With almost 70 years of engineering and model making expertise, Ogle thrives on technically challenging projects that the development of engineering prototypes often presents.
These functional and highly accurate pre-production prototypes commonly incorporate a range of components and moving mechanical parts that the customer will then use for rigorous testing and evaluation before committing the design to manufacture.
Problem solving skills
At the start of the process and with a range of software packages in-house, Ogle accepts data in a variety of formats such as .stp, .stl, .iges and for bench model making even simple sketches and 2D CAD drawings. This data is then translated into Ogle’s CAD/CAM software where it is put into language that the machines will read.
Utilising its vast industry knowledge and problem solving skills, Ogle will then evaluate the most appropriate and cost effective means of creating the various components both in terms of process and material. This ensures that the finished prototype will accurately resemble the end-use product both in relation to functionality and surface finish.
IT’S TIME TO CHALLENGE OGLE
The Ogle team love a challenge! Think you’ve got a project that could test the team? Get in touch:Vast in-house facilities
Ogle’s facility houses an extensive range of processes, and often a combination of 3D printing, CNC machining and vacuum casting will be used in one prototyping project.
There are eight industrial 3D printing and additive manufacturing machines in-house including:
– Three selective laser sintering (SLS)
– Four stereolithography (SLA)
– One fused deposition modelling (FDM)
All these machines produce highly detailed accurate parts with a large variety of material options.
Ogle also extensively utilises the subtractive manufacturing process of CNC machining, of which it has three-axis, four-axis and five-axis machines.
Lastly, with the visual appeal of injection moulding, vacuum casting is a versatile process for elastomers that guarantees part accuracy and excellent repeatability results in materials that mimic the real thing.
Then, with the components created, Ogle utilises the all-important industrial modelmaking to ensure that the components fit into the assembly perfectly and to tolerance.
Building successful client relationships
During this entire process, Ogle frequently communicates with its customers to not only guarantee the desired end result but to also build a successful relationship. It’s this personal touch that often results in repeat business.
Here are some examples of engineering prototypes that Ogle has delivered to customers in a variety of sectors, including automotive, aerospace, defence and medical:
- Motion cueing simulator (or ejector) seat for Cranfield Aerospace
- Large engineering form and fit model of an aircraft engine
- Fully-functioning automotive flappy paddles for pre-production cars
- Full size airborne reconnaissance pod for pre-production wiring testing
- Inhalers for pre-production testing on production line
