Cut engineering and production costs

Cost reduction, through closed loop 3D tolerance modelling, is being brought to UK manufacturers by The University of Central England’s Technology Innovation Centre (tic). The tic has formed an alliance with software author Dimensional Control Systems, and says it enables companies to make a significant difference by full and realistic, quality-assurance simulation of an end-product, while still only at virtual design stage. Peter Rayson, tic’s head of design and process innovation says: “While engineers have been previously able to make predictions about product performance variations, to-date they have been largely unable to simulate the effects of such variations on a computer-aided product design.” DCS’ latest system enables engineers to gain a good, final product definition by accurately predicting the relationship between dimensions and tolerances both of complex assemblies, such as automotive differentials, as well as individual components. Phil Moorcroft, DCS director in the UK, says: “Most cost overruns arise from reworking tooling and component problems not foreseen at digital mock-up stage. A fully validated design can only be achieved by closing the loop of the company’s product knowledge before going into production.” Meanwhile, the tic has also launched itself into the lean arena. “There is no need for companies in the UK to be short of help and advice to develop lean manufacturing to compete in global markets,” says Rayson. Responding to concerns arising from the recent Manufacturing Foundation survey, he points out that tic has already helped hundreds of manufacturers in the midlands and beyond to adopt lean manufacturing. He also insists that tic is the major provider of SME support through the West Midlands Manufacturing Advisory Service.