Public Funding for I4 Product Design Limited

Our proposed project led by i4 Product Design, with partners ShapeSpace, Houston We Have (HWH), BOC and McLaren Plastics will assess the feasibility of an accurate software estimator of projects and injection moulded parts, and a portal that connects engineers and UK manufacturers to fulfill their supply chains requirements. A prototype part cost calculator has been developed by i4pd, but requires input from experienced engineers, and is limited to injection moulded parts. This project will refine the existing calculator so that an accurate, automated estimate can be generated using 3D data files. The calculator will extract features that affect the cost of the part mould from the data file, and use these features alongside material costs in an algorithm to produce an estimated price of the part. ShapeSpace develops algorithms that extract features from 3D data files for part comparison; their software can be extended for use in the part cost calculator. An additional novel software tool will also be developed that provides an estimate for a project based solely on initial product requirements. This will be developed through a new Bayesian Reasoning and Subjective Logic model, generated by HWH. When integrated into a tendering portal, these estimation tools will be draw on data uploaded by users to improve the calculators' accuracy. To assess financial feasibility of the portal, market research will assess demand for such a platform along with what features would be required to fit current quotation practices. Vendor interviews will be conducted through the project partner's supply chains along with targeted survey advertising. Additional surveys will be performed with existing i4pd clients to assess Buyers needs on the portal. Design of a test prototype portal will begin in parallel with the market research, and the results of the survey will drive future iterations. The current planned features for the portal include the ability for Buyers to upload project information (requirements and 3D data) and allow Vendors to communicate with potential clients about specific projects and bid on the supply chain for projects. The portal will present full quotations from vendors to the buyers or collate multiple quotations if a single Vendor cannot supply for a full project. In addition, the portal will provide automated feedback on a project such as alternative materials and manufacturing processes that have a lower environmental impact, and an estimate of what individual parts will cost using the software developed in this project.