I've just finished reading a small, yet very useful book called Digital Manufacturing for Dummies, by Brian Underdahl. A part of the Wiley series of For Dummies books, this particular installment was commissioned by Proto Labs and is an easy read at only 66 pages.
Despite its size, the book is packed full of useful information for design and manufacturing engineers, and even the maker community. It describes the key points of digital manufacturing, what it is, why it’s important and what it can do for you.
The book touches upon basic processes in 3D printing, CNC machining and injection molding. It even describes what materials you should use, including commodity plastics, the basic metals and what their benefits and features are.
Digital Manufacturing for Dummies walks you through how to find a digital manufacturer who can do what you’re looking for. It's a crucial and often overlooked part of the DM process.
This book would be ideal for design engineers who want to learn more about techniques they need for short run, pilot run, or even mass production. It could also help them think about critical design elements they need to consider to make a part truly producible. An excellent example concerns draft angles....getting a part out of an injection mold is far from trivial, and the book clearly and simply lays out the design issues.
I think this book can be a great addition to your "tool kit" and as a bonus, it's a fun read.
To learn more about Digital Manufacturing for Dummies or to receive your free copy, click here.