DESIGN, ENGINEERING AND DFM SUPPORT
Designing for Manufacturing (DFM), specifically additive manufacturing, is useful to any business or individual when trying to identify and solve a problem. Our team will guide you through the process to ensure an efficient, low-risk, and low-volume production run path.
1. ASK
Identify the problem, technical requirements, and goals.
2. IMAGINE
Research, understand competitive landscape and current IP within the market, and then brainstorm solutions.
3. PLAN
Choose solution and sketch design for a rapid prototype.
4. CREATE
Build a working model or prototype that aligns with the specifications and technical requirements.
5. TEST
Evaluate fit, form, and function of the solutions through testing and end-user feedback.
6. IMPROVE
Collect and analyze data from the tests to make improvements to original design.
3D MODELING
A 3D digital representation of your product or technology created in a computer aided design (CAD) software. The model will often include details related to size, shape, and texture.
3D SIMULATIONS
Simulations help analyze robustness and performance of the model to verify and validate the intended function of a product under development, as well as manufacturability of the product. Computer-aided engineering (CAE) tools include stress analysis on components and assemblies, thermal and fluid flow, multibody dynamics and kinematics, durability, and optimization.
GENERATIVE DESIGN
A cutting edge assisted design process where designers and engineers collaborate with artificial intelligence algorithms to generate and evaluate several designs for a product idea. The user inputs design goals and parameters such as spatial requirements, material, manufacturing methods, and cost restraints which can help reduce a parts weight without compromising the functionality.
Topology optimization is also used to create complicated structures with optimum stiffness-to-weight ratios while utilizing the least amount of material. This design method serves as the foundation for generative design, and both are commonly used for additive manufacturing.
MANUFACTURING ANALYSIS
Design for Manufacturing (DFM) or Design for Additive Manufacturing (DFAM) is the art, science and skill to design for manufacturability using a specific process. The process adjusts a design to make it cheaper, faster, or more effective for manufacturing.
The additive design process is different than traditional methods because it empowers engineers to create more intricate shapes and production parts while reducing weight and material consumption. Other advantages are part consolidation which integrates several parts in assembly into one component for 3D printing.