Why Materials

Ancient India has been a torchbearer in Metallurgy. Right from the Iron pillar in Delhi, Investment cast Nataraj statues, Metallic Mirror etc there are many such examples. Materials play an important role in any design/construction. The design can be of any device, any appliances, automotive, Valves, pumps etc

First and foremost requirement of any design is its reliability i.e longevity with passage of time. The best example here is Iron pillar withstanding environmental impact for long periods without any corrosion

In other sectors, it is synonymous with the durability of the product be it automotive, appliances, engineering products under all operating conditions in the field. Right selection of materials plays an important role towards ensuring the same. The manufacturing processes in turn depend upon the materials used.

Again there are examples of a lightweight design and a value engineered design.To make the design lightweight, it requires use of material where it is really required in terms of loads/stresses. Again to produce the same the manufacturing processes need to be selected including Metal injection molding

A value-engineered design requires use of materials judiciously based on the value offered by the end product. One way of achieving this, of course, can be lightweighting again

In all such designs, there is no second opinion that materials play an important role. Right from using powder metals( powder Metallurgy), MIM , non ferrous materials like Aluminum, magnesium, forgings, there are various design options to use materials in combination with appropriate manufacturing processes to achieve the end results.