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 Case
Studies
Case 1:
Texas Instruments (TI)
Color Electrographic Printer
Product Concept:
Texas Instruments desired to implement its novel and proprietary
Digital Micro-Mirror (DMD) technology into new application areas. TI
elected to develop a color Electrophotographic (EP) electronic
printer utilizing the DMD technology as a critical element within
the exposure sub-system, replacing the more commonly used laser and
LED technologies. TI was also able to take advantage of its
microprocessor DSP technology by incorporating it within the RIP
controller of the printer system. The product was to be an 8-PPM,
CMYK dry powder, graphic art quality, network/workgroup printer,
with easy to use customer maintenance via operator replaceable
components.
TPR Value Added:
TPR was a central and key participant
in the development of this EP printer. The value added by TPR
included the following:
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The rapid establishment of a 17K sq-ft "skunk works" facility and
environment located in Carlsbad, CA, away from the TI Dallas based
headquarters.
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The effective melding of approximately 35 TPR technologists, with
25 Dallas based TI engineers transferred to Carlsbad, with an
additional dozen independent contractors into a fast paced and fun
engineering environment.
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The development of an elegant product architecture, combining
proven technologies/features with new capabilities such as an
"oil-less" fuser system, and a simple consumables replacement
strategy via cartridges.
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Rapid Engineering Model (EM) development cycle. Six fully
configured working printers were architected and delivered within 13
months of startup. The initial print quality was unsurpassed at such
an early stage in a development program.
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Incorporation of extensive EP process experience and expertise
together with high volume consumer product development experience.
End Result:
This was truly a remarkable EP development program, enabled by
the successful blending of TPR technologists, with TI engineers, and
outside contractors. In just a little over a year, a complete
engineering model system design with over 2,000 parts, was
architected, developed, fabricated, and delivered. The print quality
achieved within days of the first system integration was the best
ever observed (in TPR's experience) so soon in an EP development
program. Six fully configured systems were completed during this
time period. The friendships and working relationships built during
this program will last a lifetime.
Why TPR?:
TI brought a number of significant contributions to the development effort,
including the DMD and DSP technologies, together with a very competent
set of 25 engineers. However, the TI team did not have commercial product
development experience nor did they have any expertise and experience
in EP printer technology and development. TPR was engaged by TI to provide
the EP and consumer product development capability and to additionally
set up and provide the fast paced 'skunk-works" development environment
for rapid implementation.
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