Mark Davies from of Metalmark thanks Syngineering 

Mark Davies, Director at Metalmark, recently approached the team at Syngineering for verification and optimisation of one of his designs. He wanted them to help him achieve a high performance lifting hook with significant cost savings, and Syngineering utilised FEA (Finite Element Analysis) to achieve the best result.

As Mark explains, “We developed the design to a pretty high standard, so it was quite well-advanced. We then approached Syngineering who suggested some options.”

Stronger and lighter

“Syngineering improved the design by using FEA to identify a stress concentration. They then came back to us with a number of options, including one that was far better than our original design.

Stronger and lighter

“Syngineering improved the design by using FEA to identify a stress concentration. They then came back to us with a number of options, including one that was far better than our original design. By making a few small changes to the shape, they were able to eliminate the stress concentration and make the hook stronger and lighter, but just as effective.”

“For the second part of the process, they carried out further analysis to remove even more material and weight from the product, but without compromising the strength. This made it cheaper for us to manufacture on a per-unit basis, as a different manufacturing process would mean the reduced material savings could be realised.”

“Overall, they optimised our original design and saved us money, which is something we couldn’t have done ourselves.”

Skilled, proactive team

“I like that the team at Syngineering have a proactive approach,” says Mark, “which is the reason we keep going back and working with them.”

“Generally when I work with other engineers, I find that they will dictate terms instead of working with me to come up with a solution. Many of them have problems dealing with jobs on a ‘nuts and bolts’ level—but the team at Syngineering are totally different.

Remain competitive“They’ve obviously come from a manufacturing background and been on the tools themselves. They understand the reality and challenges of getting a product to market—and they take the practical steps needed for me to achieve that end goal.”

“In our industry it’s important to remain competitive. The team at Syngineering help optimise our products and make them as low-cost as they possibly can be. I’d recommend their services to others in need of FEA and  product optimisation.”

Browse Syngineering’s photos on Facebook to see more FEA projects that we have worked on.

The team of experienced engineers and managers at Syngineering have designed, managed and commissioned a wide range of projects in the coal seam gas industry.  These include evaporation dams, feed buffer dams, fuel gas skids, re-injection facilities and water treatment plants.

Whether they are greenfield or brownfield projects, the team from Syngineering can help.

However, we specialise in commissioning “legacy and difficult” projects.  We all have legacy projects that need experienced project  managers to bring them back on plan and in control control.

Coal Seam Gas (CSG) projects

Syngineering sample projects

“Shane’s not afraid to roll up his sleeves and get his hands dirty… that’s what makes working with Syngineering so easy.”

When it comes to equipment certification and design, Process Improvement Manager at OneSteel Reinforcing, Kerry Gray, relies on Syngineering for expert advice.

Fast response

“I’ve been working with Shane Matthews of Syngineering for years, and he’s always been very helpful,” says Kerry.

“When I have a compliancy issue here or at any of our branches — whether it’s a trolley, storage rack or a major piece of infrastructure — I send him a scrap of paper with a few dimensions on it, and I get a beautifully engineered drawing in return. He is very expedient with getting drawings done and I never really have to wait more than two weeks, which from a compliance perspective is very important. I really can’t fault the guy.”

Providing the most cost-effective result

Another aspect of working with Syngineering that Kerry appreciates, is that the team are always looking for the most cost-effective way of designing items for fabrication.

“Because Shane is an expert in his field, he really knows the industry — and is always looking for a way to provide the same result at a lower cost. For example, he often suggests we use materials that are already available rather than starting from scratch, or finds ways to make the same item in a more efficient way.

“Shane has a good eye, and is very knowledgeable. He’s not just an engineer that puts drawings together — he finds the best way to do every job. I can always rely on him to give me fresh ideas for projects and help solve any issues.”

A grounded, hands-on approach

Kerry acknowledges that working with Syngineering is quite different to dealing with many other engineering companies. “Shane provides results much faster than other people I’ve worked with, that’s for sure,” he explains, “and he is also a problem solver by nature. That’s where the difference really lies.”

“Shane doesn’t just draw lines on paper — he’s been on the tools himself, so is able to see things from the fabricator’s perspective. When providing drawings for fabrication he even includes a list of all required components, which reduces cost and can eliminate many potential errors.

He’s not afraid to roll up his sleeves and get his hands dirty when it really matters. That’s what makes working with Syngineering so easy.”

At Syngineering, we’re passionate about providing you with expert design advice and professional engineering drawings.

Call us today on (07) 3865 6603 today to discuss your next project.