Services
What we offer
High performing system development
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Prototypes or
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One of a kind systems (CE certified)
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Supporting services
Feasibility study
Usually we are involved in the early stage of development, preferably when system specifications are not fully defined yet. Often a customer comes with an idea of a new system, typically with the factor 2 question: Can our machine run twice as fast, twice as accurate or can it be half the cost? In some cases this can be answered directly based on our expertise.
In other cases, especially when not all requirements are clear, a feasibility study is offered. In this study the case is explored deeper and boundary conditions are clarified.
Typically our customers bring in their application knowledge and MI-Partners brings in the mechatronic expertise, based on our mechanical, dynamics & control, electronics, software and thermal competences.
At the end of the feasibility study a conclusion is drawn whether a solution can be realized within the specifications and business case. This is well-funded based on hand, numerical or FEM calculations to predict performance. First sketches of one or more solutions are provided and if required, dedicated tests to prove feasibility are carried out.
Concept Generation
During the concept design the ideas generated in the feasibility phase for a machine are worked out in more detail in CAD and all actuators and sensor methods are defined. Furthermore predictive numerical and FEM models are made to calculate or simulate mechanical, dynamical and thermal performance. If the outcome is not satisfactory an update of the concept will be made. By doing this iteration loop, based on predictive analyses, a lot of time and costs are saved on modifications in a later stage. After the concept design all key components are designed and/or selected and the performance is theoretically proven.
System design
In the global design phase the concept design is brought to a higher level. This means that all components are fully designed or selected with all functionality and interfaces. Peripheral components are selected, assembly and tooling is worked out and calculations are updated and refined.
At the end of the global design phase the 3D design of the system is finished and the electronic, control and software architectures are defined.
Realisation
During the realisation phase all components are ordered according to our specification. Over the years MI-Partners has built a solid network of high quality and flexible suppliers that are specialized in fast prototyping and delivery. MI-Partners has its own assembly space, thermal enclosure and cleanroom facilities. Over the years a variety of systems have been realized as can be seen on our projects page.
Measurement, test and qualification
All systems we develop are validated with dedicated tests. MI-Partners also offers stand alone measurement services to existing equipment. MI-Partners has the experience and equipment to perform and interpret measurements in the fields of dynamics and thermo-mechanics. Measurements can be performed on site and in our lab. We have experience with building custom test setups for both research and qualification purposes. We have a thermally conditioned (clean)room for measurements that require such an environment. We use high-end test equipment and data processing software like Matlab and Simulink Real Time.
Common measurements performed by MI-Partners:
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Modal analyses.
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Identify the shape, frequency and damping of machine modes in order to quantify the dynamic performance of a machine.
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Wide range of available tools such as modal shakers, modal hammers, accelerometers and geophones for many different applications.
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Thermal measurements to analyze thermal stability.
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Floor vibration and floor stiffness measurements
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Using tools such as modal hammers, seismic shakers and highly sensitivity accelerometers, the impact of the floor on machine behavior can be measured.
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Measurement of dynamic stiffness and damping at component and system level.
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Dedicated test setups for different stiffness and frequency ranges, up to stiffness of 5e8 N/m.
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Measurements using force cells (piezo, strain gauge) and displacement sensors (capacitive, inductive, optical, mechanical) for a variety of applications and ranges.
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Friction and stiffness measurements of e.g. guidings.
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Electrical frequency response analysis.
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CE certification measurements.
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MI-Partners can design and realise custom test setups for measurement of vibrations, forces and displacements based on customer specifications.
On site installation
MI-Partners has expertise in managing technology development projects, in which multiple international companies (sometimes spread over different continents) and world-renowned research institutes collaborate closely together. We have successfully installed certified (UL, CE, EMC, FCC) equipment worldwide. Our own team of engineers and mechanics make sure that our, usually sensitive, equipment is transported under the right conditions and arrives safely on site.
After careful unpacking, a system install sequence is started, which usually ends with a factory acceptance test. On multiple occasions we have installed large and heavy (> 20 tons) equipment for which sometimes dedicated hoisting tooling was developed.