The client is an internationally known manufacturer of precision weighing equipment. The clients own engineers had designed a very high precision self-calibrating balance mechanism with a capacity of up to 3Kg. This was intended to replace their current range of Laboratory balances.
The task was to design a robust, compact and low profile enclosure suitable for a wide range of weighing applications in laboratories. The accuracy of the balance made it susceptible to draughts and the design had to include a draught shield. The range would also include a number of different pan sizes and styles depending on the main purpose of the balance within the laboratory. The stiffness of the enclosure would be a major concern because any distortion would adversely affect the mechanism and accuracy of the readings.
The first stage was to meet with the engineers and negotiate to use a die cast enclosure with spot machined mountings. The client was presented with a series of concept designs in CAD exploring ergonomics and external styling.
The preferred concept was developed to a series of computer generated images showing the product build options. The components were finalised and CAD data issued for manufacture.