3D printed version of an early concept. Thin wall sections led me to perform a deflection study using Solidworks Simulation.
Bottom view of 3D printed prototype.
SolidWorks deflection study results.
SolidWorks deflection study results.
SolidWorks deflection study results.
Deflection study led to design changes. Shown here is a first shot from the production mold.
Bottom view of the first shot from the production mold.
First production vacuum pump assembly ready for shipment.
First production vacuum pump assembly ready for shipment.
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Vacuum Pump Housing
This is a molded PPS vacuum pump housing that was designed to replace a machined aluminum housing. This design reduced the housing cost from $12.62 to $3.82. Part volume was about 35,000 annually. Total annual cost savings to IDEX was about $308,000. Project involved molded part design, deflection studies using finite element analysis, vendor selection, tool construction, first article approvals, extended pump life testing, and production ramp up. Mechanical design and finite element analysis were peformed in SolidWorks.
