This latest book in Rob Thompson's series of highly acclaimed reference guides for design students provides an understanding of the environmental impact of materials, manufacturing processes and product lifecycles, and a guide on how to select and use them in an intelligent way. Divided into three easily referenced parts - Materials, Processes and Lifecycle - the book is packed with practical information and in-depth analysis on 15 materials, 14 processes and six production lifecycles. Each material, process or production lifecycle features a full technical description, concise notes for the designer on its suitability, efficiency, cost-effectiveness and environmental impact, and fully illustrated, step-by-step case studies showing a product, component or material being manufactured by a leading international supplier.
Contents: Intro; Part One, Materials: Plastics; Bio-based Plastics; Cellulose Acetate; Natural Rubber; Steel; Aluminium Alloys; Copper Alloys; Glass; Wood; Engineered Timber; Pulp, Paper and Board; Leather; Wool; Plant Fibres; Biocomposite Prepreg; Part Two, Processes: Injection Molding Bioplastic; Compression Molding; Plastic Extrusion; Molding Recycled Plastic; Composite Laminating; Basket Weaving; Steam Bending; Wood Joinery; Upholstery; Water-based Coating; Electropolishing; Risography; Water-based Printing; Waterless Printing; Part Three, Lifecycle: Recover, Refurbish, Reuse; Returnable Packaging; Mixed Recycling; Plastics Recycling; Paper Recycling; Glass Recycling