Grede possesses the product development expertise and state-of-the-art design, predictive and simulation tools to provide the "total package" in component design consultation.
When combined with the benefits of our rapid prototyping capabilities, our customers are assured of getting the best collaborative solutions for their cast component design needs in the shortest amount of time.
Professional Competency
Our wide array of casting technology is matched with a team of localized technical expertise at each foundry location.
These teams are supported by a centralized corporate team in place to assist with Flow Modeling simulation and Design for Manufacturability (DFM) coordination.
In addition to these staff positions, Grede maintains an active relationship with top industry consultants to ensure the latest advancements are always considered and technical resources are available to meet the customer’s timeline.
Technological Tools
Our engineers use a combination of 3-D and solid modeling with predictive software to ensure that component designs meet all performance criteria, while Process Maps, Failure Mode Effect Analysis (FMEA) and Control Plans help ensure that potential design problems are eliminated prior to production. Solidification modeling is then used to validate the molding process, and Rapid Prototyping is available to bring concepts to reality in the shortest lead-time.
CAD & Solidification / Flow Analysis Capabilities:
- Catia V5
- Ideas
- MAGMA
- Pro-Engineer
- Unigraphics
Design Reviews
Grede is strongly committed to product design reviews as an integral part of our component design process. Component designs are continually reviewed, validated, tested and confirmed at every stage of the development process:
- As part of our initial feasibility study
- During design optimization
- Within the overall system
- Within the vehicle
- Within each of the proposed processes
Process Development
Our goal is to provide our customers with "engineered component solutions" - cost-effective components custom-designed for the specific system in which they are used and guaranteed to perform on a world-class level.
With process development engineers, Lean champions, and Six Sigma professionals as part of our program teams, we design for the manufacturing process, too. This ensures that the component design is "manufacturable" - that the production process is as cost-effective and efficient as possible at the required production volume and optimum weight.