You will find on this page questions that customers have asked us.
Q. Why should we hire Mat-Comp to work on our engineering, our product, our process, our design?
A. You have a problem and you need to solve it. We have the expertise. This means that we hit the ground running: we can quickly propose solutions to your challenges, run engineering calculations, provide exactly the support you need. On your side, there will be no time wasted trying to get up-to-date with the latest technical know-how, no running around purchasing expensive tools to calculate Finite Elements (and then analyze them!), no guess work in trying to design a new product.
We have it all – the tools and the knowledge.
Q. How does the FEA process work? What do we need to provide you with?
A. By breaking down an object into a large number (1,000s to 100,000s) of elements (think of them as little cubes), it is possible to analyze the behavior of one element as predicted by mathematical equations. And what are we looking at exactly? We are looking to see whether the element will break, wear out, or work the way it was designed. By adding up all the individual behaviors of the elements, the behavior of the object can be predicted. Using computer programs (such as ANSYS or Nastran), we can therefore predict what will happen when the object (your product!) is used.
What we need from you is pretty simple:
1. A 3D model (native file from the CAD or iges or step files)
2. The outside stresses you think/know your product is subjected to. Normally, we work with the worse case scenario. It can be loads (dead load, wind load), temperature variations, frequencies, vibrations or anything else depending on your circumstances.
3. The specifications of the industry where the product is used (Building codes, transportation specs, corrosion standards, or others). If you don’t know which ones apply, we can help!
We then provide you a summary or complete report, approvals drawings, or whatever it is we agreed upon.
Q. Can we convert a metal product to composites? Have you done this before?
A. Composites are now the material of choice for many applications that were previously made out of metal. It is possible to re-design a product into composites. There are many advantages – including the fact that composites are corrosion resistant and weigh approximately 4 times less than metal. We have done this before.
Q. Do you provide training for our engineers (or engineering team)?
A. Mat-Comp does provide training for engineers just getting into composites. We can provide guidance and supervision for calculations and other engineering tasks. Since each company has different needs, contact us to see how we can work together on this.
Q. Do you stamp drawings or verify calculations made by others?
A. We have the knowledge and competencies (and engineering stamps!) to stamp drawings and verify calculations. It should be noted that engineering activities are regulated and we value both our work ethics and your safety! If you are looking for “rubber stamping” (i.e. stamping with disregard to the law) just so that you can quickly procede with your technical activities, this will not happen with Mat-Comp.
We love to verify calculations – and this may lead you to discover our optimization service (many customers come in to have calculations verified and leave with an optimized product – saving money on each unit produced… wow!).
Q. What kind of facilities do you have?
A. We have offices of course, but we also have a prototype shop – our “secret lab” – in Rawdon, Quebec. We have equipment and all the tools to make prototypes and to start small production lines. We also have access to the facilities of our partners who produce and/or develop composites.
Q. Do you subcontract or work with other companies?
A. Mat-Comp would never subcontract work without explicit consent. We often partner with another Composites and Thermoplastics consulting firm, Compsult.
Q. We are looking for a composite supplier that meets our needs and requirements. Can you help us?
A. Of course we can! We know and collaborate with many of the players on the market and can definitely help you find just the right one to fit your needs. We can also help them understand you particular needs and/or tweak their manufacturing if need be.
Q. What are composites exactly?
A. A composite is a lightweight and strong material made from the combination of two or more different materials, one providing the structural strength while the other allows the bonding of the two together.
The term “Composites” is often referred to as “Fiber-Reinforced Plastic”, or FRP.
The fibers used are fiberglass, carbon fiber, aramid fiber, boron fiber, basalt fiber and natural fiber such as wood, flax and hemp.
In the case of FRP, the commonly used resins to bond the fiberglass include epoxy, vinylester, polyester and polyurethane.
There are distinct advantages to using composites versus traditional materials such as metals or wood. They are first and foremost very lightweight. Along with being non-corrosive, non-conductive, flexible (no denting), requiring low maintenance and having a long life, composites are ideal in a vast array of products in both industrial and every day products.
If some of your questions did not find their way onto this page, our hope is that you will reach out to us and simply ask. Contact-us.
Why?
Because even though we are true experts in composites, we still have not mastered the art of mind reading… and if you have a question, you deserve an answer!