Innovex’s strengths in mechanical design and optimization stem primarily from our design and manufacturing experience as well as the design tools at our disposal.
During all phases of design projects at Innovex, consideration is given to the manufacturing process. We tailor our designs to suit the most appropriate manufacturing method to ensure a successful end product for a reasonable price. When we are faced with a design that falls outside of standard fabrication techniques or that poses interesting and unique fabrication challenges, we rely on our network of fabricators to provide guidance and valuable insight which helps us to define good design for manufacturability. We have the knowledge of how things are made and a solid network to fill any gaps when we need deeper expertise.
There are often opportunities to reduce the weight of new and existing designs by making minor geometry changes or removing material in low stress areas. Traditionally engineering calculations and analysis have required numerous simplifications in order to make the analysis manageable. Using a suite of design and simulation tools at our disposal, Innovex can perform far more accurate analysis at a fraction of the time required for in-depth traditional analysis.
Innovex is accustomed to working with numerous design codes from different regions and industries. Our familiarity with various codes allows us to ensure that we deliver safe, code compliant designs to clients. We are very familiar with code language and interpretation. We regularly update our knowledge base by staying on top of the latest developments and discussions regarding these codes which continuously evolve and by introducing ourselves to codes we have not yet had the opportunity to visit.
By reducing the weight and material required, as mentioned above, Innovex can reduce the manufacturing costs to our clients. Similarly; by having an extremely accurate depiction of the stresses in a design we can determine the most appropriate material for the application.
For the most part, Innovex uses 3D CAD tools during all stages of the design process. The primary cost saving benefit of using 3D CAD is that it typically results in fewer revisions and prototypes during the design phase. Having a 3D model facilitates conversation and typically reduces miscommunication between the project’s stakeholders, since the final product is more clearly understood. The 3D model also allows us to test more of the functionality of the finished design. For example, linkages, mechanisms and the fit and assembly can all be thoroughly reviewed and tested before anything is manufactured. We use a variety of tools, in conjunction with the 3D model, to engage our clients and ensure your project success.
Over the years we have learned to recognize the importance of regular and meaningful communication with our clients. We strive hard at the onset of a project to ensure that we understand the value proposition of what we are designing so that we remain focused on what is important to our clients. Safe design is always paramount but knowing how the device performs, its intended purpose, additional equipment that might mate or function in tandem, maintenance requirements, and so on help us to frame the design criteria. We prefer to use web-based meetings and regular telephone conference calls to update project status and flush out concept development and detail designs. Drawings are often the most important deliverable in a project and so we place emphasis on ensuring they are clear, concise and ensure our client receives Issued for Approval (IFA) versions prior to final or Issued for Construction (IFC) release.
Quality control is not just for the manufacturing floor. We value our service highly and producing quality engineering documents is important to our business. We have developed a quality management program that we adhere to stringently. Regular design and CAD model reviews are conducted. IFA drawings are never released unless they are peer reviewed. IFC drawings are never released until they are reviewed by an engineer or project lead. Document storage is well defined and monitored. Workflow is tightly controlled with identifiable gates that are regularly enforced to ensure that no corners are cut.