Herman Miller Orbiter Desk

The Herman Miller truss and gusset are used in the assembly of a computer desk called the Orbiter (pictured on right). The Orbiter is another facet of the Herman Miller Red line being offered exclusively on the Internet. The gusset is also used in a second application, as an available option in the Orbiter collection. Herman Miller selected CPI as their molder based upon our ability to mold large thermoplastic composite parts that incorporate molded-in inserts and have sufficient strength to replace diecast metal.

The truss and gusset are molded using long glass reinforced polypropylene that meets the mechanical properties required by this application. The molded parts undergo a variety of tests to determine compliance with strength requirements established by Herman Miller. One test places a 200 pound load on top of an assembled Orbiter desk for a total of 20,000 cycles. A second test subjects the desk to a drop impact in which a 50 pound load is dropped from a height of 2 inches and repeated for 20,000 cycles. Static load testing is also performed as part of the acceptance test regimen. A 200 pound load is placed on each side of the desk top for 100 cycles. The Orbiter desk, assembled with the long fiber thermoplastic composite truss and gusset manufactured by CPI, successfully passed all Herman Miller test requirements.

In addition to meeting strength requirements, the truss and the gusset must meet strict visual appearance standards. CPI has been able to develop custom color formulations that met Herman Miller’s rigid color standards.

Herman Miller realized a significant cost reduction by using the CPI in-line compounding process to manufacture the truss and gusset. Traditionally these parts would have been manufactured using aluminum die casting. The die casting process requires a final painting step to achieve the desired color and surface appearance. CPI custom colored compound eliminates the costs associated with the painting process. Molded-in threaded inserts represent an additional cost savings. Aluminum die casting would require secondary operations to add threads to pilot holes. Incorporating threaded inserts as part of the molding cycle for the truss and gusset eliminates the need for secondary drilling.

The Orbiter desk and table were well received by all in attendance at the NEOCON June 2001 furniture show in Chicago. Composite Products, Inc. is proud of its relationship with Herman Miller and is looking forward to additional office furniture programs.

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