Engineering Design & Development

Quality Starts with Design and Engineering Expertise

AI offers clients a complete range of services such as concept development, detailed design, prototyping, testing, and low-rate production through high volume production. Our operations facilities allow us to offer a complete on-site manufacturing solution. AI adheres to strict, government- and industry-accepted quality control procedures throughout our operations.

AI offers a wide-range of solutions tailored to customer-specific needs. Our engineering staff will contact you to assess expectations and requirements in order to propose a methodology and options. All decisions and analyses will be documented in a compliance matrix to ensure a flow down of requirements. Every project is evaluated for its unique needs and, as such, AI does not offer stock solutions. Every client and project is treated individually. However, we have significant history and experiences that we are also able to leverage similar, qualified designs to improve lead times.

AI employs a state-of-the-art SolidWorks CAD system which has been enhanced with customized menus for welding information, extrusions, hardware, and standard parts. AI three-dimensional modeling capability allows smooth transitioning to finite element analysis.

DESIGN PHILOSOPHY

  • Simple efficient structures
  • Extrusions to minimize weight and labor
  • Combine welded components into one extruded section
  • Eliminate hidden welds for easy verification and maintenance
  • Minimize machined parts
  • Start with established design = new design is last option
  • Forward thinking risk mitigation design

DESIGN TOOLS AND RESOURCES

  • SolidWorks modeling software
  • Allows for interference checks when unit 3D model is available
  • Can import unit model vs. redrawing unit from drawings
  • Finite Element Analysis
  • Digital imaging capability
  • Secure FTP server for file transfer

AI Engineering Process

The Engineering organization is responsible for hardware configuration management, Bill Of Materials (BOM) management, document management and change management. They are also the custodians of the technical document library. They are responsible for the storage, access, control, updating and distribution of all technical documentation. Similarly, procedures and forms are in place to prepare Engineering Change Orders (ECO) and Engineering Change Requests (ECR). An Engineering Change Proposals (ECP) is our tool which we utilize to recommend/propose changes to customer owned drawings.

The Design Engineering organization has the ability to receive and utilize the following type of data/media: hard copy drawings and specifications, CDs, NX files, Solid Edge files, IGES, EMS, PRT (ProE), STL, STEP, parasolid modeling files, CATIA and Inventor files. Hard copy/paper drawings are processed through the technical document library and retained in a locked filing area. Electronic media is downloaded and stored on a separate server which is password secured. Access and archiving procedures exist to ensure control of this data.

LET’S GET STARTED

Let AI evaluate your needs and begin to lower your costs with a state of the art solution.