Design Firm Perspective

A recent interview with Ian White, an experienced industrial designer with the firm DesignDesign, Inc., offers valuable insights into the relationship between design firms and Reaction Injection Molding (RIM) manufacturers, particularly focusing on his firm's long-standing partnership with Exothermic.

White's design firm serves as a crucial liaison between manufacturers and RIM producers, helping clients navigate manufacturing decisions without direct financial interest in the manufacturing process. The firm specializes in designing exteriors for instruments, products, and devices across various sectors, including medical, military, and high-tech applications.

Client Relationships and Manufacturing Decisions

The design process typically begins with a concept phase, where the team develops illustrations and evaluates appropriate manufacturing methods. White emphasizes the importance of early collaboration with manufacturers for budgetary considerations, noting that preliminary cost estimates help prevent design directions that might prove unfeasible for clients.

Many of their clients come through trade shows, particularly regional Design-2-Part shows, where companies often seek manufacturing solutions before realizing they need design support first. The firm maintains long-term relationships with clients across various sectors, including material sciences and medical device applications.

RIM Manufacturing Advantages

White highlighted several key advantages of RIM manufacturing:

• Cost-effective tooling for large parts compared to traditional injection molding
• Superior capability for producing feature-laden designs
• Ability to incorporate complex elements like ribs and bosses
• Excellent solution for low to medium production volumes

He specifically mentioned successful projects, including medical diagnostic equipment and analytical instrumentation, where RIM proved ideal for large, complex parts requiring precise specifications and high-quality finishing.

Material Innovation Impact

The interview revealed interesting insights about recent material innovations in RIM manufacturing. White discussed Exothermic's implementation of a new, more durable material that has significantly improved impact resistance. He described demonstration tests where parts made with the new material could withstand being driven over by vehicles - a substantial improvement over previous materials.

Collaborative Design Process

A significant portion of the discussion focused on the collaborative nature of the design process. White emphasized the importance of understanding manufacturing constraints and working closely with manufacturers to optimize designs for production. This includes considering factors like air trap prevention and proper orientation during the molding process.

Long-Term Partnership Value

The interview highlighted the value of long-term manufacturing partnerships. White cited examples of products that have continued production at Exothermic for over 15 years, even as larger corporations acquired the original client companies. This continuity demonstrates the importance of reliable manufacturing partnerships in maintaining product quality and consistency.

The insights from this interview underscore the complex relationship between industrial designers and manufacturers, highlighting how successful partnerships can lead to innovative solutions and long-term business success in the manufacturing sector.