- Virtual testing is highly cost-effective as it completely eliminates the need to manufacture physical prototype but still getting the same results
- From 6-7 years taken earlier, the time needed from design to manufacturing has can be brought down to 2 years
- As software development requires huge investments, loans at lower interest rates can be a great boost for this sector
In the fast-moving market, growth largely depends on quick response to increasing market demands with the best deliverables. No wonder, a manufacturer faces an uphill task upfront in launching a product, let alone strategically marketing it. CAD/ FEA/CFD technologies reduce cycle time from concept design to development of a prototype, saving substantial time for the manufacturer in the process. Pune-based Shivamtech Engineering is a top-line company that is serving manufacturers globally attain a competitive edge in the design and product development stage itself with advanced engineering design solutions, 3D modeling, Computer Stimulation, engineering analysis services, and technical staffing.
Machine Maker spoke to Sunil Nandedkar, the Founder and Managing Director of Shivamtech Engineering Design Private Limited, whose vision of innovation has led the company to its current success. In a fascinating conversation, he discusses his journey of the last twenty years, the emerging phenomena in India – virtual testing, and about the company’s plans. Established in 2001 Shivamtech is an engineering design and 3D modeling services company based out of Pune, India. Over the two decades since its inception, the company has been successful in transforming itself a solutions provider with an offshore presence also.
The Journey towards Engineering Innovations
Shivamtech began as an institute to provide software training to around 1500 students. This went on for about 4-5 years and over this period, Mr. Nandedkar understood the need for innovative designs as well as robust engineering solutions for diversified manufacturing sectors. With his career savings and exposure, he further invested in the new vertical and took Shivamtech into a completely new domain. Today Shivamtech is a global engineering solution provider, servicing across industry verticals including areas such as Automotive, General Engineering, Oil & Gas, Aerospace & marine, and so on.
“I was always keen on having my own business, just like my father. When we began to research in order to start one, I was sure I wanted to do something in the design sector that involved innovation”, comments Sunil Nandedkar.
The process usually is rather simple; a customer comes up with a thought or just an idea about a product. Right from this moment, the conceptualization begins. The company first spends time in research and development. The next step involves market research and analysis to deliberate upon the feasibility of the product. After extensive research, the company narrows it down to pros and cons and presents this to the customer.
This two-decade-old company now has marketing offices in the US, UK, Germany, and India. With almost 100 plus customers and more than 120 employees, the company currently provides certified engineering services and has plans to venture into more sectors in the future.
Computer Stimulation – Way forward for Design Engineering
The ultimate goal of every product is to meet performance criteria and suffice the needs of its targeted segment. To achieve this, engineers in research and development go through a lengthy process of trial and error to prevent them from settling for a sub-optimal result. Before launching a product, the prototype is made to minimize the risk factor, as well as to test the viability of the product. From Rapid Prototyping to Additive Manufacturing, physical testing evolved over a period of time is more prominent in the industry.
However, the concept of virtual testing is becoming increasingly more popular due to several reasons. This cost-effective solution eliminates the need to go through complex testing processes, as one completely replaces creating a physical prototype by still getting the same results. Sunil elaborates, “If you wanted to launch a vehicle, earlier it would take 6-7 years, but now from concept to manufacturing, you can get the results easily within 2 years with the help of virtual testing. Also known as computer simulation, virtual testing has proven to be more economical, faster, and less time consuming while providing 99.7 % of the same results as physical testing.”
Shivamtech using the latest technologies at work builds a virtual model of the product. This helps in deliberating whether the product is meeting the desired criteria by performing tests on the virtual model instead of physically testing the prototype. The testing is rather elaborate and involves structural, thermal, and such other types of virtual testing to ensure durability. The cost of making modifications in this design phase would be a tiny percentage compared to the cost of redesigning when it’s a physical prototype. Thus, overall it helps in altering parameters conveniently to ensure optimization.
Working for ‘Make in India’
“Patent registration is increasing in India due to focus on ‘Make in India’. We, as a company, are also dedicated to motivating Indian manufacturers to innovate and achieve the best results while at the same time minimizing costs” Sunil added. He believes that the software industry carries the potential to grow by leaps and bounds if the government continues to support it. Additionally, he feels that more financial support could be a game-changer. As software development requires huge investments, such companies have to resort to venture capitalists, however, loans at lower interest rates can turn out to be a great boost for this sector.
65% of the company revenue comes from out of India, however, with the new clarion call for self-reliance in the electronics sector, defence manufacturing will bring more attention to India-centric business, stated Mr. Nandedkar. Shivamtech’s notable work in India includes designs supplied to the amusement parks, railways, metros, and many engineering marvels in the country. One of their bigger projects involved designing rides very close to the Mumbai Pune Expressway. A special Hollywood designer flew in for three months to help them execute this plan. From validating the ideas, to design as well as outsourcing manufacturing, they carried it all out perfectly.
With the New Normal in the manufacturing sector, the whole Shivamtech group is adapting to the work-from-home culture but ensuring their customers are supported ontime. For more details, visit: www.shivamtech.com