IEN: What are the major concerns facing the materials sector, and how can they be addressed?
Reitz: Within niche markets like the rapid prototyping materials arena, a key challenge is balancing investment in the development of new materials technology as a means of growing new applications with sustainable overall product value. A solid IP (intellectual property) strategy is a must, accompanied by an actionable marketing communication activity that emphasizes value creation.
IEN: What are the best-of-breed design tools used in developing today''s new materials? How are they utilized? What role does nanotechnology play? How about rapid prototyping?
Reitz: Nanotechnology is playing an increasingly more important role within rapid prototyping materials, such as stereolithography, based on processing characteristics (ability to maintain suspensions) as well as dramatically modifying neat resin performance as both a reinforcement as well as special effects filler. DSM''s latest product, NanoForm 15120 (pictured), is a material designed to act like traditional liquids, yet provide many of the material properties of glass-reinforced polyamides.
As rapid prototyping continues to evolve toward the capabilities required for rapid manufacturing of finished articles and rapid tooling applications, new applications for molded polymers will emerge.
IEN: How much progress do you see toward integrating the different segments of product development -- design, engineering, manufacturing, supply chain?
Reitz: In the race to develop products quickly and effectively, efficient integration of all elements of product development will be a key competitive differentiator in maximizing the market lifecycle of a product. Rapid prototyping is a key tool to the development cycle ranging from communication models, fit and function testing, rapid tooling and, increasingly, manufacturing of the final product. As products are being created, prototypes are often handed off to purchasing so that the supply chain can be prepared for the next hot product to come on the market.
As RP materials advance in mechanical performance and aging characteristics, rapid manufacturing of finished articles becomes more viable.
IEN: What are the R & D hotspots? Which ones are closest to commercialization?
Reitz: Two new materials that DSM will be commercializing in 2005 include fire-retardant materials as well as a low-durometer elastomer-like material. Again, the goal is to be able to create custom, finished parts from equipment traditionally used in rapid prototyping. The basic chemistry of photopolymers, which are used in stereolithography materials, makes creating a high-impact, high-temperature-resistant material challenging. (Panasonic X70 camera phone prototype was made from DSM Somos 9120 ProtoFunctional resin.)
Composite technology will continue to expand material performance options in RP materials. NanoForm 15120 was recently commercialized.
IEN: Will Product Lifecycle Management play an increased role in design? Why/Why not?
Reitz: Product Lifecycle Management will play a crucial role in design as new rapid prototyping materials are developed. PLM will assist design engineers with a decision as to whether or not they can justify using a new rapid prototyping material for end use when its lifespan may differ from that of traditional products. Certain PLM strategies could fuel freshened takes on functional designs to maintain consumer interest.
IEN: What advances do you see in collaborative design?
Reitz: There is an increasing dependence on rapid prototyping to produce parts that perform more than form and fit results. There is an increasing need for function verification, and the prototypes are also being subjected to a variety of conditions and environments in order to determine how they react and perform. RP will continue to perform an important role in the communication of concepts.
IEN: How can security issues (managed firewalls, spam control, managed virus scanning, etc.) be resolved? What about communication issues (wireless and other protocols, etc.)?
Reitz: Communication with the customer is key, and DSM Somos uses instant messaging in order for their customers to contact their customer support group. When a customer has a problem, they enter their information into a form located on the website. Instantly, all salespeople and customer support personnel receive a text message on their cell phones. The goal is to be able to respond to the customer in 10 minutes or less from an individual who can resolve the problem. By channeling the communication portals into one highly effective method, there is an increased customer satisfaction rate and less chance of overlapping work.