RECENT PROJECTS
Research & Development
Our in-house Engineering team collaborates with some of most talented Engineers in the UK to develop innovative research and development solutions. This includes the Midlands Innovation Centre which brings together eight research intensive universities from across the Midlands.
Through this collaboration, we are able to help bring your innovative ideas to life by taking on pioneer projects which have never been delivered before within some industries.
Our highly skilled engineers are vastly experienced in all aspects of Electrical, mechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic, and robotic engineering. This means we can design and build bespoke special purpose machinery that is specific to your testing requirements, and which can be applied to your research and development projects.
Throughout the Research & Development process we take project security very seriously and are happy to sign NDA’s or further security measures as required.
Bespoke Testing
We adopt a collaborative approach to our bespoke testing projects and place a strong emphasis on two-way communications with our customers throughout the entire process.
Futura has the expertise to engineer, build and test bespoke projects specific to our customer’s requirements in our secure, in-house Facility.
Throughout the R&D testing process the collection of valuable real time data is critical. Our bespoke rig assemblies test and assess the capability and performance of system components for industrial use by controlling as many variables as possible.
Recent Case Studies
Explore the FUTURA portfolio showcasing some of our most recently completed projects. Delve into a diverse range of innovative solutions tailored to our clients' unique requirements across various industries.
Please note that many Test Assemblies we build are covered with non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) and are therefore unable to be published.
Cranfield University Test Facility & Fuel Test Rig.
The Scope:
Working in partnership with a leading aero engine manufacturer, Cranfield University’s Engineering Department had a requirement to build a new Test Facility designed to house equipment to test fuel systems under specific flight conditions.
The Solution:
We delivered a fully ATEX compliant Hydro-mechanical Fuel Test Rig for the facility, which was controlled by a LabVIEW and Nitrogen based control & DAQ system. This was designed as an Engineering Test Rig, flexible enough to suit a variety of Fuel Pump Units with minimal set up.
We also provided the control & safety system for the entire Test Facility through a Schneider Modicon PLC, coupled with a Schneider Preventa safety system. This communicated to all subsystems via Modbus TCP/IP and multiple closed loop controllers.
We also took care of ATEX compliance for the facility, provided ATEX lighting and complete Detailed Inspections throughout.
The Outcome:
This was a successfully delivered project, which resulted in a secure Test Facility, which could be operated unmanned from a remote-control room.
Electric Vehicle Manufacturer Electrical Test System.
The Scope:
To provide a Vehicle Thermal System and component Electrical Test System, supplying various voltages to components and communicating to each via CANBus.
The Solution:
The customer was rapidly growing and in the process of expanding into new premises, so the system needing to be easily transportable.
We provided a purpose built 19” rack control system which housed the LabVIEW Control & Data Acquisition system, variable power supplies, distribution system and safety system.
The system involved a network of harnesses that we designed and manufactured, connecting to various configurable break out boxes.
Our LabVIEW system acquired signals back from each configurable boxes via an easy to configure user interface.
This also controlled various components by applying various voltages (up to 1000VDC), some with CANbus comms and some controlled via PWM (Pulse Width Modulation).
The Outcome:
We delivered an accurate flexible system, which the customer has successfully tested various develop project on. Aiding in the overall development of their Electric Vehicle.
Aerospace Company Rig.
The Scope:
Provide a Test Rig for an In-flight re-fuelling recoupling system. Achieving flight test conditions set out in supplied CMM.
The Solution:
Delivered a fully ATEX compliant Test Rig, which contained the hazardous zone within the machine. The system was mobile enabling easy transport and re-configuration of layout on the customer site.
This Rig was controlled by a Beckhoff control, data acquisition & safety system with user friendly HMI. Test results could be easily printed or exported for product traceability.
The system measured various pressures, temperatures and flow rates, and had a built-in actuation system with load cell.
Research & Development Test Rig & Facility Safety System.
The Scope:
One of our Aerospace customers had a requirement to produce a bespoke Test rig to prove a pioneering concept that might remove the need for nitrogen tanks to be carried on planes.
The Solution:
The concept had only been successfully completed on a computer simulation, and on a very small scale previously.
We integrated a Beckhoff control, DAQ and safety system, with a LabVIEW based front end for the user interface.
The test screens allow for fine control of the system but was overridden by the extensive Rig safety system.
The Rig was fully compliant and was passed off and CE marked by Pilz.
Due to the potential volatility of the reaction with this new concept, we also implemented an overall facility safety system which pulled together the various sub systems, including Gas monitor, fire suppression, and Nitrogen purge system.
The Outcome:
We delivered a test rig which successfully created the required conditions and proved that the concept worked.
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