Long-range Fibre Optic Saddle A tiny component with huge significance. Today’s internet relies on the long-range fibre optic technology that transmits vast quantities of data over thousands of miles. In 1995, The Engineering Quest was asked to manufacture a tiny component that would help make this possible. Dense wavelength division multiplexing (DWDM) splits wavelengths of light so that 2000 channels of data can be carried on a single optical fibre at the same time. But the light can only travel a limited distance –20 to 30 km – until it is depleted. Early types of repeater were too bulky to use under the sea, so to solve the problem, Southampton University developed an erbium-doped fibre amplifier using 960-nanometre lasers to amplify the signal. We used value stream mapping to identify productive and non-productive time, movement, actions, and operations. Working for Nortel – a leading Canadian firm at the time – The Engineering Quest undertook a two-year development programme, establishing a robust supply chain, and making important contributions to the design – including the addition of heat treatment to provide thermal stability. We also made a significant investment in specialist machinery, including high-speed optical co-ordinate measurement equipment that still provides a valuable contribution to our quality standards. Looking much like a tiny 'space invader', the saddle was micro-machined to an accuracy of +/- 2.5 microns. The component needed to be manufactured in high volumes to a commercially-viable price. We achieved this using value stream mapping to identify productive and non-productive time, movement, actions, and operations. With up to 2,500 saddles needed each week, we needed to scale up to manufacture in quantity and to produce a component that could itself be used in an automated manufacturing system. As well as training up staff, we had to organise the workforce to cover a 156-hour week, and re-organise the factory to accommodate the volume of work. We eventually manufactured the components for around seven years. The skills we gained helped us develop our capacities in micro-machining, and eventually led to our market-leading role in making ophthalmic instruments. Long-range Fibre Optic Saddle Gallery Please click on the images to view a larger version. When we were looking for a production partner to help us expand our business in to new markets, The Engineering Quest provided invaluable product development skills, followed by outstanding manufacturing quality. Lee Alsop Nortel Share this page Twitter Facebook Google Plus LinkedIn Email Turning a brilliant idea into reality takes a brilliant engineering team Let’s have a chat about your requirements and see how we can help your business… +44 (0)1908 370 788 info@join-the-quest.co.uk Contact Us Twitter Bird Latest Tweets @QuestEng 26 Nov 20 (08:03 pm) Our latest bumper issue is in the post - see our digital edition now! https://t.co/RTNGXotg2F #ukmfg #ukmanufacturing news #aerospace #turnedparts #castings #fabrication #supplychain #automation @btmaUK directory @ICEEMSLtd @QuestEng @steel_scout @KUKA_UK and more.... pic.twitter.com/O6HxleMbjf — Engineering Capacity (@subcontractnews) July 21, 2020 11 Aug 20 (12:28 pm) https://t.co/gQUcGugJ8D#Engineering #subcon #precision #engsolutions — Engineering Quest (@QuestEng) August 11, 2020 +44 (0)1908 370 788 info@join-the-quest.co.uk First Avenue Bletchley Milton Keynes Buckinghamshire MK1 1DY +44 (0)1767 676 000 info@join-the-quest.co.uk Sand Road Industrial Estate Sand Road Great Gransden Bedfordshire SG19 3AH LinkedIn Twitter Facebook Instagram The Engineering Quest is a trading name of Tracel Limited Tracel Limited is registered at Companies House England and Wales Company Number. 07004733 VAT Number. GB 978 984 523 All Content © Tracel Limited Website © Amasci Creative Limited, website design Milton Keynes 2015 - 2021 Terms of Use Privacy Cookies