Manufacturing Processes for Design Professionals

Author: Rob Thompson
Publisher: Thames & Hudson (2007) · Language: English
ISBN-10: 0500513759 · ISBN-13: 978-0500513750

Overview

Manufacturing Processes for Design Professionals by Rob Thompson is an essential reference for designers, engineers, and architects seeking to understand the full range of manufacturing technologies available in contemporary product development. Combining technical depth with visual clarity, this book bridges the gap between design intent and production feasibility, offering a comprehensive guide to how things are made.

Richly illustrated and meticulously organized, it presents detailed explanations of materials, processes, and production techniques, enabling professionals to make informed decisions that balance creativity, functionality, and manufacturability.

What You’ll Learn

1. Overview of Manufacturing Methods

Gain a deep understanding of primary manufacturing processes—including casting, molding, forming, machining, and joining—and their impact on design outcomes.

2. Material Selection and Design

Learn how different materials—such as metals, polymers, ceramics, and composites—behave during processing, and how they influence the form, texture, and function of a product.

3. Advanced Manufacturing Technologies

Explore modern and emerging processes like additive manufacturing, rapid prototyping, and digital fabrication, highlighting their role in innovation and design flexibility.

4. Sustainable and Efficient Production

Understand eco-design principles, energy-efficient manufacturing, and material lifecycle considerations essential for sustainable product design.

5. Real-World Case Studies

Study examples from leading industrial designers and manufacturers, illustrating how process knowledge translates into practical, high-quality design solutions.

Why This Book Matters

This volume is widely regarded as the definitive handbook for industrial designers and design engineers, providing both inspiration and technical expertise. Its clear visual diagrams, photographs, and process breakdowns make it an invaluable studio and workshop reference.

Rob Thompson’s approach uniquely integrates aesthetic design considerations with engineering precision, fostering collaboration between designers and manufacturers while encouraging innovative problem-solving in product development.

Who Should Read This Book

• Industrial designers and product developers seeking to understand manufacturing capabilities

• Engineers and architects aiming to align design and production efficiently

• Educators and students in industrial design, product engineering, or manufacturing courses

• Design professionals focused on sustainable, functional, and market-ready products

Key Topics Covered

• Manufacturing fundamentals and classifications

• Material behavior and selection

• Forming, machining, and molding processes

• Joining, finishing, and surface treatment techniques

• Additive manufacturing and rapid prototyping

• Sustainable design and materials efficiency

• Case studies and process visualizations

Conclusion

Manufacturing Processes for Design Professionals by Rob Thompson is a comprehensive and visually stunning reference that unites design creativity with industrial know-how. Its blend of technical accuracy, visual explanation, and real-world application makes it an indispensable resource for anyone involved in product design, manufacturing, and material innovation.