Company Background:
Globaltec NI provides engineering and technical services support to various sectors such as health, education and work within the semi-conductor industry. Globaltec NI works with several multi-national companies such as Seagate, undertaking a variety of sub-contracting work. The company is based in Springtown Industrial Estate, Derry ~ Londonderry.
Challenge:
Globaltec NI wished to develop a lifting device (A-frame) that could lift 2000kg (2 tonnes) and fit through doorways as small as 600mm (2ft). Globaltec NI had identified the opportunity as most lifting devices are unable to get through doorways less than 1500mm (5ft).
This business opportunity however provided a challenge for Globaltec NI because they hadn’t developed any products before and they lacked skills in new product development and 3D Computer Aided Design (CAD). They also required support to develop a scaled 3D rapid prototype and full-scale manufactured prototype of their idea.
Solution:
In order to overcome this obstacle, Globaltec NI made contact with North West Regional College (NWRC) Business Support Centre (BSC) who firstly supported them through the InnovateUs programme which is funded by the Department for Economy.
This provided 60 hours of 1:1 mentoring support from NWRC Technical Consultant in Engineering, Philip Devlin, who provided training to the company to help develop a design for the proposed A-frame. This involved training on Solidworks from beginning with basic shapes and parts, creating assemblies, mates, progressing to skills in design for manufacture (DFM) and assembly.
The NWRC BSC then assisted Globaltec NI to successfully apply for an Invest NI innovation voucher where the NWRC performed FEA stress analysis consultancy on the A-frame design and following its successful conclusion progressed to develop both a scaled 3D rapid prototype and full-scale manufactured prototype of the new A-frame.
Impact:
On completion of the project, Globaltec NI now have a full-scale working prototype of the A-frame that they have tested and have sold their first one to a client in the health sector. With full engineering drawings and a second A-frame manufactured they are now in discussions with further clients regarding sales.
Testimonial from Globaltec NI discussing the benefits of working with NWRC’s BSC:
‘’The support from the NWRC has been great to help us make our ideas a reality. At the outset we had an idea and knew what we wanted to do but didn’t know how to do it. The NWRC assisted us to get the funding and then gave us skills training in 3D CAD and development of the new A-frame.
‘’They then worked with us to get the prototype manufactured and we have gone on to sell the product which is great. The support from the College has been excellent and I’d encourage more businesses to engage with the NWRC’s Business Support Centre and avail of their help.’’
