Hardware Podcasts

S5E16 James Rogers | R&D Engineering Series – Interview 1 of 6

Being an Engineer · 19 Apr 2024 · 42m · Episode 16

What this episode covers

James Rogers, a mechanical engineer with a master's in additive manufacturing, discusses the unique mindset required for R&D engineering, emphasizing the need to embrace ambiguity and failure as learning opportunities. He contrasts R&D with sustaining engineering, highlighting challenges like analysis paralysis, the planning fallacy, and moving goalposts in project management. Rogers details essential tools such as SolidWorks, FMEA, and tolerance stack-up analysis, while noting the transformative impact of 3D printing on rapid iteration. He also shares his experience working with Disney Imagineers on the Tokyo Disneyland Beauty and the Beast ride and offers advice on navigating office politics and finding satisfaction in the problem-solving process itself rather than just product launches.

Most relevant to

early-stage companies

Topics

Mentioned

Companies
Pipeline Design & Engineering, Disney Imagineers, Honda R&D
Products
Tokyo Disneyland
Tools
SolidWorks, FMEA
Also
Baja SAE

Related episodes from other shows

Other shows on the same ground, closest first.

  • IDology · 27m

    IDology #7 - Tips on outsourcing R&D and product design work

    Rafał Piłat and Anita Rogoża of Mindsailors discuss the strategic value of outsourcing Research and Development (R&D) to external design studios. They detail specific projects, including a medical catheter requiring manufacturing feasibility analysis and a mobile heart sensor where they redesigned a painful mounting mechanism for elderly patients. The conversation also covers bypassing existing patents for shower drainage systems and highlights failed R&D attempts, such as non-compliant plastic scaffolding planks, to illustrate the importance of clear briefs and regulatory awareness.

    Mechanical engineeringDesign for manufacturing & NPI
    8 chapters

  • Making It · 58m

    367: It looks like the picture on the box

    Jimmy Diresta, Bob Clagett, and David Picciuto discuss the balance between researching and figuring things out on the fly. Bob Clagett details his work on a Buddha head using fairing compound and an oscillating tool, while David Picciuto shares lessons from dyeing wood for a pizza table. Jimmy Diresta demonstrates creating a chrome Star Wars thermal detonator prop, highlighting the challenges of finishing 3D prints. The hosts debate the value of deep research versus experimental prototyping in maker projects.

    Prototyping & iterationMaterials & manufacturing processes
    8 chapters

  • Product Startup · 35m

    082: Smooth Product Flow from Visual Design to Engineering

    Robert Irwin, former Lead Industrial Designer at Amazon for the Amazon Dash Cart, explains how industrial design and mechanical engineering teams can collaborate effectively to avoid costly rework. He advocates for an early, iterative 'ping pong' process where engineers and designers brainstorm constraints and user needs simultaneously, rather than passing work linearly 'over the fence.' Irwin emphasizes that dedicated project management and frequent stakeholder communication are essential to aligning technical feasibility with customer value before tooling begins.

    Industrial & consumer product designMechanical engineering
    6 chapters

  • The Builder Circle · 1h 06m

    S2 E5: Rapid Prototyping Deep Dive with Greg Paulsen

    Greg Paulsen, Director of Applications, Engineering and Marketing at Xometry, discusses the complexities of rapid prototyping and the transition to mass production. He details the pros and cons of various 3D printing technologies, including filament-based FDM, powder bed fusion (SLS, MJF), and resin-based methods (SLA, DLS), explaining how each affects design constraints and scalability. Paulsen highlights common hardware horror stories, such as designing for 3D printing without considering injection molding requirements, leading to prohibitive costs and tooling issues. He emphasizes the importance of clear communication with manufacturers and using AI-driven tools to optimize designs for manufacturability early in the process.

    Prototyping & iterationMaterials & manufacturing processes
    8 chapters

  • Making It · 59m

    Episode 074: They’re not gonna take away your birthday

    Hosts Bob Clagett, Jimmy Diresta, and David Picciuto answer Twitter questions, discussing technical challenges like David's walnut coffee mug resin coating and Bob's CNC machine setup. They debate the definition of a 'maker' and share strategies for overcoming fear, such as ignoring negative feedback and focusing on health and perspective. The episode also covers practical shop advice, including tool maintenance and the balance between form and function in design.

    Industrial & consumer product designMechanical engineering
    11 chapters

The summary, chapters and topics are generated from the episode’s audio by this directory, not written by Being an Engineer. The episode itself belongs to its publisher.