How to get better engineering project results with finite element analysis

The pace of product development is accelerating as design and manufacturing technologies become more advanced and accessible to even small manufacturers.  As a result, machine and product designs are becoming better and more cost-competitive faster than ever before. 
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Finite element analysis (FEA) is a software tool engineers use to simulate and analyze the performance and stresses associated with a design.   In the past, only larger companies had the software, hardware, and experienced people needed to take advantage of FEA.  

​Today, sophisticated analysis and simulation tools are within reach of even the smallest companies.  

How can your company benefit from FEA?

​You’ll get better designs and lower costs.   With FEA, engineers can simulate machines, products, and processes to determine weaknesses and make corrections before prototyping or testing. 

• You can reduce costs. You can find opportunities to optimize the weight and material usage and reduce manufacturing costs, all without making a single prototype.  
• You can save time.  By testing virtually, you’ll need fewer physical prototype tests and iterations.  FEA can quickly drive changes in the design phase when the cost is the lowest.
• You can reduce risk. The risk of failed components and the associated engineering and manufacturing change expense will be significantly reduced by correcting weaknesses exposed by FEA during the design phase. Your designs may be safer to use.
• You’ll have a better final result.  You can test many designs quickly, zeroing in on the best rather than making many prototypes and tests to find the best.  The result is better products, machines, and processes.

How to get started?  If you are not already using FEA to improve your engineering projects, you should consider how your company could cut costs and enhance your engineering results.  Almost all CAD packages have an option for some FEA features.  If it is not something your company is ready to do internally, or you don’t have the time, reach out to Lee Engineering.  We have the latest FEA software, other design tools, and decades of engineering, manufacturing, and design experience to help you with your FEA requirements and make your designs the best they can be. 
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Contact us to get support on your next project!