The task was to manufacture a fully functional mp3 amplifier to be produced as a promotional item. I chose to create my speaker for the High Speed Rail Network. There was a range of images to look at to provide inspiration, looking into the trains themselves, logos and the architecture of the train stations. I wanted the amplifier not to be a replica of a train, but to show an interpretation of a modern, advanced and new technology.
By generating a sketch on pro-engineer I felt that using the layer technique was most practical. This was because I had a used the laser cutter previously making me aware of times and availability. I originally wanted to produce my speaker using plywood; this was because the finish would have been quicker to achieve (using sanding tools and filler), wanted to use wood screws to fix back of product and would have been a lot more cost effective. However, sadly I was unable to use plywood as the correct thickness I would have needed to use on the laser cutter was unavailable to me, as there was none accessible under 3.5mm thick. Therefore, being aware of the time restraints, I opted to use a 3mm sheet of acrylic. This was a great deal more expensive than using other materials, but I felt a plastic of such type would be used in the production of this speaker. I managed to produce a smooth surface around the edges and the use of acrylic created a light weight model. If I was going to manufacture this speaker again I think I would look into using CNC router as I felt I simplified my design to be able to make in that process, where now I think my design would of benefited from having curved edges, being rounded more and having thought more about the components that where put inside.
The main advantages of my prototype were the weight of the model and use of a material that would have possibly used in production. The colours I used showed the train theme and I feel, gave it a modern look. I do think the finish on the edges was done to the best of my abilities with the facilities I had to use, sadly a few marks where left due to dirt getting in between the layers that had been glued together. By soaking the empty casing in warm water, I was able to remove some of the marks. I also feel that the back is simple to remove, making the mechanism easily reached.
Thinking about the size of my prototype, I do feel I could have made it smaller, this would have helped with cost. Also, because I had wanted to create a speaker that was effortlessly transportable, I feel I failed in this specification. The size of the casing also gives space to the speaker parts inside to move around, such as the unattached battery rattles. This would be resolved by making a smaller model and also by thinking more about the layout of the components in the design process.
