Imperial International
Prototype Design and Testing
Description and aims
Although a developer of cookware products within the UK, Imperial inevitably has most of its products manufactured abroad; this has left Imperial with little ability to prototype and evaluate new product ideas within the UK. This project was to see how the New Product Development Centre (NPDC) at De Montfort University could be utilised to help realise new products for Imperial and provide a mechanism to exploit new markets.
About Imperial International
Imperial International was established in Leicester in 1967. In 1972 it diversified into the manufacture of cookware products. Imperial is now the only remaining developer of cookware products within the UK.
How the project is being undertaken
The New Product Development Centre (NPDC), is a £ 0.5 million product design and development facility established and managed by the De Montfort University Design Unit and funded by the Leicestershire Economic Partnerships.
The aims of this facility is to:
- Provide a resource that demonstrates to SME’s and design houses how innovation can add value in new product development
- Provide a resource to help promote manufacturing and design
- Provide a resource where critical but constructive evaluation of design proposals can take place
- Provide a resource to provide build awareness and confidence in emerging technologies
- Provide a resource to help promote manufacturing and design within the region
In particular the NPD centre assisted Imperial International and Gavin Thompson design to develop and prototype the ‘Babushka’ range of nesting cooking and frying pans in the form of fully functional prototypes.
This exercise involved resolving manufacturing issues, catering for production tolerances within the CAD data and producing prototypes within the NDD centre facilities.
A combination of 3D CAD modelling, CNC machining, 3D printing, vacuum wax casting and investment casting in aluminium alloy was utilised within the process.
Impacts and benefits
Imperial International was provided with high quality prototypes with which to visit trade fairs and stimulate interest in the product from manufacturers.
Imperial are now taking the Babushka range to manufacture in partnership with an Italian company with high hopes for significant sales and therefore increased revenue and job security for both Imperial and the Italians.
This has also proven the validity for the effectiveness of the NPD centre provision for future projects with Imperial International and for many other manufacturers and design houses within the region.
For more information about the project
If you would like to hear more about this project, please contact Peter Ford, Head of Commercial Design, De Montfort University.
Email: design@dmu.ac.uk
Telephone: 0116 250 6238
University
Academic Lead
Peter Ford
Design Innovation
Contact
0116 250 6238