In this engineering and polymer science project, the topic of discussion revolves around the selection of materials and manufacturing methods for a “Garden Chair.” This product finds its purpose mainly in outdoor garden and green spaces for short or extended relaxation, catering to various users like gardeners and the general public. The chair’s design emphasizes coherence and functionality, with components intricately interconnected to form a single piece. The chair features square-shaped bases to provide stability on the ground, while its structural elements seamlessly blend, offering comfort and durability. Ventilation holes and surface details add to its design and utility. It is imperative for the chosen material to withstand outdoor conditions, resist water, and maintain stability against varying temperatures.
The work environment of the product is challenging due to its outdoor usage, making it susceptible to direct contact with water from sources like irrigation and rain. The chosen material must be waterproof, resistant to degradation, and resilient to changing weather conditions. Furthermore, the chair’s material should not react to human sweat or weak acids, ensuring user safety and comfort. Given that the chair is designed for everyday use, it should be lightweight, portable, flexible, and comfortable. Flexibility and comfort play a significant role in making the chair ergonomic and preventing breakage.
The manufacturing process involves creating a unified structure for the chair, with all components seamlessly integrated into one piece. Injection molding is identified as a suitable method due to the chair’s complexity, one-piece design, and the requirement for economical production. Material selection focuses on criteria like affordability, good processability, flexibility, impact resistance, resistance to water and moisture, and a relatively low glass transition temperature. After considering various options, Polypropylene Homopolymer emerges as the final choice due to its suitability for outdoor use, good processability, and overall performance, including flexibility, impact strength, and water resistance. The project’s scope encompasses material selection, design, and manufacturing process planning for the garden chair.
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