At Sepura, the dedication to innovation and excellence in product design and development is reflected in every device they create. From the state-of-the-art facilities in Cambridge, they have delivered over three million devices to public safety users and commercial customers in more than 100 countries worldwide.
“My role as a mechanical engineer involves generating concepts and taking them through the entire development process. This journey is both challenging and rewarding, as it requires rigorous testing and refinement to ensure that the final product meets stringent standards. The initial stages of development focus on creating prototypes that must endure various tests to ensure they fit properly, function as intended, and comply with regulatory requirements,” Joe Maynard, Mechanical Engineer of Sepura.
Testing of new designs
Engineering at Sepura plays a pivotal role in developing cutting-edge critical communications products essential for various industry sectors, including public safety, transportation, and utilities. The innovative environment frequently uses 3D printing technology for prototyping.
This in-house capability allows for rapid development and testing of new designs, significantly improving the engineering process and enabling continuous advancements in product development.
The role of 3D printing
Integration of 3D printing into Sepura’s prototyping suite has let the team change initial concepts
3D printing has revolutionised the prototyping process at Sepura. Meeting customer requirements is a constant priority, and having in-house 3D printing capabilities allows the mechanical engineering team to produce models that precisely match customer specifications. It enables the team to rapidly produce designs and prototypes, making it easier to test and refine concepts. This technology not only accelerates the development cycle but also provides a tangible way to evaluate the form, fit, and function of designs.
The integration of 3D printing into Sepura’s prototyping suite has allowed the team to transform initial concepts into tangible products quickly and efficiently. This technology gives Sepura a crucial edge in mechanical verification, ensuring that all designs meet the highest standards of quality and reliability. When Sepura acquired the 3D printer, it was the only one of its kind in Europe, highlighting the commitment to staying at the forefront of technological advancements.
Integration of 3D printing
“The integration of 3D printing into our prototyping suite has allowed us to take initial concepts and transform them into tangible products quickly and efficiently. This technology gives us a crucial edge in mechanical verification. One of my first projects involved using 3D printing to develop safer, more reliable components for our next-generation products."
"Each iteration allowed me to refine and improve the design, addressing any issues and enhancing performance until we achieve the highest standards of quality and reliability,” Joe Maynard, Mechanical Engineer of Sepura.
Collaboration and problem-solving
Rigorous testing methods ensure Sepura products are not only creative but also durable and reliable
Engineering at Sepura thrives on collaboration. While individual contributions are vital, the collective problem-solving abilities of the team are invaluable. Being too close to a problem can sometimes obscure potential solutions, but fresh perspectives from team members often lead to breakthroughs.
Sepura’s engineering team combines diverse skillsets and expertise, enabling them to tackle any challenge collaboratively. Rigorous testing processes ensure that Sepura products are not only innovative but also durable and reliable.
Celebrating milestones and achievements
Despite the demanding nature of mechanical engineering, Sepura encourages a culture of recognition and celebration. Achievements are acknowledged through individual and team awards, highlighting the importance of each contribution to the company’s collective success.
These celebrations, whether they are formal award ceremonies or informal team meals, help build a strong sense of camaraderie and motivation within the team.
Looking ahead
As Sepura continues to innovate and push the boundaries of critical communication technology, the role of mechanical engineering remains central to the mission. The integration of advanced technologies like 3D printing will continue to enhance its capabilities, allowing it to deliver even more sophisticated and reliable products.
Mechanical engineering at Sepura is more than a job; it’s an ongoing journey of innovation, teamwork, and success. The use of cutting-edge technologies such as 3D printing for prototyping and product development exemplifies the commitment to staying at the forefront of critical communications technology, ensuring that they deliver the best possible products to the customers.