Choosing the right lifting beam for your production process is a critical decision that directly affects production efficiency, occupational safety and costs. The lifting beam is a key lifting tool that enables the safe transfer and handling of heavy objects in an industrial environment. The choice must take into account lifting capacity, operating environment, space constraints and loads to ensure that the solution provides optimum service to production over many years. The choice of lifting beam has a significant impact on the smoothness and safety of the entire production process. A correctly selected lifting beam will improve material handling efficiency, reduce bottlenecks in production and minimise the risk of accidents at work. Incorrectly sized or inappropriate lifting beams can cause production downtime, incidents and additional costs. From a production efficiency perspective, the crane beam determines how quickly and smoothly heavy pieces can be moved along the production line. A well-designed lifting beam solution enables an optimal workflow with short lifting times […]
Continue readingWhat is the best lifting beam for space-constrained production?
The best lifting beam for space-constrained production is a customised lifting beam designed specifically for the requirements of the application. In a space-constrained environment, the lifting beam should be compact, easy to handle and efficient enough to perform lifting tasks. The right choice depends on the lifting capacity, the available space and the characteristics of the objects to be lifted. A lifting beam is a lifting accessory that enables loads to be lifted and transferred safely in production areas. It is attached to a lifting device such as a crane and distributes the lifting load evenly over several lifting points. In space-constrained production, lifting beams are particularly important as they allow efficient material handling in confined spaces. Lifting beams allow long objects such as pipes, beams or machine frames to be lifted without swaying or turning uncontrollably. This significantly improves work safety and the accuracy of lifting operations. Space constraints in production facilities impose […]
Continue readingIs a fixed or adjustable lifting beam better for production?
The choice of lifting beam for production depends on the requirements of the application. A fixed lifting beam is best suited for repetitive lifting tasks where loads of equal size are handled. An adjustable lifting beam, on the other hand, offers flexibility for pieces of varying sizes and maximises space efficiency. The right choice is based on the size of the pieces to be lifted, the lifting density and the specific requirements of the production. The basic difference between a fixed and an adjustable beam is the positioning of the lifting points. In a fixed beam, the lifting points are permanently located at fixed points, whereas in an adjustable beam they can be moved as required. The construction of the fixed beam is simple and robust. The lifting points are welded or bolted firmly to the beam, making the structure highly reliable for heavy lifting tasks. This lifting device is ideal for applications where the objects to be lifted are always of the same size and shape. The adjustable lifting beam offers versatility […]
Continue readingWhat are the benefits of an adjustable lifting beam in production?
The adjustable lifting beam is a key tool for making production more efficient, allowing safe handling of pieces of different sizes and weights with a single lifting device. Adjustability means that the lifting points of the beam can be moved to different positions along the beam, making it a highly versatile solution for varying lifting needs. This feature significantly reduces the need for several separate lifting devices, while improving work safety, production flexibility and cost efficiency. The adjustable lifting beam is an industrial lifting device whose lifting points can be moved along the length of the beam without the need for tools or complex adjustments. This allows the lifting beam to be quickly adapted to different sized workpieces, which is particularly important in material handling where the dimensions of the workpieces to be handled often vary. Adjustability is typically achieved by means of sliding lifting points that lock securely in the desired position. Hefmec lifting blocks, such as […]
Continue readingWhen should a company outsource strength calculation?
It’s a good idea to outsource strength calculations when in-house resources or specialised expertise are not sufficient to meet the technical requirements of a project. Outsourcing makes sense in situations where strength calculations are needed irregularly, when a project requires specific expertise or when there is a need to optimise costs and speed up product development. When done right, outsourcing gives a company access to excellence without the need to hire in-house experts or invest in expensive software. Structural analysis is a branch of engineering that analyses the ability of materials and structures to withstand the forces and loads they are subjected to. It is a critical part of product development and mechanical engineering, ensuring the safety, functionality and durability of products and structures. In outsourcing, the company outsources the performance of strength calculations to an external specialist organisation. In practice, this means that the company uses an external […]
Continue readingWhat are the benefits of FEM analysis in mechanical engineering?
FEM analysis, or the element method, is a powerful numerical calculation method that offers significant benefits in modern mechanical engineering. It allows the strength, durability and performance of complex structures to be examined even before physical prototypes are produced. At Hefmec, FEM analysis is a key part of our strength calculation services, enabling us to identify design flaws at an early stage, optimise material usage and ensure the safety of structures. This leads to significant savings, faster product development and more durable end products.
Why is FEM analysis an important tool in modern mechanical engineering?
FEM analysis has become an indispensable tool in modern mechanical engineering because it allows accurate modelling of the behaviour of structures under different loading conditions even before physical prototypes are built. This virtual testing environment allows engineers to investigate and optimise design solutions in a cost-effective way.
At Hefmec, we use advanced FEM methods in our customer projects to produce reliable and accurate analyses. Our strength calculation team is made up of experienced engineering professionals – engineers and graduate engineers – with both solid practical experience and in-depth theoretical knowledge. This combination enables us to solve even the most demanding design challenges efficiently.
FEM analysis allows us to study stresses, deformations, vibrations and temperatures in structures. These analyses allow us to identify critical points in the structure and ensure that the designed structure can withstand the demands placed on it. This is particularly important in safety-critical applications where failure of the structure could have serious consequences.
Our agile working methods and extensive experience in using different FEM software allow for a fast and efficient analysis process. This speeds up the overall design process and ensures that our customers get optimal solutions in less time.
How does FEM analysis save costs in the prototyping phase?
FEM analysis delivers significant cost savings in the prototyping phase by reducing the number of physical prototypes required and the associated iterations. Each physical prototype is an investment that requires material, labour and testing resources – FEM analysis can significantly reduce the number of these costly prototyping iterations.
Hefmec’s advanced strength calculation services enable virtual testing at an early design stage. This means that potential design flaws can be identified and corrected before the first physical part is manufactured. We are ready to start strength calculations at short notice and provide expert resources when you need them.
The savings are tangible at many levels:
- Reduced material costs, as fewer physical prototypes are needed
- Hours saved in manufacturing and testing
- Faster market access by shortening the product development cycle
- Fewer ex-post corrections and changes
Especially for complex and expensive machine parts, the economic benefits of FEM analysis are highlighted. By using both linear and non-linear strength calculations, we can effectively simulate the behaviour of a structure under different loading conditions and find optimal design solutions without expensive trial-and-error cycles.
How does FEM analysis improve the reliability and durability of products?
FEM analysis improves the reliability and durability of products by enabling accurate modelling of the behaviour of structures under different loading and conditions. This allows us to anticipate and eliminate structural weaknesses at the design stage, before they cause problems in real life.
Hefmec’s experience in strength calculations helps us to ensure that our customers’ products have optimum durability without oversizing. This balance is key to our ability to offer lifetime warranties on many of our products. Our rigorous analysis ensures that structures are strong enough to withstand the loads placed on them, while avoiding unnecessary use of material.
FEM analysis also allows:
- Fatigue analysis to predict the fatigue life of a structure under repeated loads
- Temperature analyses to ensure the performance of the structure at different temperatures
- Vibration analyses to avoid harmful resonant frequencies
- Impact and impact analyses to ensure the resistance of the structure to sudden loading conditions
We use our expertise to ensure the safety of structures from the very beginning of the design process. At the same time, we create the strength calculations required for CE documentation. Our customers need accurate and reliable strength calculations to ensure both the durability of structures and the safety of workers – that’s what we at Hefmec provide.
When should you use an external FEM analysis service?
A company should use an external FEM analysis service, especially when it does not have the skills or resources to perform demanding strength analysis tasks. Using an external expert is cost-effective and flexible, as specialist expertise is often only required on a project-by-project basis.
An expert like Hefmec is a useful partner in the following situations:
- Demanding design challenges that require specialised expertise in strength calculations
- A fast-track project schedule that requires immediate analytical capacity
- The need for objective third-party verification
- Preparation of strength calculations for CE marking
- Optimising an existing product to improve material use or durability
At Hefmec, we have a flexible operating model where we provide expert resources exactly when you need them. We draw on a wide range of in-house expertise to ensure accurate and reliable structural analysis. We always report back to the client in a clear and understandable way, making recommendations for modifications where necessary or redesigning the structure to meet requirements.
By finding solutions to even the most complex problems quickly and cost-effectively, our customers can focus on their core business and be confident that their strength calculations are being handled professionally. This is one of the reasons why we have the most satisfied customers in the industry.
What does the knowledge gained from the FEM analysis mean for the further development of the product?
The knowledge gained from FEM analysis provides a solid basis for further product development by providing a deep understanding of the behaviour of the structure under different conditions. This knowledge is not only valuable in optimising the current product, but also provides a valuable repository of knowledge for future design projects.
Hefmec’s holistic approach integrates FEM analysis into a broader productivity development process. The results of the analyses are systematically used in future projects, enabling continuous learning and development. This cumulative knowledge helps to avoid problems encountered in the past and to apply proven solutions in new contexts.
The information from the FEM analysis contributes to further development in a number of ways:
- Optimising material choices for future generations of products
- Identification of critical areas to which particular attention should be paid in future design versions
- Development of product variants for different uses based on existing analysis
- Expanding product families, using previously validated structural solutions
With advanced analytics, we can help our clients achieve significant competitive advantages. Accurate strength calculations not only improve product safety, but also reduce production lead times and risks. As a result, the benefits of FEM analysis extend far into the future, supporting the sustainable growth and competitiveness of the customer’s business.
Mastering the most advanced calculation methods enables the development of future solutions in an increasingly competitive environment. Hefmec’s team of experts can apply FEM analysis to a wide range of industrial challenges, providing solutions that are technically and economically correct and will continue to improve productivity in the future.
How to choose the right maintenance methods for machinery in a production plant?
Choosing an effective maintenance method for industrial machinery requires a careful analysis of the type of equipment, its criticality to production and the resources available. The right approach will improve machine life, minimise downtime and optimise total cost of ownership. The choice of maintenance concept should take into account the sectoral requirements and the specificities of production in order to develop a systematic maintenance strategy.
How to choose the right maintenance methods for machinery in a production plant?
In an industrial environment, proper maintenance of machinery is critical for business continuity. At the heart of the selection process is an accurate inventory of equipment, taking into account its technical design, age and criticality to the production process. Operating environment conditions such as temperature, humidity and dust levels have a significant impact on maintenance needs.
The criticality of production is a key factor – the more costly the downtime, the more thorough a proactive maintenance strategy is needed. The availability of resources, such as the skills of in-house maintenance staff, contributes to determining the optimal maintenance concept. Hefmec’s experts analyse these factors in comprehensive maintenance surveys, which assess current methods and identify areas for improvement.
Based on the maintenance survey, a customised maintenance plan is created for the fleet to improve reliability and extend the life of the machines. A strategic partnership with Hefmec enables us to ensure the continuous availability of production equipment and minimise unexpected downtime.
What is the difference between preventive and corrective maintenance?
Predictive and corrective maintenance represent two fundamentally different approaches to industrial maintenance. Predictive maintenance is based on a planned approach – equipment is regularly serviced before failure occurs. Corrective maintenance, on the other hand, responds to problems only when they occur, when the equipment has already failed and requires immediate attention.
The benefits of predictive maintenance include better predictability of production, longer equipment life and lower overall costs in the long run. The disadvantages are higher immediate costs and possibly “over-maintenance” if schedules are not based on actual wear and tear.
Corrective maintenance is cheaper in the short term, but causes unforeseen downtime and often higher overall costs in the long term. Hefmec offers a predictive maintenance service based on the condition of the fleet, using condition monitoring tools to determine timely maintenance. This optimises both maintenance costs and production uptime.
When should the maintenance plan be updated?
The maintenance plan is not a permanent document, but a living tool that needs to be regularly assessed and updated. There is a clear need for updating as the machinery fleet ages and the frequency of failures increases. Changes in production requirements, such as capacity increases or stricter quality standards, also require a review of the maintenance strategy.
Technological advances are a major driver – new condition monitoring methods and IoT tools are enabling increasingly accurate predictive maintenance. In addition, changes in legislation, standards or safety requirements may require a review of maintenance processes.
Hefmec experts recommend a thorough review of the maintenance plan at least annually and always in the event of major production changes. We offer plant-specific consultancy to optimise maintenance plans, analysing current operating models and identifying areas for improvement to improve cost-effectiveness and production reliability.
How do maintenance methods affect plant efficiency?
The impact of maintenance methods on overall efficiency is wide-ranging. Correctly selected and implemented maintenance practices are directly reflected in production OEE (Overall Equipment Effectiveness) figures. Unplanned downtime is significantly reduced when potential failures are detected and repaired before the actual breakdown occurs.
The quality of maintenance also affects the performance of machinery and the quality of products. A well-maintained machine produces fewer quality deviations and operates at the designed speed. From a total cost of ownership perspective, an optimised maintenance programme reduces both maintenance costs and production losses.
The experience of Hefmec customers shows concrete results: in one paper mill, the introduction of a predictive maintenance programme for critical equipment reduced unplanned downtime by 37% in the first year. In a machine shop, optimising the maintenance plan improved machine availability by 18% and significantly reduced quality costs.
Why is mechanical design an important part of product development?
Careful engineering is the cornerstone of product development, determining the functionality, durability, manufacturability and practicality of a product. Engineering design defines the structural characteristics of the product, the material requirements and the relationships between components, enabling innovative ideas to be turned into tangible products. Effective mechanical design reduces production costs, improves quality and shortens time to market.
Why is mechanical design an important part of product development?
At the critical focal point of product design is mechanical design, which is the bridge between an abstract idea and a working product. It is a holistic process that takes into account the form, function and manufacturing aspects of the product. Successful mechanical design not only ensures the functionality of the product, but also its safe and reliable use throughout its life cycle.
A well-designed mechanical structure acts as the backbone of the product, withstanding the stresses of use and varying environmental conditions. At Hefmec, we see every day how the structural design of a product directly affects the competitiveness and ultimately the market position of our customers’ products. In quality product development, mechanical design is not just part of the process – it is a key factor that enables innovation to become a reality.
What exactly does mechanical design mean in product development?
Mechanical design involves the definition, development and optimisation of the physical structure, components and mechanisms of a product. It is a branch of engineering that applies engineering, materials science and structural design to achieve a functional product.
In practice, mechanical design covers several key areas:
- Structural design – determining the strength, stiffness and other mechanical properties of the product
- Material choices – selecting appropriate materials based on functionality, durability and cost
- Tolerances – defining manufacturing accuracy to ensure functionality
- Assemblies – designing for compatibility and installability of parts
- Functionality – ensuring practical functionality and ergonomics
Mechanical design differs from other areas of design by focusing specifically on the physical and mechanical properties of the product. Whereas electronic design focuses on electrical components and software design on digital solutions, mechanical design ensures that the product performs as expected in the physical world.
How does mechanical design affect product quality and cost?
Professional mechanical design is directly reflected in product quality and cost-effectiveness. A well-designed product is reliable, durable and easy to manufacture, which is reflected in the total cost of ownership throughout the product’s life cycle.
From a quality point of view, the mechanical design affects the product:
- Sustainability and reliability
- Usability and ergonomics
- Serviceability and repairability
- Aesthetics and level of finish
From a cost point of view, careful mechanical design will reduce costs significantly:
- Use of materials through optimisation
- Production time and costs
- Reduced assembly time thanks to simplified structures
- Guarantee costs due to better durability
A concrete example of cost savings is a Hefmec customer project, where the product assembly time was reduced by 40% by optimising the number of parts and fastening mechanisms. This resulted in significant annual savings in production costs, while improving product quality through reduced assembly errors.
When should a company outsource mechanical design?
Outsourcing mechanical design is a strategic decision that can bring significant benefits to a company in the right circumstances. Outsourcing makes particular sense in the following situations:
- Lack of resources – when a company’s own design team is fully staffed or lacks design expertise altogether
- Need for specific expertise – when a project requires specific expertise that cannot be found in-house
- Project urgency – when the schedule is tight and a quick response is needed
- Temporary – for one-off or infrequent planning needs
The key benefits of outsourcing are cost-efficiency, flexibility and access to a wide range of specialised expertise. Partners such as Hefmec offer deep expertise in different industries and technologies, which can bring new perspectives and solutions to product development.
The best results are typically achieved through long-term cooperation, where the external partner gets to know the client’s business and needs in depth. In this case, outsourcing mechanical design becomes a strategic competitive advantage.
How does mechanical design support innovation?
Mechanical design acts as a catalyst in the innovation process. It enables abstract ideas to be turned into working prototypes that can be used to test and refine concepts. A skilled designer can identify technical constraints and find creative solutions to them.
Key elements of mechanical design that support innovation:
- Rapid prototyping and iterative development
- Simulations and analysis before physical implementation
- Considering manufacturability already at the design stage
- Application of new materials and technologies
A good example of the power of mechanical design as an enabler of innovation is modern 3D printing technologies, where design freedom has led to the development of entirely new product structures. Such structures would be impossible to realise using traditional manufacturing methods. Skilled mechanical designers can exploit these opportunities to create products with previously unattainable features.
The role of mechanical design in future product development
Mechanical design is undergoing a major transformation driven by digitalisation, automation and sustainable development. Traditional mechanical design is being replaced by new approaches that integrate smart technologies and sustainable solutions.
Future mechanical design will emphasise:
- Digital duplicates – virtual counterparts of physical products, allowing simulation and optimisation
- Generative design – using artificial intelligence to create optimal structures
- Circular economy and sustainable development – considering the recyclability and reuse of materials
- New manufacturing methods – 3D printing and other additive technologies
At Hefmec, we see how mechanical design is becoming an increasingly integrated part of the overall product development process. The boundaries between different design disciplines are blurring as mechanical structures are seamlessly integrated with electronics and software. This requires designers to have a broader range of skills and the ability to work in multidisciplinary teams.
In future product development, mechanical design will no longer be a separate stage, but a cross-cutting aspect that will accompany the product throughout its life cycle – from concept to recycling.
What methods are used when moving heavy machinery in an industrial environment?
Several specialised technologies are used to move heavy industrial machinery, such as hydraulic lifting systems, air cushions, skid steers, special cranes and customised transfer vehicles. Each method is suitable for specific situations, depending on the weight of the machine, the distance to be moved, the space available and the load-bearing capacity of the floor. Expert implementation ensures a safe and cost-effective outcome.
What methods are used when moving heavy machinery in an industrial environment?
Moving heavy industrial equipment requires specialised skills and the right tools. Hydraulic lifting systems are the most common solutions when precise control and high lifting capacity are required. These systems allow precise lifting and moving of machines weighing up to hundreds of tonnes.
Air cushion technology is particularly useful in confined spaces, as it reduces friction and allows heavy machinery to be moved with little force. Air cushions work most effectively on flat and smooth surfaces, and their use usually requires professional guidance.
Roller conveyor systems are cost-effective solutions suitable for many industrial environments. Various types of industrial cranes, such as overhead cranes and mobile cranes, are indispensable in many transfer projects. Specialised vehicles, such as low-loaders and modular transport vehicles, are often required when moving machinery over longer distances.
At Hefmec, we design and deliver tailor-made solutions for the transport of even the heaviest industrial machinery. Our services include method design, supply of the necessary transfer equipment and installation supervision to ensure a safe and efficient transfer process.
How to ensure the safety of machinery movements in an industrial environment?
Safety is an absolute priority for machine transports. Careful planning and risk assessment are fundamental to a successful transfer operation. A detailed safety plan must be drawn up before the transfer starts, taking into account the weight of the machine, the transfer route and the potential risks.
Proper training of workers is the cornerstone of safety. All persons involved in the transfer must have the appropriate qualifications and knowledge of the equipment used. Proper personal protective equipment such as helmets, safety shoes and safety vests are essential throughout the transfer operation.
Compliance with regulatory requirements is an important part of ensuring safety. Moving heavy machinery must comply with occupational safety legislation and sector-specific safety standards. The transfer plan should define clear responsibilities and communication methods.
In Hefmec’s machine transfer services, security is integrated at every stage. We adhere to strict safety standards and continuously improve our procedures. We use CE-marked equipment and draw up detailed safety instructions to ensure the safety of both workers and machinery during transfers.
What are the maintenance services Hefmec offers for industrial machinery?
We offer a comprehensive range of maintenance services to keep your industrial machinery in optimal working order. Our predictive maintenance services include regular inspections and servicing to prevent potential failures and minimise production downtime.
Maintenance plans are tailored to the customer’s needs. Scheduled maintenance is carried out in a flexible manner that causes the least possible disruption to production. Our fault repair services respond quickly to problems and our skilled fitters ensure that machines are back up and running quickly.
Our modernisation services help you upgrade even old machines to meet modern efficiency and safety requirements. Our remote monitoring solutions allow us to monitor machine operation in real time and anticipate maintenance needs before they cause production downtime.
Our diagnostic services use modern measurement methods to accurately determine the condition of your machinery. All our maintenance services are designed to maximise machine utilisation and minimise unexpected downtime, supporting our customers’ business continuity.
How do maintenance services affect the life cycle of industrial machinery?
Regular maintenance and servicing are key to extending the life of industrial machinery. Properly maintained machinery can operate reliably for decades, while neglected maintenance can significantly shorten the life cycle and lead to costly repairs or premature replacement investments.
Reliability of operation will be significantly improved through planned maintenance. When machines operate reliably, production downtime is reduced and productivity is increased. Life cycle cost optimisation is possible when maintenance is correctly timed and carried out professionally.
Hefmec’s maintenance strategy is based on a proactive approach. We identify potential problems early and fix them before they cause more serious damage. This approach has proven to be cost-effective in many of our customer projects.
One of our customers in the paper and pulp industry has managed to extend the life of their production line machinery by more than 30% by using our maintenance services. Another customer in the metal industry has reported a 45% reduction in production downtime after implementing a systematic maintenance programme.
When should you outsource your machinery moving and maintenance services to a specialist company?
The need for specialised skills is one of the main reasons for outsourcing machinery handling and maintenance services. The removal and maintenance of heavy industrial machinery involves specialised tasks requiring specific skills and experience. Outsourcing allows this expertise to be utilised without having to train in-house staff.
Optimising resources is another important aspect. By outsourcing transmission and maintenance services, a company can focus on its core business and reallocate its resources to more productive activities. Responsibility issues are clarified when a specialised company takes overall responsibility for the transfer and maintenance operations.
Cost-effectiveness is often a decisive factor in the decision to outsource. Moves and maintenance carried out as an outsourced service are usually cheaper than those carried out in-house, especially when the costs of purchasing and maintaining equipment and training staff are taken into account.
Hefmec’s services cover the entire life cycle of a machine, from design to decommissioning. We offer comprehensive solutions that ensure optimal machine performance and maximise machine lifetime. Our customers can rely on their machines to operate reliably and safely under our professional care.
Why is strength calculation important in product design?
Ensuring structural durability is a key part of successful product design. Professional strength calculations determine the durability of products under different operating conditions, enabling optimal material choices, extending product life and ensuring safety. Modern calculation methods, such as FEM analysis, provide accurate information on the behaviour of structures even before the first prototype is built, saving time and resources in the product development process.
What does strength calculation mean in product design?
Strength calculation is the cornerstone of product design, where mathematical methods are used to determine the durability of materials and structures under different loading conditions. It is a predictive process that simulates the forces applied to a product, such as tension, compression, bending and vibration, to ensure the durability of a structure throughout its design life.
Modern engineering design makes particular use of Finite Element Method (FEM) analysis, which breaks down a complex structure into smaller, more easily analysable parts. This allows accurate structural analyses to be carried out even for complex geometries. In specialist organisations such as Hefmec, FEM analysis is used on a daily basis to optimise different product structures.
The role of mathematical models in assessing the structural integrity of products is irreplaceable. They allow material properties, loads and boundary conditions to be combined into simulations that reveal potential weaknesses at the design table. This kind of sustainability analysis is a key element of innovative and responsible product design.
How does strength calculation improve product safety?
Ensuring product safety is one of the most important tasks in strength calculation. A thorough structural analysis allows us to identify critical points and potential failure mechanisms before they occur in real life. This preventive approach is the key to developing reliable and safe products.
Strength calculations allow modelling the behaviour of a product under different extreme conditions, such as:
- Abnormally high loads
- Varying temperatures
- Dynamic stress
- Fatiguing cyclical load
These analyses help to anticipate potential problems and improve product design before the product goes into production. For example, a durability analysis of a hook on a lifting device can reveal potential fracture points that can be corrected by design changes. In safety-critical applications, such as healthcare equipment or infrastructure solutions, a thorough strength calculation is often a legal requirement and an essential part of compliance demonstration.
When should strength calculation be used in the product development process?
Optimal timing of strength calculations in product development is essential to achieve maximum benefits. Ideally, strength calculations are integrated into the process from the concept phase, allowing the design direction to be determined on the basis of reliable analyses.
The stages of product development where strength calculations are particularly useful:
- Concept phase: a preliminary structural analysis shows the concept works and reveals potential problem areas
- Detailed design: accurate FEM analyses ensure the functionality of details
- Prototype phase: computational results support physical tests
- Industrialisation: assessing the impact of manufacturing methods and tolerances
- Certification: documented calculations prove product compliance
By including strength calculations at the start of product development, costly and time-consuming corrections at later stages can be avoided. In Hefmec’s experience, early strength calculation can significantly shorten the product development cycle and improve the quality of the final product.
How does the strength calculation affect the cost-effectiveness of the product?
The impact of strength of trade calculation on cost-effectiveness is significant, although it is often overlooked. Accurate analysis can help optimise material usage, reduce the number of prototypes and shorten time to market – all factors that directly affect the total cost of a product.
Optimisation of materials is one of the clearest benefits. With the help of strength calculations, you can:
- Thins structures safely at non-critical points
- Reinforce only those areas subject to significant stresses
- Replace expensive materials with cheaper alternatives
- Reducing the overall amount of material without compromising on durability
In addition, when the behaviour of the product is known accurately thanks to computation, the need for physical prototypes can be reduced. This saves considerable time and money. Based on Hefmec’s project experience, strength calculation can reduce material costs by up to 15-30% and prototyping costs by 40-60%, making it a worthwhile investment in the product development process.
What are the most common errors in strength calculations?
To make effective use of strength-of-field calculations, you need to be aware of and avoid the typical pitfalls. The most common mistakes are unrealistic initial assumptions, inadequate boundary conditions and inaccuracies in material models, all of which can lead to misleading results.
Typical sources of error in strength calculations:
Type of error | Result | Avoidance |
---|---|---|
Unrealistic load situations | Underestimation of actual use | Thorough analysis of the operating environment |
Insufficient framework conditions | Incorrect deformation behaviour | Accurate modelling of anchorage points |
Simplified material models | Inaccurate behaviour prediction | Material testing with real materials |
Over-simplification of geometry | Ignoring critical details | Appropriate model accuracy |
Competent strength calculation requires both theoretical understanding and practical experience. Our approach at Hefmec is based on a thorough analysis to ensure that the calculation model reflects the real situation as accurately as possible. This minimises the risk of erroneous conclusions and maximises the added value of the strength calculation.