Expert software predicts plating performance

Elsyca has incorporated over 20 years of research and consultancy experience into its new software product, Elsyca PlatingMaster.

Although software such as CAD, CAE and CAM has undoubtedly improved process knowledge and product design, some complex engineering processes have still remained in the realm of experts.

Now Rose Consulting Engineers has teamed up with a Belgian spinoff company Elsyca, from the University of Brussels/Von Karman Institute, to provide electroplating simulation software and services.

Elsyca has incorporated over 20 years of research and consultancy experience into its new software product, Elsyca PlatingMaster.

Through the use of an integrated SolidWorks CAD interface, any 3D component or array of components can be simulated in order to examine how effectively they can be plated.

The result of the simulation is a map of the plated layer thickness over any part of the component.

This allows a designer to assess the impact of product shape on the manufacture of the component and similarly provides the plater a tool to optimise the rack layout and plating process.

For example, a plating trial can take 15h or so, tying up staff and facilities as well as consuming materials and increasing waste volumes.

The same trial can take 20min on a computer and has been validated to within 90% accuracy.

To the present day, many plating processes have been developed through trial and error.

The knowledge gained through this approach typically lies with older more experienced staff and companies face a serious risk of losing their corporate knowhow as people retire.

So not only will Elsyca PlatingMaster help with better product design for manufacture but also provides a knowledge management system that captures the implicit knowledge of experienced employees.

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