Challenge
PCH výroba a projekty s.r.o., based in the Olomouc Region, has long been involved in the development and manufacture of world-class pumps. After years of stable operation and gradual expansion of its production capacity, the family-owned company decided to optimize the performance of selected functional elements in order to improve the basic characteristics (especially the discharge) of its products without significantly interfering with the proven design, and sought a partner primarily for rapid prototyping of these modified elements.
Solution
TUL CXI, a partner of our EDIH Northeast consortium, designed and implemented several services as part of Test Before Invest. The chosen approach was based on the creation of digital models of selected elements using reverse engineering techniques, followed by the production of prototypes of these elements, scaled primarily with regard to the hardness of the materials used. These prototypes were then subjected to tests to verify their functionality and application usability with regard to the typical way they are loaded under conditions that affect the overall service life of the pumps, including extreme conditions caused by the environment to which they may be exposed. The collaboration also included geometric modifications of selected elements based on simulation analyses.
Result
- A fivefold increase in pump displacement was recorded under laboratory conditions.
- Precise 3D models of both original and modified parts were created.
- Several functional samples were created to test material properties.
- Significant acceleration of the innovation cycle through the use of rapid prototyping and a wide range of materials.
- The collaboration was very effective even without the need for frequent travel – communication, exchange of parts and data, evaluation of tests, and proposals for further modifications were ensured with an emphasis on minimizing the carbon footprint.
Benefits for the customer
- The ability to test new design elements without investing in mass production.
- Proven optimization effect in practice.
- Access to cutting-edge 3D printing, vacuum casting, and reverse engineering processes.
- Increased competitiveness ensured by effective innovations.
This collaboration is an example of how even a small family business can significantly increase and streamline its development potential by using modern and digital technologies and, even with minimal investment, ensure the preparation of prototypes in the form necessary for their functional verification, which significantly accelerates product innovation.
Reference
“Given our previous positive experiences with technical universities, we decided to take advantage of the offer of cooperation with CXI TUL. Shortly after the initial contact, a personal meeting with Dr. Horáček and Dr. Seidl followed, at which we quickly and constructively agreed on specific steps for cooperation. Our overall assessment is very positive—communication was flexible, professional, and effective, and we received the first results in a very short time. We also greatly appreciate the high quality of the prototypes delivered, which allowed us to immediately verify the functionality and benefits of the proposed modifications. We also appreciated CXI TUL’s approach to financing – unlike other universities, support through EDIH Northeast was arranged in advance, which is a great advantage at a time when calls such as the Application program are repeatedly postponed. This approach significantly streamlined and accelerated the entire cooperation process, which continues and will hopefully continue in the future.”
Ing. Štěpán Chvátal, PCH výroba a projekty s.r.o.
If you are interested in similar cooperation or any of our other services, please do not hesitate to contact us!