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Manufacturing Processes for Design Professionals

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An encyclopaedic guide to production techniques and materials for product and industrial designers, engineers, and architects. Today's product designers are presented with a myriad of choices when creating their work and preparing it for manufacture. They have to be knowledgeable about a vast repertoire of processes, ranging from what used to be known as traditional "crafts" to the latest technology, to enable their designs to be manufactured effectively and efficiently. Information on the internet about such processes is often unreliable, and search engines do not usefully organize material for designers.

This fundamental new resource explores innovative production techniques and materials that are having an impact on the design industry worldwide. Organized into four easily referenced parts―Forming, Cutting, Joining, and Finishing―over seventy manufacturing processes are explained in depth with full technical descriptions; analyses of the typical applications, design opportunities, and considerations each process offers; and information on cost, speed, and environmental impact. The accompanying step-by-step case studies look at a product or component being manufactured at a leading international supplier.

A directory of more than fifty materials includes a detailed technical profile, images of typical applications and finishes, and an overview of each material's design characteristics. With some 1,200 color photographs and technical illustrations, specially commissioned for this book, this is the definitive reference for product designers, 3D designers, engineers, and architects who need a convenient, highly accessible, and practical reference. 1,200 color photographs and illustrations

528 pages, Hardcover

First published November 30, 2007

33 people are currently reading
743 people want to read

About the author

Rob Thompson

81 books10 followers

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5 stars
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45 (22%)
3 stars
17 (8%)
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
Profile Image for Bob Steele.
32 reviews3 followers
October 11, 2018
I was beyond pleasantly surprised with this book. I would describe it as more than just a compendium of manufacturing techniques and materials. The descriptions, photos and illustrations (1,200+) extend well beyond brief encyclopedic articles. Many of the processes are described in detail. The book is divided into five sections that have conveniently color coded edges. I was also shocked at the high quality printing (2014 reprint). It is on par with collectible art books.

Could the book be improved - of course, It was written in 2007. If/when Rob Thompson creates an updated edition, I will be among the first to purchase it. The biggest shock factor was the price. With my Amazon Prime membership, I bought this book for $62 making it a no-brainer purchase decision. Enjoy.
7 reviews
January 4, 2014
Best textbook I've ever owned. Absolutely necessary for anyone studying or in the field of product design.
Profile Image for BOEKE LEZER.
4 reviews
October 20, 2024
Echt wel een banger van een boek weegt ook 5 kilo. Staat bekend als de bijbel voor industrieel product ontwerpen. Heb dit boek destijds helemaal uit mijn hoofd geleerd, dat was echter niet echt nodig. Het is een handig naslag werk met mooie en duidelijke afbeeldingen.
123 reviews1 follower
December 6, 2020
absolutely love it. concise and informative. use it a lot.
Profile Image for Nick.
8 reviews
September 22, 2020
Good for erudition. Overview for designers of durable goods. Easy to digest. Outstanding illustrations.

We all understand, of course, that behind each 4-5 page section lurks least a full book chapter of in-depth information, or an entire book on the subject matter, or three books.

Rapid prototyping had evolved a lot since 2007. The section on rapid prototyping is somewhat out of date.

The book could use some proofreading by manufacturing engineers, electrical engineers, physicists.
Profile Image for Marco Klein.
48 reviews1 follower
April 19, 2025
Nice and informative overview of many different processes. The last section on materials is a nice addition, which is laid out in more detail in his other book 'Materials Sourcebook for Design Professionals.' This books covers a wide range of processes used in manufacturing, from simple to complex.

Good to have on your desk if you are thinking about pieces you are designing and feasibility, practicality and opportunities of making things. Serves as a good reference. Material characteristics and uses are examined along with aspects of sustainability and commercial opportunities. Most materials are presented with well-known or Avantgarde products that make particular use of each material's unique properties.
Profile Image for Amanda.
2 reviews1 follower
October 10, 2015
Excellent book outlining a wide variety of design and production processes. For each process Thompson gives an overview of methodology, general cost implications, common industry uses and some key factors designers should consider.
Profile Image for Dana.
4 reviews
July 8, 2009
Great resource for any architect..
1 review1 follower
Want to read
July 30, 2011
hi
this is Good book.for design engg
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews

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