Protective Workstation Tray
Tasked with creating a vacuum formed tray to protect the workstation of a machine from process liquid abrasives.
Key factors were to ensure the tray was straightforward to remove and clean; that the tray had a close fit within the workstation to minimise movement during processing; and to manufacture to equivalent unit cost of previous protective trays used in older machines.
CONCEPT DESIGN
Iterated various ideas focused on handling the unit, including cleaning and removing the tray with minimal dismantling of components, while maximising the surface protected in the workstation
DETAIL DESIGN
Carried out Finite Element Analysis to test tray unit under maximum load when completely filled with liquid and potential impact forces if mishandled
CAD DESIGN
Produced model with Surface Modelling on Solidworks to gauge the precise shape of the workstation
PROTOTYPE
Manufactured two iterations to ensure tray had a secure fit within the machine workstation and would not collide with moving mechanical components
RESULT
New tooling material sourced for vacuum forming, greatly reducing unit cost and maintaining quality of surface smoothness. Established that material sheet thickness was suitable to handle maximum weight.
Curved sloping shape forms around obtrusive components within the workstation for easy installation and removal and allows for straightforward cleaning. Final successful solution had close secure fit within workstation.
