Process
A Closer Look at Our Engineering Process
Our Process
At Exact Engineering, we like to approach engineering problems in a simple yet deterministic manner. Essentially, we follow a three step process. First we determine the requirements definition. Second, the design process commences, Third, we perform analysis to determine the performance of the design. Often, the analysis results will require a design change and thus the process tends to be iterative. The end goal is a design that meets the requirements with the fewest iterations and the lowest engineering costs.
Requirements
The key to keeping the cost low and shortest time to market is a well defined set of requirements. Requirements are necessary for determining the big three:
Complexity
Scope
Cost
Often times a client will come to us with only a concept. In this case, we work very closely with them to establish a requirements document. Well-defined requirements not only save time and money, but generally yield the best product. Pictured is a sample of a concise and cohesive set of performance requirements for a small mechanism. Although not all-inclusive, this is a good example of a set of requirements from which one could initiate design.

Design
From the established set of requirements, the design process can be fully engaged and in many cases will require the application of a variety of engineering disciplines. Some examples include:
Materials engineering for materials selection and material finishing processes
Electrical engineering for actuator and sensor control
Mechanical drafting of manufacturing drawings to ANSY Y14.5M 1994 standards
Manufacturing engineering for Design for Manufacturability (DFM) and Assembly (DFA)
Cost engineering for meeting design to unit production cost (DTUPC)

Analysis
Once the design has progressed to the level of best engineering judgement, it is often necessary to perform analysis to optimize the design. This can be as simple as ensuring a static structural component can a given load or complex as a shock analysis of a product impact as in a drop test. Regardless of the complexity, we have the tools and more importantly the expertise to solve your analysis problems. Below is a summary of our analysis capabilities.
Structural for determining stresses, stiffness and deflections
Modal for determining natural frequencies
Harmonic for cyclical loading such as rotating machinery
Random vibration for time dependent loads such as rocket launches
Transient for determining time varying effects such as shock loads
Thermal for determining the effects due to changing temperatures
Topology Optimization for mass, stiffness and strength
