Finite Element Method
Introduction
In the engineering market, rapid innovation and product introduction is getting ever more important. After all, rapid introduction of new innovations gives you a competitive edge. Shorter development times also reduce the time to break-even. Rapid Prototyping makes this possible. ERIKS offers various services that drastically reduce the development time of rubber products.Using Rapid Prototyping, models can be produced from rubber-like materials and plastics in just a few days, saving weeks of production and delivery time.
Because of its expertise in rubber technology, engineers often involve ERIKS in new product development. In the past, the first step was investing in a test mould. That would cost anywhere between € 300 and € 1000, and the delivery time was 4 to 6 weeks. If the design had to be changed, you had to go through the same process again.
Finite Element Method
To raise the probability that the prototype immediately fits the design specs, and thus speed up the development process, we offer the option of performing a simulation based on the finite element method (Finite Element Analyses; FEA). In this method, the product is digitally exposed to the full range of external physical stresses, drawing conclusions from the stress images generated. It is used specifically for critical applications and for products like high-pressure seals or dampening seals for certain frequencies or amplitudes.
