Obsolete equipment replacement

Project updates & results

Proposed study

This is a proposed internal development study. Verified parts and results are not yet available.

The brief defines what the study will investigate and measure.

The proposed brief

Recreate an unavailable cooling duct or equipment access cover, preserving mounting points, clearances and function. Use a DPM-owned sample or an authorised customer example, with a known intended application.

Design, iteration & manufacture

Measure or scan the sample; identify wear and missing information; reconstruct parametric CAD; compare a faithful replacement with a manufacturing-friendly revision. Produce polymer/resin fit models, then a suitable representative part by printing, machining or sheet fabrication. Archive the drawing and inspection requirements for repeat manufacture.

What the study will measure

Interface deviations, installation fit, functional comparison appropriate to the part, repeat-build consistency, actual engineering/manufacturing time and cost. Compare time and price with a real available alternative or quotation rather than assuming an original supplier lead time. Separate measured geometry from inferred design intent and material properties.

Applications for customers

A repeatable replacement route for legacy equipment. This is a strong early study for defence support, rail, industry and transport. The MOD identifies obsolescence and supply resilience as priorities; MTC's work for TfL also demonstrates the relevance of turning legacy physical assets into usable digital models. MOD strategy, MTC rail reverse engineering

Markforged within the proposed route

Partner Markforged printing can support suitable fit models, fixtures or representative polymer/composite parts. We select the printer, base material and compatible reinforcement against the part’s requirements. This available capability does not establish readiness for this study.

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