When Pepper Computer Inc. needed plastic injection molding for their newly developed Pepper Pad, their product development firm, Essential Design, steered them directly to PTA. Having teamed up on numerous projects with PTA, the consultants were confident PTA would provide just what the project needed: excellent engineering advice, tooling and molding support, and most of all, the ability to work within tight cost and time constraints.

The Pepper Pad is a portable wireless device that combines the best features of a PDA and a laptop computer into a compact (2.3 lb), affordable package. Its successful integration of function and design led to being named a Consumer Electronics Show (CES) Innovations Honoree. Much of the product’s attraction lies in its easy-to-grip shell, which is visually appealing, splash-proof, durable and lightweight. (  View 2  )

• Using ProE files, PTA made real-time changes during the kick-off meeting with Pepper Computer and the product development group.
• Overmolding became an essential element of the front cover design. At PTA's recommendation, the original 2-part cover was re-engineered into a single piece with an overmolded bezel, offering excellent aesthetics and increased ruggedness, while eliminating the need for assembly. ( View 3 )
• Similarly, PTA's overmolding on the scroll knob produced a single piece that could withstand heavy usage and was consistent with the device's sleek, hi-tech image.
• As a result of PTA's recommendations, the Pepper name became highly visible through the TPE.
• Within 10 days, PTA produced the stylus mold; other part molds followed within two-to-three weeks. In total, PTA delivered 29 sets of parts for pilot production in just over three months.
• PTA also proved valuable in guiding the choice of materials and managing the plating and painting vendors.
• By making concurrent adjustments electronically for the numerous product and mold design changes, PTA met all the time commitments with quality parts and the Pepper Pad was delivered to market on schedule.