The pros and cons of laser profiling
Laser profiling companies routinely offer turn-around times measured in days and not weeks and low minimum order charges, but it seems that there is a price to pay when it comes to quality of workmanship.
Fabrications – reducing both cost and manufacturing time
The building of concept models, Proof-of-Principle (POP) models, working prototypes and the construction of the odd development rig is and always will be an intrinsic part of the development process. The widely accepted timescales to make fabricated items is 4-6 weeks at best. Warley Design Solutions share some tips on designing-in the most functionality in the parts and saving both time and…
FEA: dangerous in the wrong hands
FEA (Finite Element Analysis) used to be considered to be something of a “black art” practiced only by specialists using (expensive) specialist tools. That’s no longer the case, as CAD tool vendors have since brought FEA to the masses. So, what’s wrong with that?
Pitfalls in quoting design projects (and how to avoid them)
Warley Design Solutions says: the internet is like an infinite universe when it comes to marketing out-reach. Enquiries can (and do!) come from anyone and in relation to any type of product or technology. As professional mechanical engineers we like to think we can apply our core skills to overcome most technical issues, but the challenge is achieving that within a satisfactory time &…
Costing something that does not exist
Warley Design Solutions are often approached by prospective clients who have an idea for a new product that they would like to develop. Of course, what the inventor needs to know straight away is how much the product will cost to develop, how long it will take and how much it will cost to make.These questions are perfectly understandable and valid, but very difficult to answer.
Thermal management – what it is and what it is not
The team at Warley Design were performing thermal management long before being transferred out of Nortel Networks over twenty years ago. Having come from a background of packaging high-performing electronics it is one of the rather niche disciplines that is core to what the team do.
Outsourcing design work – how to get more “bang” for your buck
When it comes to outsourcing design work, the team have found over the years that Warley Design Solutions's clients often fall into one of two categories:i) small companies that are at the beginning of their product development journey and have little or no in-house expertise in the mechanical field or…ii) large companies who already have a successful track record and mechanical…
How do you select the right manufacturing partner?
When you have designed a bespoke component or assembly there are countless suppliers who could potentially produce it for you. Try typing “plastic injection moulders” or “precision machinists” in your browser search tool and see how many hits you get: literally millions!
Is enough being done to increase the number of female engineers?
Warley Design Solutions says: "In our article written back in 2014 we reported that that only 6% of the engineering workforce were females. A graph constructed at the time showed that this number had been flat for at least the seven preceding years. In celebration of the recent International Women in Engineering Day on 23rd June 2021, it seems the perfect time to…
Why are there still so few apprentices in 2021?
Warley Design Solutions says: "Back in our 2015 blog, we discussed the then Prime Minister David Cameron’s ambitious pledge to provide 3 million apprenticeships by the year 2020, in order to help provide young people with the skills and expertise that today’s employers demand. Given this commitment, just why are there still so few apprentices in 2021?"
The changing role of offices in the post-COVID world
COVID-19 has undoubtedly been the most disruptive event in the lives of many people. We are likely to look back and see 2020 as being a pivotal year when things changed forever for reasons both good and bad.
A new visual model for product development
When the mechanical design process is illustrated, it is traditionally sketched out in the form of a block diagram or a process flow diagram. But is there a better way?
What is good engineering design and how do we recognise it?
Warley Design Solutions discusses quality in design...
Is mechanical engineering still an attractive career?
Is mechanical engineering still an attractive career for young people? Prospects in 2021 have arguably never been better…
Why is Cost Reduction even a 'thing' if we make every effort to get the design right?
With 75% of of the cost of a product being locked-in by the designers early in the development, it is critical that the design (and specifically the concept) is as right as it can be from the off. Why then is Cost Reduction even a thing then if we make every effort to get the design right?
Why Rapid Prototyping is so much more than Additive Manufacturing
Rapid Prototyping is so much more than Additive Manufacturing. There is now no need to wait four to five weeks for machined parts – there are now companies which will routinely machine parts in seven to 10, or even two to three days, depending on your budget.
The manufacturing cost conundrum
Entrepreneurs need to have a good handle on both development and production costs up-front to build a robust business case. But how is it possible to get production costs at the very beginning of development before the product has been designed?
The IMechE’s latest steps to support the career development of engineers
Warley Design Solutions talks about the modernising of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE).
Fixed price vs time & materials – which is best for the customer?
Warley Design Solutions (WDS) has provided mechanical design services using Fixed Price, Time & Materials and occasionally profit share funding models since 2008. Which do customers prefer?
The benefits of NOT having a 3D printer
With 3D printers now available in the high street for as little as £150 you might think that all designers would have one in their office. Correct?
Do engineering design consultancies need an office anymore?
Now that the COVID-19 restrictions are easing and we are advised that we are able to return to our places of work, do we really need centralised offices?
The unexpected impact of IR35 on SME engineering service providers
Despite a one year delay to its implementation the impact of IR35 has already been widely felt, with the engineering industry already being turned on its head...
Outsourcing design can make great business sense
Warley Design Solutions gives the reasons for outsourcing your design and engineering to specialists - and dispels the perceptions against.
The fall and rise of apprenticeships
For the past 30 or so years there has been a preoccupation with sending young people to university in the belief that this was the way of giving them the best start in the competition for jobs. However, it is becoming clear that this is not in step with the needs of all employers. Make way for the return of the apprenticeship, says Warley Design Solutions.
Why are there so few women in engineering?
Data shows that with only 6% of the engineering workforce being female, a career in engineering continues to be unattractive to women. Worryingly, the predicted short-fall in the number of professional engineers suggests that it is in fact unattractive to everyone regardless of gender. Why is this and what can we do about it?