Domaille Engineering is continually working on new technologies. Here is a sampling of the items we are currently working on:
No Bolt Design: Domaille is working on a fastener-less assembly system for securing lightweight components. This concept was founded when we were reviewing a complex aluminum assembly with a customer. The assembly components we machined we manufactured with .025 walls and .015 floor thicknesses. The total weight of the part was less than two pounds. To assembly to parts together the customer added stainless steel inserts, washers and bolts. The total assembly weight increased 20% with the hardware added. In addition, the labor steps required to assemble the parts increased the cost by 20%. During this review, Domaille realized the need for an engineering solution that eliminated weight and labor costs. This technology is currently being tested by a Fortune 100 company.
Nano Molding: Domaille Engineering is working on a revolutionary method for Nano Molding very small parts. This system consists of very ultra precision tooling, special Mold Equipment and production manufacturing in controlled environment. The optimum part size for Nano Molding is .187 or smaller. This process was derived from a third party visit to Domaille. During the presentation on molding, it was explained that most molding today is done with multiple cavity molds and the Sprue to Part Ratio usually falls in the 80:1 to 90:1 range with conventional molding. With this process and using a different custom machine, this supplier was able to get to 6:1 to 8:1 range. This means that even with special equipment, the best results would be yielding $166 worth of parts for every $1000 worth of material. For implantable grade PEEK, which sells in excess of $2000 per pound, this seemed like a very high portion of lost revenue. Domaille Engineering is now working on a revolutionary new molding process to reduce Sprue to Part ratio to less then 1:1. The cost saving on material alone is very significant. In addition, the molding machine itself can be placed in a standard clean room chamber so any contamination is minimal. This technology is now being reviewed at the Mayo Clinic.
Friction Stir Welding: Friction Stir Welding is a metal joining process and is used for applications where the original metal characteristics must remain as unchanged as possible. This process is primarily used on various grades of aluminum It was invented and experimentally proven by Wayne Thomas and a team of his colleagues at The Welding Institute UK in December 1991. TWI holds a number of patents and licensing on the process. Domaille is experimenting with a number to different parameters to improve the process.
For more information on these technologies, please contact Domaille Engineering.
