Without form, there is no function
CAD of a medallion given as a reward for supporting an art project.
Our experience manufacturing began out of necessity. Through the years, the same question keeps arising; how do you protect the sensitive electronics at the heart of this design? And secondly: how can the user effectively interact with that device? In solving these questions a number of skills were developed and honed.
From a design, a number of different production paths can be taken. The techniques and materials vary greatly these days. The same part can be built using a variety of manufacturing methods. The path chosen for prototyping is often quite different from that of production.
There are three primary methods of manufacture; additive, subtractive, and molded. Determining the most economical and efficient way through production is a difficult journey. Each method has benefits and drawbacks, trading tooling vs. material cost, strength vs. speed vs. accuracy. Jopel designs has broad experience here. We offers several additive and subtractive manufacturing techniques, as well as design services and material sourcing.
Computer Aided Design (CAD)
Everything today is designed in the computer before it is produced. We use a range of programs when designing, depending on the requirements of the job. Most of the design suites used are open source so you continue development.
Cutting area of the CNC mill
CNC Milling
In our machine shop we have a 4-axis “Jewler’s” mill. It is capable of cutting plastic and aluminum. The single pass cutting area is 12″ x 5″ x 6″ (300mm x 125mm x 150mm). It is sometimes possible to make several cuts expanding the cut size. The 4th axis allows us to make rotary cuts.
Laser Cutting and Engraving
Cutting Area of the 100W CO2 Laser
The machine shop also houses a 3ft by 4ft 100W CO2 Laser. The cutting area is 50″ x 34.5″ and can load full sheet (4’x8′) source material. It can cut through material up to 1/2″ thick. If you have a taller item, like a case or box, the table inside is capable of lowering up to 12 inches.
Assembly
Once all the pieces are built they’ll need to be assembled. Our skilled assembly techniques offer extreme reliability.
Machine Tool Diagnosis and Repair
If you have an electro-mechanical tool in disrepair we may be able to help. We have years of experience maintaining large industrial robotic systems and our own machine tools.