The product development process, in general, includes five steps:
- Design
- Virtual prototyping
- Mould building and physical prototyping
- Documentation/certification
- Testing
The product design phase is approximately two weeks, if all information is available or Jupiter has been given a significant degree of autonomy.
The virtual prototyping process has the purpose of constructing an entire virtual prototype of the product based on the design elements from the first phase. The construction is performed in the 3D systems Solid Edge, ProE and UG. In the dynamic software programme ANSYS, Jupiter can simulate the desired specifications through a stress and deformation analysis.
Mould construction and physical prototyping are based on the 3D design drawings; moulds – inner and outer parts – are constructed, and a physical prototype is casted and accordingly mounted onto the intended application. |
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In the documentation/certification phase, all relevant data are recorded for audits. Data include specifications, strength analysis, laminate and sandwich descriptions, drawings etc. depending on the requirements set forth by the customer.
The testing phase is based on a physical prototype. According to the appropriate documentation, the product is tested in operation. A first article inspection (FAI) is performed in cooperation with the customer, and the component is released for series production.
Depending on the product specifications and the requirements of the customer, a typical development process can be completed within five to six months. |
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