Engineering

French utilizes proven engineering and project management tools to help ensure your equipment meets the highest engineering and manufacturing standards and to get you your equipment on time. Having been in business for over 100 years, we KNOW what works and what doesn't.

The paragraphs below will describe in more detail the tools and processes we've developed to ensure your equipment gives you years of reliable performance.

Computer Aided Design

French utilizes the latest 3D CAD software, so we can shorten lead times for you on custom equipment! As a result, you can begin utilizing your new machines to make product and profit sooner than ever before. Our CAD software allows for quick customization of our machines through parametric designs, and we have sophisticated tools to enhance our compatibility with a broad spectrum of drawing formats. We use the latest tools to create assembly diagrams, plant layouts, foundation loading diagrams, and detail machining drawings -- all to be a better "partner" with our customers, and to provide SUPERIOR VALUE.

Project Management

French assigns a dedicated Project Manager for each new order. Schedules, approval drawings, manuals, and questions can all be directed through a single, knowledgeable source!

Our Project Managers are matched to each order based upon the machinery involved. We choose our most knowledgeable person for your application in order to make your order flow smoothly through the engineering and manufacturing process. Gantt charts, which allow you to see progress on a weekly or bi-monthly basis, are available upon request.

Finite Element Analysis And Field Validation

French engineers utilize FEA (finite-element analysis) software and field laser-aligment equipment data to validate machinery designs. This means you can feel comfortable that you are getting what you paid for!

Models created in our CAD software are imported into advanced FEA software and a linear static analysis is performed. Thermal, vibration, and non-linear analysis can also be performed upon request. In addition to computer validations, our engineers have performed “real world” laser alignment experiments in customers' plants. This laser testing has provided useful data on hydraulic press deflections and provides us with feedback on our engineering analysis. The test data has allowed us to customize various standard design formulas for more accurate results.