Complementing the materials selection advice, Meighs are able to work with component designers to optimise the shape of components taking into account the functional requirements.
Meighs have a considerable body of experience in value engineering of existing components to reduce manufacturing costs and reduce lead times.
For new build, where the design is not yet finalised, the potential rewards are greatest. Meighs participation in Rolls-Royce’s design of the Astute Class Submarine Propulsor System contributed towards the project being granted the Runner up prize for the Rolls-Royce Chairman’s award for technical innovation. Here the design incorporated castings to a quality standard not previously thought possible. This was successfully achieved by tailoring the castings design to the requirements of the manufacturing processes, whilst maintaining all required functionality.

Meighs recently added reverse engineering technology to their portfolio of services offered.
CAD data of interface details for components on board Vanguard class submarines was used to create a 3D model of the required components, verify the production methods by simulation, CNC mill the pattern equipment and finish machine the parts.
The components were delivered, finish machined and tested within 8 weeks of initial data submittal supporting the requirements of a crucial boat installation programme.

3D CAD models are used to visualise customer designs and as an input to our simulation software. Design for Manufacture exercises can be undertaken by modelling different shape variations and assessing their impact on the casting quality and manufacturing costs.
Customer CAD models and drawings can be accepted in most formats including IGES, STEP, Pro –E, STL, DXF, and DWG formats.

Meighs utilise the latest mould filling and solidification simulation software, MAGMAsoft, to test out the effectiveness of a production method. Using the thermal properties of the metal being poured, in addition to those of all the mould materials, we can predict areas of likely defect. Many of these are related to the shape of the casting. Subtle changes to shape – without affecting functionality- can often eliminate these potential problems.

Meighs are able to offer advice to material specifiers with regard to the most appropriate alloy for particular service conditions. Meighs have strong links with the Marine Corrosion Club and regularly present at NACE conferences. Meighs own trademarked alloys are particularly suited to highly corrosive conditions with demanding service regimes.

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Meighs combines modern technology and traditional patternmaking skills to provide patterns from a range of materials such as wood, metal and resin directly suited to meeting the needs of our customers using our in-house pattern shop or selected sub-contractors .

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Meighs utilises a wide range of sand moulding production techniques individually tailored to meet the needs of customers up to a maximum of 8 tonnes. These processes are a blend of the latest technology including patternless manufacture and the more traditional methods which have been developed and refined within Meighs over two centuries. Our expertise in process selection for manufacture has meant that we have been successful in providing cast products to the specification NES 747 Pt4 (Weld Free) and a High Specification specialist steel alloy to the delight of our customers.

Meighs are able to offer a highly flexible, competitive, machining service which we pride ourselves on delivering to the highest quality. Our large and complex castings are machined using selected sub-contract machine shops, utilising the latest five axis CNC machining centres, where appropriate.

Larger programmes of work are managed by Meighs, involving the management and procurement of a wide range of components and services. Many projects with blue chip customers involve project management supplying complex kits of parts around the world.

Meighs have established a reputation for supplying components in the machined and fully assembled condition. This typically involves the procurement and integration of other metallic products, composites, seals and fasteners. Assemblies are often provided fully tested to ensure total product conformance.