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When to use Finite Element Analysis

FEA can be useful at any time in the product development process...
It helps you make timely decisions.

When should I use FEA?

FEA has traditionally been done as the last step in the design process, just before committing to manufacturing.

Now-a-days FEA is easier and uses your 3D design models. So the earlier you do FEA, the cheaper it is to catch design faults.

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Which end to the story will you choose?

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Consider when you can use FEA in your design process...

  • Early: Feasibility - to check out if a product is strong enough.
  • Middle: Optimisation - to take weight/cost out of the design.
  • Late: Validation - to check if your product is all OK before it gets built and fails - potentially killing someone.

For existing products...

  • Too Late: Forensic - to find out why something has broken after being in service and operational for a while.
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