Concurrent Engineering

The example shown is of a small tool, for closing solid rivets.  The design begins with sketches and simple hand calculations to give an approximate sizing.   These sketches are then transferred into the solid works 3D Cad program which produces the individual pieces of the components.  

At this stage the most critical components can be transferred to the Algor Finite Element Analysis program for stress checking.  In the Solid Works program the components can be put together as an assembly and the assembled mechanism can be operated by using the cursor on the screen.  This allows a visual check to ensure that the mechanism does function and that there are no obvious interferences.

 At the same time the critical components can be checked in Algor.  The 3D model is taken as an IDIS File into the Algor program, meshed, checked for accuracy of mesh and then the mesh is converted to bricks.  The boundary conditions and mobile forces are added and the analysis proceeds.  Once the result of the analysis is available for viewing any high stress levels can be checked.  The overall stress level of the component can be checked if large numbers are required then the amount of material can be optimized by increasing the stresses, reducing deflections, generally giving the component the maximum strength for the minimum material.  Any changes to the component design required are fed back to 3D Solid Works the component show it modified and the analysis tries again and at the same time the operation clearances and interferences can be checked in the 3D Solid Works program.   This approach allows the overall design to progress at the same time in large production quantities.  The design can also be reviewed by the production engineers and any process design changes made and evaluated using the Algor Program and the Solid Works program to check for function.  The combination of the Solid Works program and the Algor FEA Program allow changes to be made and the result of the changes assessed both functionally and from a strength point of view, so the input from various departments can be taken concurrently or sequentially and feedback given as to the acceptability, benefits or usefulness of changes required and design modification made to meet the total specification for the final product.  This procedure is fast, allows many changes, minor changes and also allows the effects of changing materials to be assessed.  What in the old days took many,  many months can be done in a matter of hours or days using the two programs and running them together. 

The finished tool is tested to confirm that the design is correct in function and strength.

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