Product Enhancement with a systems approach, utilising Time Compression Technologies

In the current competitive market of introducing new products and processes it is absolutely vital to reduce lead times, produce a prototype which is right first time and produce design specifications which will ensure that the products are eventually produced to a quality requirement at a competitive price. In order to achieve this the Centre For rapid Product Development at Northumbria University has undertaken a number of assignments to assist SME’s in the region using a traditional systems approach combining modern engineering technologies such as Rapid Prototyping , Reverse Engineering , Computer Aided Design , Computer Aided manufacturing and Surface engineering

Reverse Engineering – Speeds up manufacture of thermoforming tools

Reverse Engineering has traditionally been utilised in the digitising of complex, ergonomic, aesthetic components, this paper examines the application of 3D digitising for the manufacture of thermoforming mould tools. Thermoform moulding is seen as a flexible, rapid and low cost tooling route for low to medium volume production of polymer parts especially in the packaging sector. Initial tools are traditionally resin cast or of simple wooden construction, after trials and customer acceptance of the designs, then more robust tooling is required. As product development progresses then tooling in metals such as Aluminium or metallic resins is often required. The rational for metallic tools is increase cooling rates thereby increasing production rates and reducing part piece costs coupled with reduced wear. This case study from the Centre for Rapid Product Development analyses the application of touch probe reverse engineering and surfacing techniques for the production of the “A” surface, air extraction vent system and the conformal cooling system required for high performance thermoforming production tooling. The Centre for Rapid Product Development is a national and regional resource for innovative applied design and manufacturing technology and applications for the North East of Englan

Implementing Time Compression Technologies to Assist Small to Medium Size Enterprises for Product Development

Computer Aided Engineering (CAE), Computer Integrated Manufacture (CIM), Rapid Prototyping (RP), and Information and Communication Technology (ICT) are all modern engineering methods whose benefits are well recognised by large organisations who have the resources, knowledge and technical expertise to implement the above. Time Compression Technologies embrace all of the above systems and technologies for the benefit of manufacturing industries. The current paper presents, through case studies, a systematic approach of introducing, educating and training personnel in small to medium size enterprises (SME’S) the benefits of implementing Time Compression Technologies