MLEx Engineering & Consulting Services:

With the breadth of knowledge that MLEx has in the areas of aerial work platforms, mobile hydraulic equipment and electric powered machinery, it was a natural extension to provide consulting services for other manufacturers and customers that need to utilize our engineering expertise. We provide conceptual designs and studies, new product development, engineering analysis and product testing and compliance.

We provide the following services:

1. Conceptual Design, Review and Study

• Provide independent opinion and advice on feasibility of design concepts for patents or prior to production release of new products

2. New Product Design

• Mechanical design with emphasis on packaging, design for manufacturability as well as light weight and low cost
• Hydraulic systems design utilizing the latest technology for motion control and matching these to exact drive/lift/move requirements
• Electric systems design from basic relay logic systems to computer based controls as well as AC/DC motor drive systems

3. Engineering Analysis & Calculations

• Engineering analysis of structures and mechanisms using finite element analysis, dynamic simulation software, spreadsheets and hand calculations to verify compliance with industry standards and for documentation purposes. Typical standards include ANSI, OSHA, NFPA, UL, SAE and ASME

4. Product Testing & Compliance

• Static and dynamic strain gage testing. Usually this is compared with hand calculations or finite element analysis to verify that the theory agrees with the actual manufactured machine and expected loading.
• Mechanical endurance cycle testing. Usually consists of controlling a machine with our PLC and hydraulic power unit to continuously cycle a prescribed range of motion. Generally hydraulic pressures, flows and forces are recorded with our data acquisition system. Evidence of cracks or worn parts are compared to the number of cycles and expected wear.
• Stability Testing consists of evaluating the static position on a prescribed ramp as well as the dynamic cases of driving in a hole and into or over an obstacle.