Strongarm
Computer GPU Bracket
Manufacturing Case Study
Background
We were contacted through our website to manufacture a set of prototype brackets to hold a graphic display card (graphics processing unit aka GPU). The enquiry came from a start-up business, GPUStrongarm, looking to create a universal support bracket that can be utilised in any PC casing.
SERVICES
Approach
CAD Design
We were delighted to help a local Manchester business, so started by creating our 3D model based on their initial drawings sent with the enquiry. We drew up the designs in SolidWorks, and then the drawings were exported to Radan to create an NC program for processing on our laser cutting machine.
Laser Cutter
The next stage was laser cutting. This project is made from 3mm aluminium sheet which was specified by the customer. We suspect the reason for aluminium, over mild steel, will be due to a few factors; firstly, the aluminium’s lightweight properties (it doesn’t weigh as much as steel), it’s durability, and its thermal properties, all of which making it ideal for internal components in a PC case.
We made three pieces in this prototype phase. Two for the customer, and one for revisions internally. We keep one in case the customer requires amends and we need to reference the finished prototype.
Engraving
At Constant we have a dedicated team of metal engravers and screen printers to add all those finishing touches onto metal projects. This project required engraving of their brand name, and a serial number. Once the pieces were finished on the laser cutter, they headed to our engraving department to be engraved.
Did you know
The engraver takes several 'passes' at the metalwork, gradually engraving deeper on each pass.
Bending
The next part of the bracket’s journey was to the press brake machines. The press brake operator was responsible for reading the engineering drawings and imputing the correct information so that the machine knows the exact positions of all the bends and the angles required.
Each bend was then processed, taking time and care to make sure nothing was over bent or out of alignment.
Like all projects undertaken at Constant accuracy is key from cutting through to assembly, and the bending is no different. Our press brake operator regular checks the dimensions of each bend using a pair of digital callipers. Once the bend was checked, the operator popped it back into the press brake to create the last bends and finish the piece.
Final Product
The customer chose to paint the prototypes to try out colour ranges, before the final production run. We’re pleased to share their photographs of the finished brackets.
Next Steps
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