CAD
With powerful CAD workstations, Autodesk’s Inventor® Professional 2008 (with embedded ANSYS Finite Element Analysis [FEA]), AutoCAD® Mechanical 2008, plus a specialist Mechanical Technical calculation software package, and an HP DesignJet A0 colour inkjet plotter for large format hardcopy output - we have the tools required to ensure that ideas are turned into fully documented reality. From first concept sketches all projects are fully 3D parametrically modelled using advanced functional design techniques. Once modelled we use dynamic mechanism motion simulation to validate the design - often eliminating the need for physical prototypes. Of course, collision detection, strength checks, interference analysis, mass, COG and moment of inertia data extraction, component FEA and Safety Factor calculations are also used.
DFMA (DESIGN FOR MANUFACTURE AND ASSEMBLY)
We apply proven DFMA techniques throughout the design process. DFMA is a proven structured procedure for cost reduction through:
- Part handling analysis
- Part fitting analysis
- Part count analysis
- Design for manufacture and assembly best practice.
It is a fact that individual parts rarely fail in isolation. Parts fail within an assembly at a point in which they interact with another part - the interface. It follows that the fewer parts within an assembly, the fewer interfaces, the lower the potential for component failure resulting in increased reliability.
The benefits of DFMA are obvious for volume manufacturing. DFMA can also produce huge benefits for 'one-off' projects. Used at the beginning of the design/redesign phase, before a design has passed to manufacturing, DFMA will eliminate many manufacture, assembly and maintenance problems.
If you would like more information about DFMA, contact us or follow this link: www.dfma.com
REVERSE ENGINEERING
Several of our customers are global packaging companies, using equipment (printing presses, bag machines, laminators etc.) manufactured by global OEM’s. We produce OEM quality parts for these and other equipment at lower cost and usually considerably more quickly than can be sourced from the OEM. To do this successfully requires not only a good sample, but a full understanding of the part function within its assembly. Only then can the correct and appropriate manufacturing tolerances be applied. Of course anyone can apply ‘tight’ tolerances to all part features – but this will only serve to greatly increase the time, and therefore the cost, of manufacture, without any benefit to the customer. By CAD modelling the part and the mating assembly we can also analyse the part to identify features which can be improved – therefore making a ‘better’ part at lower cost.
PACKAGING ENGINEERING SOLUTIONS
We have accumulated a wealth of knowledge throughout the converting/packaging industry, in all areas of web process and control. Whether you need, for example, an additional servo-draw unit and dancer station to improve web handling and tension control, or you require a complete bespoke machine; we can, and are, making it happen.
