Cambridge based technology company, Thermoteknix, has much to celebrate in its 25th Anniversary. Fresh from the Cambridge Evening News Business Excellence awards for Innovation, Thermoteknix has now received the highly prestigious Queens award for Enterprise in the Innovation Category. The Award recognises Thermoteknix for developing the MIRICLE range of high performance, ultra miniature thermal imaging cameras .
Utilising complex electronics and packaging, the camera is used in many moving target or camera applications. The range includes hermetically-sealed units for use in space exploration, hand-held imagers, surveillance cameras, cameras for unmanned vehicles and the world’s first shutter less thermal imaging camera.“Since our introduction of SOLIDWORKS four years ago, we have seen many benefits”, said Senior Mechanical Designer, Ben Pemberton.
“The improved 3D visualisation has helped to involve other parts of the business such as Sales and Marketing, early in the design process, so we can be confident that designs will be right first time. We know that rectifying changes late in the design process will add cost and time to our tight development cycles. We also utilise the powerful eDrawings capability to send design information to our suppliers and customers, which helps to clarify exactly what we need and it minimises the opportunity for errors.”
Using proprietary algorithms and control circuits the need for heating and cooling systems normally used in infrared cameras have been eliminated reducing manufacturing costs and power consumption and extending its operational temperature range. These awards are the latest in a series of accolades the company has received.
In October 2007 Thermoteknix was named Innovative Company of the Year at the iDEA Awards followed soon after by runner-up in the IET Innovation in Engineering Awards.The powerful 3D design tool, SOLIDWORKS , has played a crucial part in the company’s success, being used to quickly produce variants for its customers’ in aerospace, defence, surveillance and industrial applications.
“Getting our product from concept through development and into production in the shortest time cycle has been critical for the development and growth of our business,” said Dr. Richard Salisbury, founder and Managing Director of Thermoteknix Systems Ltd. SOLIDWORKS is used to match different lens or electronics combinations or for a more significant customisation to fit the customer’s enclosure. The result can then be sent to the customer in 3D format enabling a rapid visualisation and incorporation into the customers design.
“Since our introduction of SOLIDWORKS four years ago, we have seen many benefits,” said Senior Mechanical Designer, Ben Pemberton. “The improved 3D visualisation has helped to involve other parts of the business such as Sales and Marketing, early in the design process, so we can be confident that designs will be right first time. We know that rectifying changes late in the design process will add cost and time to our tight development cycles. We also utilise the powerful eDrawings capability to send design information to our suppliers and customers, which helps to clarify exactly what we need and it minimises the opportunity for errors.” Thermoteknix also send SOLIDWORKS 3D files direct to subcontractors. One machine shop programs their CNC Machines directly from Thermoteknix’s SOLIDWORKS 3D models saving cost and improving lead-time. “Innova Systems’ support has been invaluable in ensuring we were up and running quickly and their response to technical issues is prompt and extremely efficient.”, said Ben.
Thermoteknix have also found that they can easily obtain 3D information such as connectors and lens information from suppliers in 3D formats that they can readily incorporate into their designs.Another downstream benefit of SOLIDWORKS has been the use of 3D Images in promotional materials such in company brochures together with exploded assembly views helping to produce Installation manuals and supporting documentation.
“We are delighted to see how SOLIDWORKS and Innova have contributed to the success of Thermoteknix,” said Mark Bradford, Managing Director of Innova Systems . “Thermoteknix are proof that to be successful in the rapidly changing face of manufacturing, you have to continue to design and develop new innovative products to maintain competitive advantage.”
Take a look at other companies using SOLIDWORKS in the electronic design industry
