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Hitaltech leads the charge with EVHACS Maximising product design efficiency with Hitaltech’s value added services
n the world of manufacturing, choosing the right enclosure for a product can be a critical decision that impacts both cost and functionality. Off-the-shelf enclosures provide a cost-effective solution but often come with limitations. On the other hand, bespoke enclosures offer full design freedom but at a significant cost. Hitaltech’s Value Added Services offer a third, balanced option that blends the advantages of both off-the-shelf and custom solutions. One innovative manufacturer, EVHACS, has leveraged these services to achieve cost-efficient product design while maintaining high standards of functionality and aesthetics.
I
EVHACS: A Pioneer in Combined Heat Pump and
EV Charging Technology EVHACS, based in Co. Kildare, Ireland, is the company behind the world’s first combined heat pump, or air conditioner, and EV charger. This ground-breaking product features a power management system that allows users to prioritise between heating, cooling and car charging, ensuring that power is always directed where it is needed most. A crucial aspect of the product’s development was the design of its enclosure, a task that showcased Hitaltech’s approach to enclosure customisation.
The Beginning of a
Collaborative Journey Approximately a year ago, EVHACS approached Hitaltech with a specific need: a communication module that could manage the interactions between the EV charger and other power demands. Andy Fitzer, Hitaltech UK’s managing director, recalls, “EVHACS were initially looking for a standard enclosure to house their communication module. It was during this conversation that we started discussing potential customisations, such as machining new
input/output holes into the thermos-enclosure or directly printing the company logo onto the plastic.”
Dylan Byrne, EVHACS’ chief marketing officer,
adds, “We sent Hitaltech some rough drawings, and they worked them up into a prototype. They then produced a free sample for us to validate. This level of collaboration and responsiveness was exactly what we needed.”
The Value of Partnership The relationship between Hitaltech and EVHACS exemplifies the benefits of early-stage collaboration with a design partner. Andy Fitzer explains, “This is a great example of the value Hitaltech brings as a design partner. We enjoy working with startups and getting involved from the beginning because we believe in the potential for significant growth. Our machining services, part of our Value-Added Services, allow manufacturers to access bespoke modifications at off-the-shelf prices.” Dylan Byrne further elaborates on the partnership’s advantages, “Startups often operate in a dynamic, fast-paced environment where you’re essentially building the plane as you’re
flying it. Working with a responsive partner like Hitaltech, who can quickly adapt and provide solutions, is invaluable. Additionally, having a supplier within the EU, thanks to Hitaltech’s Italian presence, helps us avoid the complexities of longer supply chains.”
Enhancing Product Value
through Customisation Hitaltech’s customisation capabilities significantly enhanced the EVHACS product. “Hitaltech suggested adding branding to our product through custom printing and developing a bespoke cover,” says Byrne. “These might seem like small touches, but they added substantial value to the final product. We weren’t even aware these options were possible until Hitaltech suggested them. The technical drawings with precise measurements they provided were also extremely useful for our records. Moreover, the turnaround times were phenomenal.”
Hitaltech’s approach not only addresses practical needs such as precise machining and custom printing but also enhances the aesthetic and functional appeal of the product. This holistic approach to enclosure design and customisation helps manufacturers achieve a competitive edge while maintaining cost efficiency.
Conclusion In conclusion, Hitaltech’s Value Added Services represent a transformative option for manufacturers looking to balance cost and customisation in their product designs. EVHACS’s success story is a testament to the advantages of this approach, demonstrating how strategic collaboration and innovative customisation can lead to award-winning products. For any manufacturer aiming to enhance their product design and development process, exploring Hitaltech’s offerings could be the key to unlocking new levels of efficiency and innovation.
20 ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING • SEPTEMBER 2024
electricalengineeringmagazine.co.uk
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