Unlike traditional fabricators, laser profiling companies routinely offer turn-around times measured in days and not weeks. A few are now extending their services to include forming, the tapping of holes, the addition of inserts and even painting in some cases. These secondary operation services however seem to be something of a step into the unknown for many
The building of concept models, Proof-of-Principle (POP) models, working prototypes and the construction of the odd development rig is and always will be an intrinsic part of the development process. We therefore have always had an established group of manufacturers from whom we procure bespoke made parts such as precision machined components and sheet-metal fabrications. The
FEA (Finite Element Analysis) used to be considered to be something of a “black art” practiced only by specialists using (expensive) specialist tools. That’s no longer the case, as CAD tool vendors have since given designers easy access to FEA (and for that matter CFD too) by incorporating established CAE solvers into their CAD software. With pre-
The internet is like an infinite universe when it comes to marketing out-reach. Enquiries can (and do!) come from anyone and in relation to any type of product or technology. As professional mechanical engineers we like to think we can apply our core skills to overcome most technical issues, but the challenge is achieving that within a satisfactory time & budget. The real issue is that of the “unknowns”.
What prospective clients need to know before they engage is how much their product will cost to develop, how long it will take and how much it will cost to make.
But how do we determine this if the product does not exist?