Introduction to the Fisher Unitech Design to Manufacturing Series

Take a look around your workspace. If it’s anything like mine it’s full — literally full — no exposed surface or unused space. To make matters worse, I charge my cellphone from my computer adding yet another cord to my already overly-crowded desk. My headset also lacks a convenient and functional permanent home. It’s usually on my keyboard, draped over my laptop screen, or stacked on my cellphone.

Over the course of the next eight months, the team of Application Engineers here at Fisher Unitech is tackling this problem head-on hoping to offer a solution that we can all use for desktop management and organization. Here’s how we’re going to do it.

Using the entire SOLIDWORKS suite of products and cutting-edge hardware technology, our Application Engineering team will conceptualize, design, simulate and fabricate a headset and cellphone charging stand for a complete design to manufacturing experience. Here’s a brief overview of the process.

3D Scanning

We’ll use Artec 3D scanners to scan and import a mid-range headset to be incorporated into the design concepts.

3DEXPERIENCE

We will then use cutting edge 3DEXPERIENCE software tools to generate several design concepts to explore form, function, portability, adjustability, etc.

3D Printing

Using Stratasys 3D Printers, our 3DP Application Engineers may generate prototypes for form and fit evaluation.

Electrical components

The mechanical engineers will collaborate with the design team to deploy the final ID concept into a mechanical design concept. The Electrical Engineers will then join the party to incorporate the wireless charging components, PCBs, and electrical wires.

Design Validation

Using the integrated SOLIDWORKS environment, the team will take a concurrent engineering approach to development. By utilizing the virtual prototypes, we will simulate and analyze the physical loads and stresses placed on the product, the impact of heat generation, and plastic flow for manufacturability.

Seamlessly working in the 3D CAD, Simulation, and PCB products we will finalize the design, verifying that it will perform as expected and can be manufactured cost-effectively.

Lastly, the hardware team will fabricate our headset and cellphone charging stand using innovative 3D printing technologies.

Data Management

Throughout the process, SOLIDWORKS PDM will manage all the design data and related documents in one secure location, tracking the design history making sure the entire team is working on the most current design.

At last, a solution to storing my headset while charging my cellphone….now, where are my keys?

Stay tuned for upcoming blogs and videos tracking the progress and overall experience in the development of our project.

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About the Author

David Janicki is an Application Engineer based out of our office in Grand Rapids, MI. He is a proud graduate of Western Michigan University, where he received his Bachelors in Engineering Management. Prior to joining Fisher Unitech in November 2015, David worked in various industries from Automotive and Sheet Metal to Electronic RFID’s. A large portion of his background is in the Continuous Improvement industry and still continues to be his passion, helping customers use the software more effectively both on a user and company level.