We design components in biobased and recyclable rubber materials.
By sourcing quick-win sustainable material solutions ánd customer specific material development, we lower carbon footprint and virgin material dependency.
Sealing technology
A proper sealing solution starts with selecting the right material for your application. This requires consideration of all operating conditions, required lifetime, purchase costs and operational costs. Sondel Engineering follows a structured analytical approach for each application.
If a special design is required, this will be your property, so you can freely search the best production partner for your project. Of course we have an extensive network including many producers, so we can assist you in finding the best supplier.
Project management
After you have taken the initiative to start a project, Sondel Engineering will help you to define the details. The base for a successful project is making sure that the project goals and the required time and budget are defined clearly. In the course of a project, many parties are involved, e.g.:
- Management
- Engineering
- Purchase
- Sales
- Marketing
- Suppliers
- Customers
Sondel Engineering will help you independently with clear communication between all involved parties. Getting the people committed to deliver their part in the project is the strength that is added by Sondel Engineering. Sondel Engineering can assist by selecting (temporarily) partners, like engineers or producers.
Design Support
Design support is available in different levels and for different purposes, for example aesthetic presentation, design for manufacturability or for technical assessment (see Finite Element Analysis).
A high definition visualization for example can convince prospects to buy before the product is ever produced or prototyped.
Design of your product or component can be from an aesthetic or functional point of view.
Aesthetic design support includes creating 3D renders of the design and shows the material finish, color and style. The product can be placed in realistic settings, so it is viewed as if it is real. 3D renders give future stakeholders or buyers a realistic representation and reference of the prospected design.
Functional design support includes manufacturability improvements, review of dimensional tolerances and creation of 3D STEP files and/or 2D CAD drawings. These documents are mandatory in every product design, and make it possible to communicate with production engineers for producibilty assessment, perform quote inquiries and set up a quality management during production.
For technical design assessment with Finite Element Analyses (FEM or FEA), see Finite Element Analysis.
Material Selection
Selecting the right material for the application is half of the engineering job.
With millions of different applications, and even more material variations, the material selection can be a tough cookie, considering all aesthetic and technical requirements.
We consider Fit for Purpose, Manufacturability and Design for Circularity important pillars.
Fit for purpose designing focuses on meeting the technical specifications given by the application. In every design we examine the future application, regarding function, contact medium, operating temperature, operating pressure, expected lifetime and required homologations (FMVSS, FDA, EC 1935, R118, NSF, KTW-BWGL a.o.).
Design for manufacturability focuses on the feasibility of production based on product requirements, production quantities and required quality documentation levels (e.g. PPAP or MDR). With experience in different industries, we can advise what production method fits best with the final serial production:
- Injection / compression / transfer moulding
- Machining / shaping
- Additive manufacturing.
Design towards circularity focuses on the material before and after use, and prioritizes closed-loop materials. This includes materials that can be either recycled or biodegraded, in order to prevent future waste. Raw material like such as
- Recycled content materials
- Biobased materials
- Biodegradable materials
Finite Element Analysis
FEA can be used to assess and/or optimize your product design. Will your part be strong enough or is it way too strong and could it be made with much less material? How will your part deform during assembly or when applying operational pressure?
FEA is a tool that will permit the analysis of complex structures, it is not magic and will only produce results that are as good as the input and the skills of the analyst.
In FEA a mathematical model is used, consisting of the governing equations and the boundary conditions. This mathematical model is then reduced to determining values at selected locations, ‘nodes’. Each algebraic equation in the mathematical model will relate a nodal value to its neighbors. It is therefore very important to use the optimal amount of nodes.
For most metals the data required to make the analysis are available, but in the case of rubber available material data can only be used for a quick comparison. For a quantitative analysis with higher precision it is required to do material tests at the required temperatures.
In any case, we will assist you in an optimal design from both functional and cost perspective.
Production Organization
When the product is designed based on aesthetic and functional requirements, and material is selected with a fit for purpose, production can be organized.
With many years of experience, we are able to manage your product from design to serial production, considering all requirements.
In close contact we select your preferred or new production partners. We are not only able to transfer the design-, functional- and technical requirements with engineers, but also make sure your quality, quantity and price expectations are met.
With many years of experience in production startup organisation, we are able to align the right parties with technical information, follow up required quality steps and make sure serial production will run as planned in the design and definition phase.
Consultancy
Many questions can arise in your company from (inter)national regulations, guidelines, customer demands and so on. Sondel Engineering can assist you with answering these questions and make a clear management presentation to help you in making the right choices.
What is the impact of new regulation on your development projects, for example?
It can be a big issue if just after the launch of your new product, also new regulation is activated that limits use of ingredients that are used in your parts. For example new European regulations on PFAS, Per/PolyFluoroAlkyl Substances, are on their way.
How is the European framework of food regulations, EC1935/04, working for your product? Do you comply completely and can your products be sold in all European countries, or can you expect some issues?
Is hygienic design according EHEDG compulsory by law? What can you do with your design to be ready for EHEDG approvals? Why is it always best to design your food handling equipment according EHEDG guidelines?
Training
- Sealing technology
- Rubber properties
- Production methods for rubber
- Homologations
With experience in giving lectures and trainings in a variety of topics, including training material and quizzes as a group test. If there is a change in regulation you would like to update your team about for example, we have multiple options to suit your needs.
“…smart new products, services, and technologies conceived and created through sharing brainpower initiatives will help us meet many of the challenges we now face.”
from: The smartest places on earth, why rustbelts are the emerging hotspots of global innovation
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