Aluminum Cups Captain America Group

Problem These are the small glass cups used in most dining halls currently. Very fragile, prone to breaking during accidents in the crowded dining halls. Very inefficient, holding little fluid for its size. Cannot be stacked.

Concept Generation Qualities that would define a drinking glass. Durability Insulation Volume Comfort Ease of Use Safety Price

Aluminum Tumblers Very light. Very durable. Cheap to produce in large numbers. Available in range of colors. Can be laser etched with PSU logo. Modern look. Efficient use of space. Stackable.

Glass Design vs. Al. Design GlassAluminum Durability13 Insulation21 Volume13 Comfort32 Ease of Use13 Safety13 Price23 Total = Lowest 3 = Highest

Cost Comparison per Unit Unit CountGlassAluminum 100 ct.$4.48$ ct.$4.02$ ct.$3.77$ ct.$3.26$2.00 Aluminum laser engraving adds approx. $0.50 per unit.

Rationale Aluminum tumblers are more durable than the glass cups the campus uses currently. Aluminum cups are inexpensive when mass produced, beating the price of the glass cups. Because they do not break often, aluminum cups have a very slow replacement rate compared to glass cups, increasing their price advantage over glass. Aluminum cups are easily laser etched or painted, so the Penn State logo can be etched into the side. Aluminum tumblers make a more effective use of space, meaning an aluminum cup of the same size holds more than a glass cup. The stackable design of aluminum tumblers minimizes the stored space.

Model

Flow Diagram Recycled Aluminum Billet Aluminum Sheets Circular Blanks Aluminum Cups Used by PSU Complete Sustainability Melting Cold Rolling Punching Cold Forming Manufactured in the same way as a 12 fl. oz. aluminum beverage can Worn-out cups for reclamation New cups for Penn State use

Sustainability Using materials in a way that satisfies the current need, buts allows the needs of the future generations to be met. While glass is recyclable, it takes energy to do so, and some material is inevitably lost in the process. Because the aluminum product lasts longer, it does not incur as much waste because it does not need to be recycled as often. The aluminum cup satisfies our current needs, and is durable enough to serve the needs of others in the future.