Aluminium Extrusion and Tooling Design: design of a Multifunctional Highchair for Kids

Abstract

This report embraces the technical and conceptual design process carried out within the Modern Manufacturing module brief, which requires the development of a product which had been manufactured by aluminium extrusion. A further research has been made through different technical and informational resources as a visit to Sapa UK Ltd., one of the most important companies of aluminium solutions, so as to establish the design requirements and restrictions that had been taken into account when the final concept was selected. This selection had been done by a analysis of different criteria related to aluminium extrusion requirements and the general product design process, a baby highchair was the most suitable concept, due to its versatility and the ease of use Aluminium for its manufacture. The election of the final concept had been followed by the analysis of the suitable Aluminium alloy and the posterior finishing and machining processes given to the product. The concept had been developed in order to get a technical and commercial viability, were taken into account the environmental impact and the lifecycle of the product.