I can't sketch!!

Having problems with your sketching? Don't worry, have a look at some of these images and videos that should give you a few ideas on how to improve your sketching.

This video shows how to draw using the two point perspective technique. Look how quickly the objects come together...does it look that hard?!

Using two point perspective allows you to create shapes and objects really quickly. Have a look at is doodle...

In no time at all you can have a page full of great sketches, using this simple technique. Have a better look online for some more video tutorials and ask your teacher for a demonstration. You'll be surprised how quickly you'll pick it up!

If you're a bit more confident, check out these sketches...

With a bit of practice...

Rotational Moulding

A mould is filled with a measured amount of plastic powder. The mould is closed and rotated around 2 or 3 axis while being heated. This allows the plastic to be distributed over the mould surface. When cooled, the mould is opened and the product is removed. 

Used to produce ‘seem free’ products and is suited to small production runs, unlike injection moulding. There is no external pressure involved in the process. Products produced are hollow and stress-free and come in a wide range of shapes and sizes. The steel moulds have different coatings:

·        - Copper – better surface detail

·        - Electroformed nickel – best surface detail (more expensive)

·        - Aluminium – better heat transfer

The video shows a large water tank being rotationally moulded. Quite impressive!

What materials are best suited to rotational moulding? What features would you expect to see on a product that is rotational moulded?

Compression Moulding

Compression moulding is almost always used for shaping thermosetting plastics. The process requires plastic to be placed into a mould cavity where it is heated. When it plasticises it is pressed into shape by a heated punch.

Scrap rates are low because there are no sprues or runners, unlike injection moulding. Initial tool costs are high but tool wear is low, making it ideal for long batch runs. Low material shrinkage meaning it is good for products with a small tolerance. Curing time is between 0.5 and 3 minutes, reducing production time in comparison with injection moulding.

Typical products include plugs, wall sockets, light switches and smoke alarms. 

Can you name any other products that have been compression moulded? What types of material can be compression moulded?

Injection Moulding

Injection moulding allows large quantities of plastic products to be made quickly. It is one of the most important industrial processes in the mass production of plastic goods. Initial tooling costs are very high therefore it is necessary to sell large numbers of the products being manufactured to recover costs.
Thermoplastic granules are heated and forced into mould under pressure. When cool, the mould is opened and the component, which is the exact shape of the mould cavity, is extracted.

Common products include computer game controllers, golf tees, chair seats, plastic bins and lids and clothes pegs. 

Check out this videos that explain the injection moulding process particularly well...

See if you can answer the following questions...
- What other products can you think of are injection moulded?
- Can you explain why injection moulding is economical over large production batches?
- What features show that products are injection moulded?

Welcome!!!

Hello and welcome to the Higher Product Design Blog!

If you're passionate about product design and want to do well in your course then keep an eye on the Higher Product Design Blog. The HPDB has been created to help higher product design students from all around Scotland gain access to all sorts of fantastic resources that will help them in their studies.

We hope to bring to you exciting and up to date news from the world of product design and showcase amazing work being done by designers from all four corners of the Earth. With a bit of luck, the HPDB will give you ideas and inspiration that will help you through your studies.

Don't feel left out if you're an intermediate or advanced higher pupils because the news and information that we'll be posting will be just as relevant to you too.

Thanks for reading. Keep your eyes peeled for some major updates really soon!

The HPDB Team