Case Studies: Laser Speed Measurement
From Concept to Reality
Brief:
Measuring Device Limited (MDL) is a privately owned Scottish
based designer and manufacturer of eye-safe laser based
measurement systems. The LaserAce® is a hand held laser
measuring devise used by foresters and surveyors.
The brief given to our engineers by MDL was to use our
modern machines to decrease lead times and mass-produce
the plastic mould and windows for the LaserAce®. To source
brass inserts and a suitable adhesive to make the unit water
and dust resistant. And to assemble all external components
ready for them to insert the internal technical components
cost effectively.
Solution:
Initially MDL’s process was too long. They sourced fixtures
from different suppliers and used two different companies
to produce the external case, one made the mould and one
assembled the parts. This was an expensive process that
made their lead times long.
Our qualified team at Stonehill engineering worked closely with
MDL to reduce costs and lead times. Having all our services and
facilities at the same site helped to reduce costs as we were able manufacture the whole unit in house.
This also gave us full control over quality and allowed us to meet MDL’s requirements.
MDL supplied us with the mould tool they used previously that met all their specifications. We
researched companies to supply good quality and value fixtures and carried out tests on adhesives.
We produced some samples for MDL to test. The tests revealed that the adhesive did not meet the
necessary standards. The glue had to be stronger to make the unit more durable and prevent the
windows from dislodging.
We carried out more tests with different adhesives and made
some more samples to be tested. These samples reached the
required testing standard and MDL placed an order.
The Outcome
Having all our services and facilities at the same site, we have
the flexibility to reduce costs and lead times. All products are
manufactured in house whenever possible, allowing us full control over quality and enabled us to
meet specific customer needs.
We looked into the process and found good value materials. We also undertook tests to find a
suitable cost effective glue to make the unit water and dust resistant and used our injection moulding
machines to produce repeated and consistent quality moulds decreasing lead times.
The Customer
Measuring Device Limited are world leaders in laser measurement technology. We have worked
closely with them to produce their Laser Measuring Device to the required specification. They are
satisfied with the result and have placed further orders, including a request to make some units in
black.
The Challenge
To mass-produce the plastic mould, source parts, find a suitable adhesive to make the unit water and
dust resistant and to assemble the whole unit cost effectively.
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