Selecting the right plastics manufacturing method for your project requires navigating a varied landscape of options, each with its unique benefits and challenges. This can be a daunting task. This guide aims to simplify that choice by providing a detailed comparison of popular plastics manufacturing techniques. From injection moulding and blow moulding to advanced 3D […]

When most people think of inclusive and accessible design, they think of major groundbreaking advances in robotics and novel custom 3D-printing applications – while these are at pushing the boundaries of inclusive design, they don’t define it. Inclusive design at its core is as simple as making sure that a handle is comfortable for a […]

In the world of product design, aesthetics, functionality, and visual wow factor often take centre stage. However, one crucial aspect that is sometimes overlooked or half-baked is ergonomics. A simple definition for ergonomics is creating products and environments that are optimised for human use, ensuring that they are comfortable, easy to use, and promote good […]

Have you got an idea for a new product that you want to get going and make a reality? Designing a new product is great fun and a highly rewarding process, but there are plenty of obstacles along the way. Here are 5 things that will really help you before setting off on your journey […]

Once you’ve taken your concept from design to manufacturing-ready, then the next step is deciding on the best product packaging. Packaging is essential to ensure your product is protected during shipping and to make it look appealing to customers. The days of ‘don’t judge a book by its cover’ have passed. Appealing packaging is important […]

Product design is a journey that transforms ideas into tangible, functional, and aesthetically pleasing products that improve our lives. Whether it’s a sleek smartphone, a comfortable piece of furniture, or an innovative kitchen appliance, the process of bringing a concept to reality involves a series of well-defined steps. In this blog, we’ll take you through […]

The journey of bringing your new product to the market is a long and winding road, with unknown obstacles and forks along the way. Even history’s greatest designers don’t know the path from start to finish before setting off, but they know how to make the right decisions along the way that allow them to […]

If you’re a product designer, you’ll know how important the issue of sustainability is becoming in the design industry. Whether you’re a freelance designer, working in a big design firm, or running your own company selling products, you’ll know that designing eco-friendly and sustainable products has become a top priority for the industry, largely driven […]

Have you ever thought about designing a product? Want to know what’s involved in product design in Brisbane? If so, this blog is for you!  In this article, we will explore everything you need to know about product design in Brisbane, from its definition to the key principles and steps involved in the product development […]

Discover how industrial design revolutionises products, combining aesthetics, functionality, and user experience. Explore user-centered approaches, intuitive interfaces, and the impact on brand identity and sustainability. Stand out in the market with exceptional industrial design.

Manufacturing is the process of converting raw materials into finished products. The process involves various steps that are undertaken in a systematic manner to ensure the production of high-quality goods. In this guide, we’ll take you through the essential steps involved in product manufacturing and provide you with valuable insights that can help you develop […]

Industrial design is a branch of design that deals with the creation of products that are functional, aesthetically pleasing, and user-friendly. It involves the process of developing and designing products that are intended for mass production, which means that they need to be efficient to manufacture, easy to use, and affordable for consumers. In this […]

Industrial design is a critical component of the manufacturing process; it involves the creation of products that are not only functional but also visually appealing. Working with an industrial designer during the manufacturing process can provide a range of benefits, from improving the design and functionality of the product to reducing costs and increasing efficiency.  […]

The industrial design industry is continually evolving to meet the needs of the changing digital landscape. In this blog, we’re taking a look at some of the biggest trends in industrial design for 2023. Augmented and Virtual Reality Augmented and virtual reality technology is becoming more and more popular. Recently, we’ve seen AR and VR […]

Have you got an idea for a product? Are you wondering how to take that idea from a concept to reality? If so, you’ve come to the right place. In this blog, we’re stepping through the 6 steps of the product design process so that you can know what to expect. Brainstorm The first step […]

The best Australian product designs focus on innovation and find unique ways to solve a problem. Today’s designers are tasked with making products that are energy efficient and ethically produced, have long lifespans, use minimal materials, or have a low impact on the environment. For a good product design, it must go beyond thinking about […]

Using recycled plastics can have big benefits, not just in reducing the overall cost of the manufacturing process but also the environmental impact it has by reducing the amount of plastic going into landfill. More often we are finding customers are wanting to use recycled plastics in the manufacture of their products. In this blog […]

Are you in the process of creating a new product? If so, you may be wondering about the differences between product research and development.  What is Product Research? Research is a learning process. This is when we try to define the way things work and to more clearly understand them.  It’s about asking wide open […]

Plastic is a durable material that is designed to stand the test of time. It can be recycled and used again and again.  Most plastics are used just once, and then end up in landfill or polluting the environment. Globally, eight million tonnes of plastic waste is dumped into our oceans. Moving away from single-use […]

If you’re a designer, you may be wondering how to protect your product design. Getting a patent can be a good way to protect the intellectual property of your designs and your unique ideas.   What is a patent?  According to IP Australia, a patent is a right that is granted for any device, substance, method […]

The 21st century has seen some impressive inventions and innovations emerging in technology, design, and automotive industries. As these new products become more readily available, we are seeing changes in our daily habits and lifestyles. In this blog, we’re sharing three 21st-century inventions that have changed the world. Augmented and Virtual Reality Immersing yourself in […]

When was the last time you went out for sushi and had soy sauce in any other type of container? No one says that it must be packaged like this, and frankly, other fish paraphernalia just isn’t perceived the same, but you wouldn’t trust soy sauce that came from anything else.  The soy sauce container […]

Plastic products are all around us in our daily lives. Have you ever wondered what it would be like to live without plastic products?  The future of plastic manufacturing seems hazy, given all of the environmental concerns about plastic. Many people are trying to move away from traditional plastics in search of more sustainable alternatives.  […]

Getting a prototype can seem like an unnecessary task when you already know how you want your product to look and work. This is wrong. Getting a prototype is an opportunity to see what your product will look and feel like in real life, along with a chance to test the design and ensure that […]

Once your product has been manufactured, it’s time to show it off to your customers! Promoting your product is crucial for making it a success. Launching and promoting your product can be a daunting task. You need to generate hype about your product and get it into the hands of your customers. One simple way […]

When you envision your product what do you see? Is it smooth with a reflective surface? Does it have a rough surface to help you grip it? Product textures have an important role to play in product design. It is important to communicate how you envision your product with your designer, as it can affect […]

Having a good design is essential for making your product a success. It’s about finding a balance between aesthetics, functionality and performance. A well-designed product must be both innovative and useful. Your product must do something new and different and be useful to the average customer. When designing a product, you need to think about […]

Have you got an idea for a new product that you want to make a reality? Designing a new product is great fun, but can have some challenges. Here’s 5 things you need to know before setting off on your journey to design a new product: Who will use your product? The first step in […]

Most people would hear the term tool making and assume it is about making hammers, screwdrivers and spanners. In actual fact a toolmaker is a trade professional who builds Moulds, Dies and jigs. They are an essential part of product development and the manufacturing of plastic products. If you’re looking to get your product developed, […]

Last week’s blog was all about Cold Runner Systems, this week, it’s time you learnt all about the alternate option – Hot Manifold Systems!  To reiterate last week’s blog, the runner system is what controls the distribution of the plastic from the moulding machine’s nozzle to the tool cavities. If you haven’t already read it […]

Injection moulding is one of the most popular methods for manufacturing and mass producing plastic products. It can be used for a wide range of plastic products, from a button for your shirt, to parts for a car.  If you’re thinking of using injection moulding to produce your product, the first step is to choose […]

Have you ever gotten an injection? A flu shot? A vaccine? Anaesthetic? If the answer is yes then it’s almost guaranteed that a plastic injection moulded syringe was used.    With plastic manufacturing becoming more reliable after WW2, the use of plastics in consumables began to become common practice, and with this even more progress […]

Product rendering is an increasingly popular method of presenting products to clients. It allows you to show photo realistic images of your designs without going through the processes required to manufacture a prototype, not to mention it’s a far cheaper and time efficient process. With many rendering programs on the market, the current industry standard, […]

  Industrial designers bring creativity into the manufacturing of products to make them the best they can be. If you’ve got both creative and technical skills, then a career in industrial design may be the way to go.  What Does An Industrial Designer Do? Industrial designers design products that we use everyday, like fridges, appliances, […]

Once you’ve developed your product, it’s important to keep innovating and improving it for maximum success. When your product is launched and customers start to purchase and use it, you’re going to receive feedback on how well it performs. If you take this feedback on board, you can continually improve your product for future success.  […]

As 2021 draws to a close, it’s time to reflect on the changes that this year has delivered to the design industry.

As you take your concept from an idea to a product, it’s essential to test it along the way. Testing your product is the key to success in the product design process.

Taking your idea for a new product from the ideation phase and into design is an exciting step towards making it a reality.

You’ve imagined, researched, collaborated, been involved with product design, prototyping, development and manufacturing processes, and now the launch of your product is finally in sight!

Once you’ve taken your concept from design to manufacturing, then the next step is deciding on the best packaging.

When you’re in the process of taking your idea from a concept to a product, creating a bill of materials is an important step.

Good product design is all about designers aiming to improve how people feel when using the products they create. Designers assist brands to make more sustainable, long-term products.

To become an industrial designer, you need to complete formal study. More than half of people currently working in this role have a bachelor’s degree.

To prototype, means to develop the functionality, assembly, chosen material, and mechanics of a design; to look at the technical aspects of your product idea. At Dienamics, we offer both model-making & prototyping services, however generally speaking prototyping is a more worthwhile endeavor.

So, you’ve got a killer idea for a product that’s going to revolutionise your industry. But, how do you take your product from design stages to reality?

As materials, technology, and circumstances change, so must the way we design and innovate products for manufacture… or they won’t be successful. Here we explore the reasons why design innovation is important in product manufacture.

When it comes to product design, I’d go as far to say that it’s impossible to reinvent the wheel. This is because the ability to create new things is founded on copying, transforming, and combining things with other things that already exist. Yes, the end result may be unidentifiable from that which inspired it, though it’s still integral in the process.

Reusing existing knowledge is integral to creating new novel design ideas. In fact, it’s impossible to successfully do without.

When you have an idea for a product, you need a strong team behind you to make that idea a reality. However, it is often the case that a company will only provide services suited to a specific part of the design process.

In our experience, there are three main things you need to do to ensure that you are picking the right firm for your product innovation.

Good design means learning about and considering your product users’ wants/needs, discovering the best way to deliver solutions that fulfil these wants/needs, and portraying these solutions in a way that is attractive to your target user.

Although product research and development might not be the most exciting part of the design process, it may just be the difference between your product’s failure and success.

Let’s take a look at a product we worked on here at Dienamics -the MK1 MAXTRAX off road vehicle recovery track.

DFM’ isn’t a service, it is an inherent requirement of a products’ design. If your product hasn’t been designed to be manufactured, it isn’t a product design at all, simply an expensive and unusable CAD file. 

As more and more companies move toward sustainability in their products, there have been some pretty impressive products made from recycled plastics that have hit the market.

In this blog, we talk about what is needed for good design & how to embrace issues & problems that will arise in plastic part design.

Over the next few weeks we’re going to breakdown how you should judge a products value, show you what good design looks like, and give you some insider tips and tricks on making your product design successful!

“There’s so much to do, I don’t know where to even start” is a sentiment we’ve all felt at one point or another, whether you’re a backyard inventor or a seasoned product developer. Whilst it may be to different extents, I’d bet that everyone at the start of a new product’s development has felt this. 

Sustainable manufacturing is now more necessary than ever and product design plays an important role in creating the opportunity for sustainability in product manufacturing.

This year has been like no other, and as we come to the end of it, we’re taking a look back at some of the top inventions that we’ve had the pleasure of working on!

During the product design phase of any project, there are often technical terms and acronyms used to describe various techniques and processes. It can be confusing. At Dienamics we believe in clear communication, and whilst we strive to avoid using overly technical jargon, it does sometimes happen…. So, to help you understand product design a […]

What steps should you proactively take to protect your ideas, designs, and other handmade goods? What do you do if you suspect another business has copied your creative idea? There are steps that you can take to proactively protect your work and although nothing is a guarantee, these will help if your work is ever […]

In Part 3, Types of Prototypes, we looked at some of the different types of prototypes and their purpose. In this issue, we’ll talk about the importance of the user testing and research phase of making your prototype.

Here’s a modern art story for you. Mid-20th century there was this real famous painter, Jackson Pollock. He had no painting skills. He was one of those painters that would make millions selling something that looked very similar to the mess a toddler makes in their highchair at breakfast. In 1951 he painted this canvas […]

You’re excited. You finally have a design for the product you’ve been thinking about for years. It’s your dream realised (on paper) and you start planning ahead to your future business success. But hold on. Before you get ahead of yourself, how can you be sure that your design and your dream is protected? The […]

$12 Outdoor Plastic Chair off Gumtree Not as Mechanically Sound as First Thought Local father figure, and little league coach, Bryan Walters (42) returned home yesterday after a day in the sun to sit down and enjoy a cold-one on his newly renovated outdoor patio. Much to Mr. Walters’ dismay, the bargain lawn chair he […]

Look around you, how many electronic devices can you see? …3….4….8? More than 23.5% of household fires are started by electrical products or electrical appliances; such as televisions, radios and power adapters. Often, these products are made from plastic or contain plastic components. Classed as ‘ordinary combustibles,’ most plastics are excellent fuels and are in […]

Although it’s probably not something you think about often, coloured plastics are an essential cog in the industrial design machine. Try to imagine the design process without it – it’s impossible! The truth is that you can’t have one without the other. Coloured plastics are an essential element in the tool making and manufacturing process […]

A patent grants you exclusive and legally enforceable rights to commercially exploit any device, substance, method or process that is deemed new, inventive or useful. The duration of your product’s protection will depend on which type of patent you hold. • A standard patent – legally enforceable, takes approximately up to 5 years to be […]

A Non-Disclosure Agreement is a contract employed by individuals and companies to protect inventions, designs and other materials that are deemed to be confidential. In simple terms, when you sign an NDA, it is the legal equivalent of having to keep a secret. However, if you violate an NDA, the associated consequences are more severe […]

Every industry has its own language, and the product design industry is no exception. As an outsider with a great idea, it can feel overwhelming and confusing to try and communicate with people within the industry. To effectively communicate with your product designer, it helps to learn the industry language – but of course, that’s […]

We recently discussed the rise of hemp bio-plastic being used as a plastic alternative and how this could impact injection moulding. Although the usability across the industry is still limited, it is indicative of the growing movement towards alternative plastics. These alternative, or bio-plastics, are leading the way for the manufacture of products and packaging […]

The Dienamics team has recently welcomed two new machines to the workshop! Both new machines offer excellent energy-saving capabilities and are a huge step in the right direction for Dienamics becoming a more environmentally friendly manufacturer. The machines are 90 tonne and 160 tonne. Tonnage, also known as clamping force, is the measurement which represents […]

The topic of hemp-based products has been very popular recently in the news and media. Its seeds and flowers are mostly used in nutraceuticals, however the stalks and fibers can be used in construction materials, paper, biofuel, and clothing. People are favoring it as a good production material for its fast-growing ability and environmental sustainability. […]

In our current manufacturing environment, plastics are being used to create everything from vehicle parts to buttons on clothing and even human body parts. For every application, a special and specific manufacturing process is required so that each part can be moulded based on its specifications. If you’re interested in manufacturing a plastic part, one […]

More than 300 million tons of plastics are now being produced every year. Half of that is estimated to be single-use plastic, and approximately 8 million tons of plastic finds its way into the oceans every year. Plastic has become such an integral part of our lives, but it has also clearly become an environmental […]

Not all plastics are created equal. Indeed, the first step in the plastics recycling process is to identify which type of plastic you are dealing with. For recycling purposes, plastic is divided into seven distinct families. Here, with examples of their most common uses: 1. PET (Soft drink bottles) 2. HDPE (Milk and cream bottles) […]

Trying to figure out what plastics can and can’t be recycled? Many people mistake the numbered triangle on plastic products as the recycling sign, but these symbols are actually the Plastic Identification Code and they classify the type of plastic material. There is conflicting information about which plastics can be recycled in kerbside collection, and […]

Bob “The Bee Man” Luttrell came to Dienamics with an idea for a honey frame designed to harvest clean, clear honey without sacrificing quality or bees. The structure differed from the regular honeycomb shape of beehives, instead using a square framework. This design allows for honey to be harvested effectively, but most importantly, without harming […]

  Established in 1996, the Victorian Premier’s Design Awards recognise and reward Victorian designers and businesses that show “excellence” in the way they use design. Every year, the awards look at design in areas such as digital, architecture, fashion, product, and service. It’s a great platform for designers and start-ups to get their ideas recognised, […]

With 2019 looming and the rapid changes we have already seen in industrial design and manufacturing, it’s clear that the “future” is not as far away as it seems. New technologies are being adopted in the industry faster than ever before, and innovations in areas like AI and machine learning could mean big shifts in […]

LandCruiser’s are known as the work horses of Toyota 4WD’s – tough, reliable, and built for off-road driving and work. But the one thing LandCruisers (particularly the 70 Series) don’t have is a flash interior. But that doesn’t mean they can’t. Cruiser Consoles came up with a brilliant idea to fill a hole in the […]

Here’s our top industry tweets from the past month. One of our own might have snuck into the list as well. Two grinders in one With so many variations of the salt and pepper grinder out there, it’s hard to believe that someone has come up with an innovative new design. Enter, the ortwo. Designed […]

All startups know there are risks involved in any new venture. This is particularly true for anyone who has tried to launch a new product onto the market. It can sometimes seem like there are hurdles at every step of the way – some may not even be because of the product itself. Use the […]

It’s that time again, with our latest round-up of the top 5 industry tweets from October. 1. Superstar wheelchair design Good design for a good cause. Not only is the Superstar wheelchair a sleek and highly functional product for wheelchair users, but it also is a brilliant example on the power of using the right […]

Do you have a great product idea and dream of getting it on the market? While everyone’s business plan and product may look a bit different, there are a few key steps that all product startups should take on their road to launching a product. 1. Market research As great as your product idea is, […]

It’s easy to forget that what might now seem “ordinary” or a regular household item, started as an idea, then a design, a prototype, and then began to circulate in the market. Many of the products that we now take for granted, like the safety pin or the cotton bud, were once innovations in design […]

Are you trying to turn your great idea into an actual product? One of the first things you’ll need to do is go through the design process. The design process will help you define and refine your product, finding aspects that won’t work (either for manufacturing purposes or usability) and come up with solutions or […]

How does an Ultrasonic welder work? An Ultrasonic welder is a machine that uses kinetic energy from vibrations to heat and melt plastic together. The basic process comes down to a vibration frequency, measured in hertz, directing energy onto a section of the 2 parts you want to weld together. This often gives a better […]

From pioneering product designs, to the changing face of packaging, our top 5 tweets of the month take a closer look at industry news and innovations. Let’s get started. 1. Fire extinguisher of the future Great innovations in design usually stem from improving form and function, and this fire extinguisher is no exception. The LiteFire […]

Industrial design, like technology, is constantly changing and evolving. Not only because of advancements in the technology and processes, but also because of the changing demands within the industry and from consumers. These ‘advancements’ usually mean the streamlining of processes, and also improvements to productivity. The phrase uttered often in recent years is “Better-faster-cheaper”, and […]

How does a Regrinder work? A regrinder or plastic granulator is an electrically powered series of grinding blades, which takes plastic and chops them up into little pieces, commonly referred to as regrind. This regrind is a major step in any plastics recycling scheme. It takes what was reject or waste plastic and breaks it […]

Choosing the right plastic for any given project can be tough. Some are more rigid than others, some are better moisture and oxygen barriers, and there can be vastly different temperature tolerances. There’s always going to be a trade-off when it comes to strength, heat resistance, flexibility, finish, and most importantly, cost. The best way […]

The Idea The path ore bearing rocks take on their way from the mine site to sale is a rough one. They are extracted with explosives, shifted by draglines, put through rock crushers and piled into mountains that can sit out in the elements for years on end. So how do you embed delicate electronics […]

July was all about design. From slimline drones, indestructible pens, and innovations for Parkinson sufferers, to some great inspiration for product design. Take a look at our top 5 tweets from July. 1. Versatile drones These compact, slimline drones are a great example of simple yet powerful design. They are incredibly portable, with 2 almost […]

Peter Reid, a Senior Research Engineer from the CSIRO, had a problem. As part of a research project at Pullenvale, Peter was developing a machine that helped to map and survey mine sites using advanced technologies. Requirements He was using LiDAR and other light-based sensors to survey the mine. What he needed was an optically […]

The concept Trevor Oxnam from Powerwin kept running into the same problem again and again. He had a solid stream of Ford vehicle owners with broken power windows coming to him for repairs. The fix was easy. It was nearly always the same weak OEM part that had broken. The problem was there was only […]

This month we saw some great tweets about product design, new plastic materials hitting the market, manufacturing insights and the anatomy of the soccer ball. Let’s take a look at our pick of the top 5 industry tweets from June. 1. Wheelie bins This is what a 3,150 tonne injection moulding machine looks like in […]

Blow moulding products all have one thing in common: they are hollow and in one piece. It’s often used for glass and plastic products like bottles, jars, and containers. It’s a cost effective and quick method of moulding, but that doesn’t mean it’s not without its disadvantages. The process is limited to only making hollow […]

Breathing – Most people don’t give it a second thought. But for some of us, something as simple as taking a breathe is not so straightforward. The team at AirPhysio knew they could help. The idea They developed the concept for the AirPhysio Oscillating Positive Expiratory Pressure (OPEP) device. Like all good ideas, the concept […]

Injection moulds are curious machines. They are the basis for one of the most efficient and widespread manufacturing processes ever devised. They create parts with such speed and repeatability that we can’t help but take their output for granted. They are so effective that it’s easy to judge them in the same way we judge […]

This month we take a look at 5 of our favourite tweets. From plastics, to industrial design, to amazing new materials, these industry tweets really got us thinking. Take a look. 1. Graham Quirk announced his commitment to phasing out single-use plastics products at Brisbane City Council events. At Dienamics, we’re very conscious of reducing […]

Every month we’ll be bringing you our 5 favourite tweets, from #tooling to #injectionmoulding and everything in between. Take a look at the top Tweets from April that made us laugh and made us think. 1. #Cooltools anyone? I think we need a cool #cnc #machining and #tooling hashtag. Any ideas? Here’s what I’ve got […]

Product timeline: 2001 – Brad McCarthy loses a car on the beach 2004-2005 – MaxTrax is tested. 2005 – MaxTrax hits the market! 15 years ago, Brad McCarthy got his 4WD stuck in soft sand. As a keen 4WD adventurer who knew South East Queensland’s trails like the back of his hand, the bog wasn’t […]

Polyamides (also known as PA, though commonly referred to as Nylon) are a family of engineering grade plastics, which are known for their immense tensile strength and high durability. They generally are semi-crystalline and have good thermal and chemical resistance. There are various grades of nylons, some common grades are Nylon 6 (PA6), Nylon 6,6, […]

    Polypropylene (PP) is commonly sighted as the second most commonly used plastic on earth, by weight used yearly by industry. Polypropylene was first polymerized in 1951 by a pair of Phillips petroleum scientists named Paul Hogan and Robert Banks. The ability of polypropylene to crystallize created a lot of excitement, and Italian chemist, […]

Draft is one of the most important, yet rarely discussed, parts of injection moulding. Draft means angling the walls of your product so that the part doesn’t get stuck up on your tool. Most people say that 3 degrees of draft is sufficient to allow the part to fall off the tool when it’s ejecting […]

We touched on fillets on our previous article about radii in product design Fillets, like radii, are a technical term to describe surfaces that curve in certain predictable ways (namely, that it’s a perfect circle with a constant diameter or part of one). Fillets are really useful in Injection Moulding because where two walls or […]

Undercuts. No Plastic Injection Moulder wants them and every DIY part design has them. Undercuts, are part and parcel of what we do here at Dienamics. Most of our clients are looking to create or improve their own products, but are restrained to a strict budget. So, one of the first things we look for […]

Snap fits (also known as Clip Snaps) are moulded plastic features of products which clip two parts together. You have probably seen them, in various plastic products before, but you may not have realised how much thought and effort goes into getting these right. Plastic Snap fits are used to assemble plastic parts together with […]

Polyurethanes (also known as PUR or UR) are a massive family of highly versatile engineering materials designed to provide properties not available in conventional rubbers, metals and plastics. Typically they have higher oil and solvent resistance, along with greater abrasion and tear resistance. Impact strength, low compression set and superior load bearing capacity are also […]

A sad fact of injection moulding and plastics manufacturing in general, is that plastic shrinks. And sometimes it shrinks a lot. So as plastic Injection moulders we’ve learnt to deal with shrinkage and today we are going to share a few of our tips and tricks to avoid excessive shrinkage and explain a bit about […]

ABS is purpose built to be easy, cheap, stiff and tough, all while being capable of displaying great surface finishes and colours. Originally developed in the late 1940’s, ABS combines the acrylonitrile, butadiene and styrene monomers with the intent of displaying the best of each of these elements. Acrylonitrile is highly process able and glossy. […]

Polyoxymethylene (POM), usually referred to as Acetal, is a widely used engineering plastic. Its primary claim to fame is its use in mechanical parts. If it has to bear a load, like a gear, a handle, a zipper or the foot on a piece of furniture, then Acetal is it the material of choice. As […]

Plastic Co-extrusion is very similar to Plastic Extrusion, however, with co-extrusion you are inserting multiple polymers into the extrusion dies to produce a single profile with a range of physical characteristics. In this article, we’ll cover the differences from regular plastic extrusion and the benefits and disadvantages to Plastic Co-extrusion. So the fundamental difference to […]

In this article, we’re talking about gates. And no, not the kind that you shut behind you when you’re leaving the farm. In plastic injection moulding a Gate is where the molten plastic enters the cavity of the tool. That’s to say it’s different from the sprue or runner. Sprues and runners are simply there […]

Polyethylene terephthalate (PETE or PET) is one of the most commonly used thermoplastic polymers in the world and is better known in the textile industry by the trade name “polyester.” It is a naturally transparent and semi-crystalline plastic widely used as a fiber for clothing, as an effective moisture barrier with wide applicability in bottling […]

Polystyrene (PS) plastic is a naturally transparent thermoplastic that is available as both a typical solid plastic as well in the form of a rigid foam material. PS plastic is commonly used in a variety of consumer product applications and is also particularly useful for commercial packaging. Dow Chemical Company invented a proprietary process to […]

Extrusion is a simple process and is used the world over, from making spaghetti to window frames and door seals. Plastic Extrusion is when a material is being forced through a die (think a plate with a profile cut into it) and the plastic takes the form of that profile. In plastics, extrusion creates long strips […]

Threads are critical in Injection Moulding. Not only do they require more complexity in the tool design, the resulting plastic part must work perfectly, with next to no warpage and align perfectly when assembled. It’s important that you get it right the first time, so in this article we’ll explore what you need to know […]

We’ve previously mentioned the importance of wall sections in our article about Ribs in Injection Moulding so in this article we’re going to go greater depths with that subject. We’ll talk about the basic process of injection moulding and how it relates to wall thickness, then outline some of the problems that may occur due to […]

Polycarbonate is a naturally transparent amorphous thermoplastic. Although made commercially available in a variety of colors, the raw material allows for the internal transmission of light nearly in the same capacity as glass. Polycarbonate polymers are used to produce a variety of products and are particularly useful when impact resistance and/or transparency are a product […]

Blown Film is a manufacturing process that produce films of plastic sheeting and tubes. These sheets or tubes can either be fully cylindrical, or have other object inserted into them so they form useful objects like shopping bags, rubbish bags or cling wrap.  In this article, we will explore what the process of blown film […]

Living Hinges, it sounds weird, right? Especially when you are talking about plastic product. There’s nothing “living” about plastic. In this article, we are going to unpack the Living Hinges (also known as integral hinges) in Injection Moulding and why they should be in your product. A living hinge is basically a thin bridge of […]

Rotational Moulding (Also known as Roto-Moulding or Rotational Casting) is great at making hollow objects. In fact, you probably enjoyed a roto-moulded product over Easter. Hollow chocolate Easter Eggs are roto-moulded, and so are kayaks, water tanks and hollow kids’ toys. In this article, we’ll show you the basic process of roto moulding and its […]

Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) is an unsung hero of the plastics industry. Whenever there is a dirty outdoor job, PVC is often the go-to material. PVC has been around longer than most plastics having been first synthesized in 1872 and commercially produced by B.F. Goodrich Company in the 1920s. By comparison, many other common plastics were […]

  Let’s talk about bosses. And no, not the ones whipping you to do more work, but the rather helpful ones in plastic injection moulding. Bosses are design elements that strengthen parts. We’re going to unpack why you should have bosses, how to design them appropriately and some common part failures which can be avoided […]

Maybe it’s been a fantasy since childhood. Maybe you had a dream about it that was so intense you got up at 4AM to madly sketch it out. Maybe it’s the next product to build on your existing marketplace success. It doesn’t matter how ambitious the idea, how vital the concept. Regardless of what you’re […]

In our explorations of manufacturing techniques we have covered a number of ways to mass produce plastic parts. Today, we will look at one the one I like to think of as the most underappreciated, Blow Moulding. Blow moulding isn’t as well known as injection moulding, yet it is responsible for a creating fantastic number of […]

Crack open almost any plastic shape and you will the internal volume is mostly air, and anything that actually does any work inside the part is reinforced by a strange pattern of thin little walls. Those little joining walls are called ribs, and they are one of the most important and powerful parts of any […]

When you’re developing your product, the designer might come to you and say “I want to reduce the wall thickness in your part” even though you’ve said time and time again that you want a strong durable product. So why do designers push for thin walls? Let’s find out… There are three main reasons injection […]

Polyethylene is the plastic worlds jack of all trades, the ultimate do anything tool. Like all good tools, its power lies in its simplicity. Let’s look at how the most common human made plastic on earth conquered applications ranging from food covering to ballistic protection, and how it might just work in your project. All […]

Radii or Radius, is a technical term that we often throw about the office – but this series is about deciphering jargon, not glorying in it, so let me explain it here. Radii are used to describe a smooth transition between two lines in a 2D sketch or technical drawing. When we turn a 2D […]

Producing a better product should include consideration of the packaging during the product design phase. Developing both the part specifications and packaging of a product at the same time can save time, money and increase the overall ergonomics of your design process, whilst providing a good reason for customers to choose your product out of […]

Last week, we explored the one question you need to ask to ensure you get a CAD format you can use: “will I own the design?” But which formats are the ones you’ll own? How can you be sure that the next in your production chain can use what your designer hands you? Be aware; […]

Part design can be a difficult process, particularly when you’re in charge of the business. And while it may be tempting to go for cheap substitutes and stick with formulaic designs, at the end of the day it’s your business that suffers. We’re going to take a look at the advantages of involving the tool […]

Whether you’re working in the physical or digital world, if you’re designing products at some stage, you’re going to be needing inspiration. The good news is that with the internet you don’t have to wait for a moment of revelation from the gods. There are numerous product design blogs online that provide the perfect inspiration […]

Need a new product designed? If so, you’ve come to the right place. Designing a product can be costly and time consuming, but it can be done on time and within a budget if you choose to have it outsourced. Not only does outsourcing save you time and money finding and hiring a new employee, […]

Whether you are an industrial designer, a product designer, a graphic designer or a web designer, the world of industrial design blogs has something to suit you. Here are 24 of the best industrial design blogs: May Design Series This blog takes a look at the world of future design and how technology is becoming […]

As an independent inventor, it’s very important to stay in touch with what’s happening in the world of innovation, both locally and abroad. Keeping abreast of the latest news, inventions, and trends can be a source of inspiration. Furthermore, there are now many high quality educational resources available on the Internet, so there is plenty […]

Sink marks are a common manufacturing flaw found in injection moulded parts. Here is how to identify them, and avoid them.

Die casting is a manufacturing process where molten metals are forced into a mould by high pressure forces. The process is similar to the injection moulding of plastic. After the first die casting equipment was invented in 1838 for the printing industry, the first patent for die casting was given in 1849.

Carl Smith, President of Call2Recycle – North America’s first and largest consumer battery stewardship and recycling program – recently suggested that product design and accessible collection are major challenges for recycling. Recycling today While the amount of recycled materials has jumped in the past few decades, Smith said there is still a major gap in […]

Product design development typically involves three elements: form, experience and utility. Often the client will have addressed the issue of utility, so they seek the services of a product design consultancy for issues relating to experience and form. These are some of the key steps involved in developing a product. User and market

Product design involves creative elements with practical processes. According to design business ZURB, the product design process can involve prototyping, rapid iteration, strong teaching cultures and flexible design thinking. The business considers the discipline of design as a complex process that solves users’ problems. ZURB asked a few of its friends for insights into understanding […]

A new book, Brick by Brick: How LEGO Rewrote the Rules of Innovation and Conquered the Global Toy Industry, has traced how Lego made its recovery from the brink of bankruptcy by returning to its roots. In this book, Wharton professor David Robertson revealed how the Danish toy maker made resurgence from near bankruptcy by […]

For many, the microwave is a product that has seemed the same for over 50 years. Yet Savannah Institute of Art and Design student, Marshall Jamshidi, redesigned the microwave oven for the Design for Your Product Lifetime student design challenge. Jamshidi chose to redesign the microwave because he said it is symbolic of our ‘throw-away’ […]

As the late Steve Jobs was well known to be a practicing Buddhist, his knowledge and understanding of Zen philosophy and design is evident through the ‘less-is-more’ inspiration that characterises so many Apple products. Although many people have some understanding of the concept of Zen, the aesthetic principles that together constitute the ‘Zen of design’ […]

There is a big difference between designs that look good and designs that work well in practice. The technique of story-centred design can end this confusion. The technique involves a series of narrative use-cases being created for a product which effectively illustrate the journey of the user at every step. The benefit of story-centred design […]

Ever since CAD software made it possible, flowing and curvaceous gadgets exploded in popularity. Now, with CES 2013, the age of curves may be on the way out with boxy and straight shapes set to take over. Now, everything from 3-D printers to smartphone cases have sharper, straighter lines than ever before. Many believe that […]

Recently, product designers from Samsung’s Korea headquarters gathered and shared their approach to product design and the company’s philosophy regarding their products. The following are just some of the other insightful comments from the design team regarding how they approach designs: On dealing with the fast pace of change in the industry, they said: “We […]

In an unprecedented interview on UK’s Blue Peter show, viewers were treated to a rare glimpse inside Apple’s secret product design laboratory, run by Sir Jonathan Ive, senior Vice-President of Industrial Design for Apple. The show revealed the huge range of industrial milling and prototyping machines that Apple has on its Cupertino campus.

While all great products need to be based on a great idea, difficulty can arise when it comes to taking an idea and making it into a business. Thanks to an abundance of online marketing avenues, freelance sites and a plethora of free information, there is little to stop a person from converting their idea […]

Kickstarter added yet another million-dollar project to its list recently, but it’s not an iPhone accessory, gadget, or celebrity rock project. Instead, the project is an assortment of over 200 fantasy figurines called Bones that can be used to play roleplaying games such as Dungeons & Dragons. The Bones campaign is now the third-highest grossing […]

Over the summer, 10 students from various departments at UC Davis have been getting together at the university’s Genome Centre to address the issue of plastic in landfills. The students are members of the UC Davis International Genetically Engineered Machine (iGEM), team and have been working on a special project for the world’s premiere collegiate […]

These days, consumers increasingly want to buy more sustainable products, and companies like AT&T are rising to the challenge. Over the last year, AT&T has been making headway in the field of sustainability, from accessory packaging made from 30 per cent plant-based materials, to creating a consumer-focused sustainability website, called EcoSpace, where customers can recycle […]

It was recently announced that more than 1.5 million transparent Louis Ghost chairs have been sold over the last 10 years. The chair, which was designed by Philippe Starck in 2002, has been touted by its producer, Kartell, as being “the most widely sold design chair in the world.” Through the design of the chair, […]

The New Freeform 3D modelling solution from Geomagic is expected to make a big splash at the Gen Con 2014 in Indianapolis — the largest gaming show in the world. At the show, Wyrd Miniatures will be debuting their new line of miniature plastic game characters that make use of this new 3D digital sculpting […]

The manufacturing industry is always on the front line of innovation, and in 2012 you can expect to see some incredible products being pumped out. The following is a look at some of the big ideas fuelling the manufacturing industry for 2012. 3D printing One of the biggest ideas shaping manufacturing in 2012 is 3D […]

If you are trying to come up with a prototype for a product you would like to have produced and sold, the most important part of the entire process is the brainstorming and researching that you need to do first. The more groundwork you do in the preparation stages, the more likely you are to […]

If you are interested in computer based design, art, music, culture and making things better, you really need to check out the city of Helsinki and what will be going on there over the next year as it becomes the World Design Capital. Being named the World Design Capital is an extremely high level of […]

For your product launch to be effective, you’ll want people to be expecting it by the time it actually arrives. There are all sorts of ways you can build the hype. You should look at your product launch as being one part of a greater promotional effort, and ensure you’re doing all the important lead-up […]

Coming up with product ideas for your business that are creative and unique can be a hard task when it seems like everything has already been created, so you’re going to have to come up with ways to bend your mind a little. The best product ideas are often the simplest, so try and get […]

Every product you see at any store was probably delivered on a pallet. There are many different types of pallets, with wood and plastic being the most common. Thanks to plastic injection moulding, plastic pallets are designed for both space-efficiency and durability. Whether you’re moving or plan on opening a store, you can use plastic […]

Whenever you brush your teeth, do you ever stop and wonder how your toothbrush came to be? Why is it that shape? Who chose that colour? A toothbrush may seem like a simple plastic object, but bringing it from concept to production can be a mind bending task. FROM MIND TO MOULD TO MOLAR: THE MANUFACTURING PROCESS, […]

Plastic injection moulding is a booming industry. Almost every product in the 21st century requires plastic in one form or another. The invention of plastic was one of the greatest achievements in industrial production due to the fact that it’s synthetic and not limited in nature. Here are the eight most important types of plastic […]

If you are interested in product design and the overall design process, you are probably already aware that there is far more to the process than simply creating an object. This process involves a great deal of creativity as well as the ability to look at a problem from a non-linear perspective.

Mass manufacture can seem a scary business. Here we answer those questions you need to ask, but just don’t quite feel comfortable blurting out into you first meeting with your designer or supplier.

Few things are as ubiquitous as the plastic bag. Full of utility, a plastic bag is not only an efficient way of carrying things around, but it also serves as an efficient and reusable storage device. However, few people really know the history of the plastic bag, even though it is so prevalent in our […]

If you want to make anything these days, you are know you are going to consult with an industrial designer. Some of the best understand how to get your ideas ready for the toolmaker so that you can produce what you need for, let’s say, plastic injection moulding – the most common method of production […]

The process of plastic injection moulding was invented in 1872. Full-blown utilisation of the process has now resulted in a worldwide multi-billion-dollar industry. In fact, around 32% of all plastics are processed by injection moulding systems. The durable construction, cheap prices and a steadily increasing demand has had a major impact on society.

In terms of plastic injection moulding, the importance of ribs only becomes evident when you are aware of the entire design process. Ribs are used to strengthen the walls of your mould without increasing wall thickness which means that you minimise the problems that come into play when the wall thicknesses have to be increased.

Plastic injection moulding is used to produce parts from thermoplastic materials which can be used in a variety of industries. Without dwelling on the mechanics of the process involved, here we will take a look at the complex design process that guarantees a good end result. Normally, an industrial designer or engineer will design a […]

Ribs are thin wall protrusions that extend perpendicularly from a wall or plane. They are usually found in clusters offering support to a plane that would have otherwise been too thick, but can also be a stand-alone support for a single wall. Ribs are an important part of product design and will ensure that your […]

When you’re developing your product, the designer might come to you and say “I want to reduce the wall thickness in your part” even though you’ve said time and time again that you want a strong durable product. So why do designers push for thin walls? Let’s find out…