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.
