Output details

Vacuum Forming Tools for the production of moulded toolcase inserts for Seaward Electronics Ltd.

Seaward Electronics commissioned Beckwith to develop a rugged tool case capable of withstanding harsh working conditions for their Portable Appliance Testing (PAT) kit of high value electronic test equipment. Beckwith, working closely with the client, designed a series of multifunctional case housings to protect the pieces of electronic equipment which made up the kit. Seaward required that the housing could be manufactured in limited numbers but would be of a high quality, as appropriate for the international Seaward brand. The design process used the original CAD data, coupled with 3D laser reverse engineering of components. Beckwith created – engineered by using state-of-the-art 5-axis machining techniques – a unique mould of permeable Necumer Polyurathane M1007 to produce the case housing. The initial prototypes and production tool were produced by Plastic Mouldings Northern Ltd. By replacing the usual aluminium vacuum-forming tool Beckwith increased design flexibility, and reduced costs and time to market.