New and Emerging Technologies

What is automation?

The use of computer systems and control technology to operate equipment

What does the increase of CAM and computer numerical control (CNC) mean?

Fewer hand tools are used so there’s greater accuracy and consistency of manufacture

What is crowd funding?

A way for people to raise awareness and money for a project/idea. The enterprise will typically have a funding ‘goal’ that needs to be met. Useful for start-ups

How has crowd funding got easier?

The internet and specific websites

What is virtual marketing?

The use of web-based marketing techniques including email marketing and social media.

What are co-operatives?

A business or organisation that’s run jointly by its members. They benefit from the buying power of its entire membership

What is planned obsolescence?

A business strategy where a product is designed to be no longer useful after a set period of time.

What is CAD?

Computer-aided design. The use of computer software to produce designs for products.

What are the advantages of CAD?

• Extremely accurate

• Reduced cost of storage space

• Files can be shared quickly

• Designs can be simulated to see how well they’ll function

• Designs can be exported

What are the disadvantages of CAD?

• High set up costs

• Some designers may not be familiar with the technology

What is CAM?

Computer-aided manufacture. The use of computer software to control machine tools to manufacture products.

What are the advantages of CAM?

• Complex shapes can be produced more easily

• Consistency of manufacture

• Enables high levels of precision and accuracy

• Greater efficiency

What are the disadvantages of CAM?

• High start up costs

• Operators must be trained

• For one-off products, CAM is actually slower

What is lean manufacturing?

An approach that aims to make products in the most effective and efficient way possible.

What are some examples of activity that does not add value to the product (waste)?

• Moving products around a factory

• Time workers spend looking for tools

• Making too many products

What is just-in-time (JIT) production?

When suppliers deliver materials only when they’re needed.

What are the benefits of JIT?

• Less money is tied up in materials

• Less waste

What are the costs of JIT?

If suppliers don’t deliver then production may be stopped so deadlines are missed

What are the benefits of flexible manufacturing systems (FMS)?

They can react in the event of change which can include the need for systems to be changed.

What is technology push?

When new products are produced because of new materials or manufacturing methods becoming available. R&D is a key part of this.

What is market pull?

When new products are developed because of market forces.

Why should trees be replanted?

To ensure there’s a continuous supply and prevent deforestation.

How can designers aim to reduce the amount of waste that’s created through designing?

Make products from recyclable or biodegradable materials, or making products easy to disassemble or reuse.

What is continuous improvement?

Where ongoing incremental improvements are made to a product or process

What is inclusive design?

Designing products and systems that can be used by everyone. Ideally this should be without any special adaptations.

What is exclusive design?

When products are designed for a particular group of people or a limited audience. E.g. car seats for children