MATERIALS PARK, Ohio, June 5 /PRNewswire/ -- Mtrl, an initiative of ASM International (the Materials Information Society), will host a design workshop in Chicago July 12-13 at the Illinois Institute of Design. The workshop will focus on metals and polymers, exploring how the latest materials and fabrication processes influence product design.

The two-day Mtrl workshop will include an afternoon tour of a contract manufacturing firm featuring injection molding processing, tooling and design considerations. Lectures will explore materials selection and behavior for aesthetics, consumer acceptance, durability, cost, fabrication, compatibility and workability. Attendees will broaden their design vocabulary and will leave with a greater command of the metals and polymers that will ultimately bring their designs to life.

"Materials are the cornerstone of every product, yet few designers understand how their unique sensorial properties can make or break their design," said Laura Marshall, ASM's Director of Business Initiatives. "Mtrl workshops give designers the opportunity to dive into the world of materials and be inspired by their potential."

Mtrl is an industry initiative aimed at providing designers with "material about materials." Mtrl has conducted several workshops since its launch last year, including one in Chicago, to enable designers to learn about materials through the intersection of art, science, and engineering. Additional workshops are planned this year in San Francisco, Boston, and Cleveland.

Materials experts Kiersten Muenchinger and John Peppler will facilitate the workshop. Ms. Muenchinger is a practicing designer, business owner and educator in the San Francisco Bay area, and Mr. Peppler is ASM International's Lab Manager, responsible for management and maintenance of the ASM Education Lab and corresponding educational courses.

To register online, visit: http://www.asminternational.org/mtrl/wrkshp

To register by phone, call: 800-336-5152, or +1-440-338-5151 (outside the US).

About Mtrl

Mtrl is the brainchild of ASM International, the Materials Information Society, which has been the leading resource for the advancement of materials knowledge for nearly 100 years. Aimed at designers ranging from industrial and consumer product design to architects and interior designers, Mtrl's wealth of materials information is provided through first-hand experience, interactive workshops, sample books, and more.

   Contact:
   Rego Giovanetti
   Communications Officer
   ASM International
   440-338-5151
   rego.giovanetti@asminternational.org

   Candice Perodeau
   Rainier Corporation (for ASM)
   978-464-5302 x112
   asmpr@rainierco.com

Source: ASM International

CONTACT: Rego Giovanetti, Communications Officer of ASM International,
+1-440-338-5151, rego.giovanetti@asminternational.org; or Candice Perodeau of
Rainier Corporation, +1-978-464-5302 x112, asmpr@rainierco.com, for ASM

Web site: http://www.asminternational.org/
http://www.asminternational.org/mtrl/wrkshp