’s exact needs and expectations. usually high quality.
one-off production
when a product is made once for a specific customer or special order
examples: bespoke jewellery, custom furniture, prototype designs
high levels of craftsmanship and skill required
disadvantages of one off production
-very time consuming, because everything needs to be precise and exact, meeting the customer’s needs perfectly
-cost of product and materials are expensive, since the quality of the materials used are really good quality/high end
batch production
A set number of identical products are made in a production run. This method is used when a limited quantity is required.
examples: seasonal clothes, furniture, printed items like leaflets
advantages of batch production
- More efficient than one-off production
- Lower unit cost compared to one-off production
- Allows for flexibility in design changes between batches
- Reduced risk for overproduction
disadvantages of batch production
- Finished batches need to be stored until they are sold, which can increase storage costs and take up valuable space.
- batch production typically has higher unit costs compared to mass production, making it less cost-effective for large quantities.
mass production
Products are made in large quantities on a production line. This is commonly used for standardized products that are in high demand.
examples:
cars, mobile phones. packaging materials
advantages of mass production
- produces large volumes of product, at a fast pace
- uses automation, saving time and maintains consistency in quality of products
- lower unit cost
-highly efficient and cost effective
disadvantages of mass production
-high initial set up cost for machinery
- inflexible: hard to make design changes
- repetitive work for employees
- product won’t meet every single customer’s exact needs, which isn’t the case of one-off production
