Feature

Re-imagining product design – 3D printing and the CMF opportunity

In the 21st century, product design is central to driving revenue – it provides an opportunity to connect to consumers, increase sales, and personify and build a brand. The CMF design process – colour, material, finishing – is an essential part of product design but, for various reasons, remains a challenge for designers to integrate easily into the design process.

02/11/2020 12:50:25

In this feature, Yariv Sade, Director of Applications Engineering at Stratasys, looks at the potential of full-colour 3D printing to unlock CMF for the design process, and overcome barriers of traditional design tools.

While a product’s engineering has historically taken centre stage when it comes to bringing it to market, the 21st century takes engineering excellence and product performance for granted. Today, if something is to enjoy the all-important successful launch, then it is the product design that’s king.

In a recent McKinsey study looking at the correlation between product design and business success, it was found that design-led companies have 32 percent more revenue and 56 percent total returns of shareholders than companies that place less focus on design. The results demonstrate that companies that monitor consumer behaviour and understand a product’s look and feel – from colour choice to surface finish – are ahead of the competition.

The designers behind product concepts are therefore under more pressure to deliver the winning design. The processes and tools at their disposal are numerous. However, there are still several barriers for designers in conveying realistic representations of their ideas to potential stakeholders and decision-makers. A crucial challenge for designers is the CMF process.

Read the full article in the November issue of DPA

Written By Sophia Bell

Sophia Bell is the Group Editor of DPA, Connectivity, and PBSI. She joined the team in 2020 as Assistant Editor after achieving a First-Class Honours BA in English Literature and Film Studies from the University of East Anglia. In her current role, she leads the editorial strategy, driving digital growth and ensuring each title continues to deliver trusted, relevant insight for engineering and manufacturing professionals.