Design Process

For new product design and development,  SDT offers a complete engineering service from concept design, development, through to prototype and validation testing, tooling, and release to production. We  provides the engineering expertise needed to develop a new product or improve an existing one.  

Prior to commencing your project at SDT several steps are taken to guarantee its success. Every consideration is given to the definition of project parameters, establishing realistic goals, maintaining current product specifications and understanding the marketplace.

The following steps define the typical product design process.

Project Schedule-A Project Schedule will be generated by our design team prior to commencing any design activity. This document will define assigned tasks, timeframes and resources in order to guide and help manage the project. SDT contract review    process finalizes the project plan, producing a working schedule.

Evaluate Related Technologies- SDT will evaluate related technologies from associated markets. This evaluation allows the design team to position the product relative to the marketplace. From this we develop a realistic sense of what product features are required by the market.

Product Specifications: Once a project track is established with a clearly communicated specification, our engineering team can start the development process. It is in this phase of each project that the product parameters are affirmed and fixed.

Modelling & Simulation- Modelling and simulation are often the first stage in a proof-of -concept design for customer new products. We recognise the potential contribution modelling and simulation can make to reducing time to market and product development cost.

During the Conceptualization process a product design strategy develops and size/configuration is determined which is based upon the concept model and specification. The use of advanced technology and Computer Aided Design Tools are key to our design process. This technology includes Solid Models and FEA CAD models are created for the individual parts and for the assemblies which show how the parts go together. Parts are designed with consideration to how they will be manufactured, assembled, and used.

Prototyping-Once the detail design & analysis  is completed, prototypes can be built. Prototyping of the new design minimizes risk by validating assumptions and exposing unforeseen issues early in the design cycle. Performance is fully tested at the application level under actual operating conditions. Qualification tests can be initiated during this period such as    life, vibration, thermal, humidity, shock or radiation testing.

Initial Costing- Initial Costing includes evaluation of the cost of technology that may enhance or expedite the product's development. Estimations of tooling and manufacturing costs are weighed against volume requirements and schedule to complete the program implementation.  

Key Subcontractors and Vendors- Key Subcontractors and Vendors are critical to the success of every project. Vendor credentials and services are continuously monitored thru in-coming inspections, on-site evaluations and quality audits. SDT has a history of productive relationships with these vendors and takes pride in these associations.

Product Release-The final phase is to release the product for production.  A documentation package is delivered which includes detail drawings of custom components and assembly drawings with bill of materials.  For tooled parts, CAD data can be exported in a variety of formats to enable tooling directly from the CAD database to ensure accuracy and expedite the tooling process.

These interactive models result in an output that insures maximum product performance, as well as prototypes that provide the final design validation. Empirical test data is then put back through the development process to insure the viability of our assumptions, to verify the model and to optimize any of our customer design requirements. These models are based on many years of experience in the development of a variety of magnetic components.

Whether your project is a feasibility study or the complete product lifecycle, our project programmes ensure that your cost and timescale targets are fiercely guarded.

For many years, SDT has worked with both motor manufacturers & OEM companies and, as a result, has an enviable track record of successful design and development projects.