Engineering
At Altatec, our Engineering Department takes care of all technical tasks.
They’re the people to contact if you have any questions about or want an expert’s opinion on research and development, construction, model and initial production, tests and testing equipment. We use tried-and-tested technology, as well as technological solutions that may be feasible in the future. Not only will our Engineering Department be at your side for the development of your product, but they will also be there to help throughout the product’s entire lifecycle!
Through the close collaboration between you, as our client, our Engineering Department and our teams from the Procurement and Production Departments, your product will be continuously optimised in terms of quality and manufacturing costs.
As a result, your idea can be implemented, manufactured and put on the market quicker. Production costs can be optimized and your profits boosted.
Phases of Engineering
-
Step 1: Brainstorming
Ideas are our most valuable asset. With great motivation and a healthy ambition to always improve our performance, we love to work on unusual concepts and exciting solutions. We are involved in each project from beginning to end and are always available if you need any advice or help!
Our ideas/solutions are developed as concepts. This is usually done by you, as the client, or in a joint collaboration.
With new project we put together one or several block, sequence and timing diagrams as this allows us to clearly illustrate our approach and goals. All requirements and ‘nice-to-have’ elements are documented in the specifications and weighed up.
-
Step 2: Feasibility study
The feasibility study or project study forms the basis for deciding if and how a project can be implemented. In most cases, the next step is a telephone call or meeting with you. So that your idea can be implemented in the quickest and most cost-effective way possible, we will also check if there are already products on the market that could be used for the implementation.
We quickly come up with a range of solutions and methodically evaluate the advantages, disadvantages and risks of each. As a result, we can provide you with a recommendation with a schedule and a rough estimation of costs. The feasibility study helps you to decide whether you would like us to work with you on this project.
-
Step 3: Calculation/Simulation
The envisaged solution listed as a concept in the specifications should be developed as a product. This allows an initial estimate of the space needed for the electronic circuits, sensors, actuators and casing. The circuit components evaluated in the block diagram are dimensioned and, if necessary, simulated to ensure functionality.
By simulating the electronics, limits, and possibilities can be identified at an early stage. The circuit blocks can then be put together roughly to scale. In addition, Aesthetic, erconomic and safty-related customer requirements can be addressed. This is used to create simple, true-to-scale 3D models for evaluating the external appearance of the final product. When turning an idea into a real product, in addition to the development and programming of the function, there are also production related challenges to be overcome. Altatec can support you here too.
-
Step 4: Functioning model
The model must be developed such that the product can be manufactured in large quantities (serial production) and with a high degree of automation. The development process can be optimized right from the start unsing construction drawings and our experiance in production. An early clarification of the testability and evaluation of the necessary test equipment, as well as their costs, helps to avoid any nasty surprises later.
The production and testing of the first functional models or prototypes helps to identify any errors as early as the development phase, so that improvements or new findings can flow into the product.
-
Step 5: Diagram/Layout
At Altatec, the technical implementation of the calculated and simulated circuits is done with modern, professional and combined CAD/CAE tools.
All the information gained from the simulation and the functional model is taken into consideration when creating the diagram and layout. Once the circuit diagram has been created, the mechanical dimensions and other requirements for the desired final product can be taken into consideration.
Through rendering and exporting, the laid-out PCB can be used to view or for further development in a CAD tool without it having to be physically available.
Choosing the right supplier for special printed circuit boards and coatings plays a vital role here. Thanks to our many years in the industry, we have built a wide network of reliable partners. They consistently deliver high-quality supplies on time.
-
Step 6: Manufacturing
Once all the development and engineering activities described above have been successfully completed, your product can be optimally manufactured.
With a so-called pilot run we can make sure that all our equipment, such as special tools, machines and devices, are suitable for serial production.
Our engineering team and our production specialists will be available to answer you any other technical questions.
One of the many advantages of working with Altatec is the reliable collaboration between you as the client with, the management team, the engineering, the production specialists and the external partners.