Our 20 plus years of design experience includes automotive interior and exterior lamps, reflectors and refractors for commercial and industrial luminaries, light pipes, fiber optics and a variety of other optical applications. Charlevoix Design quickly advances ideas from base concept to artistic rendering or three-dimensional computer model.
Charlevoix Design takes product concepts in part or full representation and proves feasibility through preliminary design studies. We produce two-dimensional principal design sections from your concepts to establish complete compatibility of all mechanical and optical components. These components are given initial definition to confirm their fit within given parameters and studied to evaluate potential performance. Our direct experience with manufacturing, tool shops and product suppliers allows us to evaluate a wide variety of materials and processes for each design.
We prove the preliminary optical design and performance by computer analysis before incurring prototype costs by evaluating initial three-dimensional design models inside Trace Pro©, a Monte Carlo ray tracing system. We provide simulation results for your review using irradiance maps, iso-candela curves, intensity maps and estimated photometric test data. Once the luminaire's performance is predicated and evaluated, adjustments can be made to eliminate or minimize changes during the prototype phase.
Function, manufacturing and ease of product assembly take precedence at this point. Final design comes from combining the preliminary result from the Feasibility Stage with data from the Simulation Stage. We provide complete two-dimensional drawings or surfaced three-dimensional data or both. Our goal is to provide designs that meet the performance criteria for a variety of applications in today's global market.
Review of prototype and production parts takes place in our photolab where we conduct tests on a two-axis goniophotometer. In addition, the product can be visually examined on a 25 foot Beam Evaluator Screen. Luminance measurements and smaller products are evaluated using optical rails, three-dimensional translators and test benches. Test results of photometry, thermal tests and other evaluations are summarized in a standard or customized report depending on your needs.
Parts can be produced in small quantities by CNC machining, stereolithogrophy, typical casting or rapid prototyping methods using three-dimensional data or other methods. Larger quantities of parts are provided by using low volume, prototype injection molding. Our expertise in optical products and tools allow us to convey product concepts and criteria accurately, assuring prototypes which perform to near production standards.