0471 PMC HARVESTERS LTD HARVESTING TECHNOLOGICAL IMPROVEMENTS KTP BENEFITS ABOUT THIS CASE STUDY Knowledge Transfer Partnerships are designed to benefit everyone involved PMC Harvesters Ltd, based in Norfolk, is a manufacturer of harvesting machinery for peas and green beans. Working with Academic Partner Cranfield University, the aim of the Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) was to develop the next generation of pea harvesters incorporating recent advances in technology and design methods. Businesses will acquire new knowledge and expertise KTP Associates will gain business-based experience and personal and professional development opportunities Universities, colleges or research organisations will bring their experience to enhance the business relevance of their research and teaching ABOUT THE SPONSOR The European Social Fund (ESF) supports national employment and skills priorities, in line with EU regulations by helping unemployed and inactive people enter work, promoting lifelong learning, skills development and gender equality. FAST FACTS Renewed focus on machine development Increased knowledge of tyre performance Reduced environmental impact of harvester Knowledge Transfer Partnerships Accelerating business innovation; a Technology Strategy Board programme http://www.ktponline.org.uk Implementation of latest CAD system Published articles in industry-based magazine Associate offered fixed term contract with the Company The Company “The KTP has helped shape the future products of our Company. The implementation of 3D modelling and Finite Element Analysis (FEA) will enable us to design lighter and more reliable machines that meet the future needs of our customers.” Robert Plant, Engineering Manager, PMC Harvesters Ltd PMC Harvesters has set the standard for pea harvesters. They are used throughout the world, operating in differing crop and field conditions. PMC works closely with the whole cross-section of the industry, to produce harvesters which maximise performance and provide the highest quality product as economically as possible. ABOUT THE PROJECT The aim of the two-year KTP was to optimise the design of the 979 pea harvester and reduce the environmental impact caused by its weight, structure and support systems. BENEFITS The KTP project involved the review of tyre options for the 979 pea harvester, tyre testing, reviewing the existing designs and axles and chassis, supervision of a Tier3 engine installation and evaluating 3D CAD (computer-aided design) options for the Company. The KTP enabled PMC Harvesters Ltd to adopt and implement 3D modelling and FEA in their design processes which will have a significant impact on the design of their machines. It has also led to financial benefits (component cost savings) as a direct The Associate result of the Associate’s contacts through the KTP network. The relationship with Cranfield University has also led to future collaborations on research. RESULTS Significantly increased knowledge of the characteristics and performance of harvester tyres Implementation of a test Tier3 engine on the pea harvester Transition from 2D draughting to new 3D computer-aided design system Optimisation of the Company’s machinery designs The Academic Partner “The KTP allowed me to gain invaluable industrial experience. It’s not often that a new graduate gets this sort of opportunity, and the associated responsibilities, so early in their career.” Neil Coalter, KTP Associate BENEFITS The KTP gave Associate Neil Coalter BEng (Hons) the chance to take a lead role in a project from initial design to testing of the prototype on soil. He thus gained solid project management experience for future application in his career. The Associate gained a number of other transferable skills during the KTP including managing resources, leadership, customer relations and presentation skills. RESULTS Associate gained NVQ Level four in Management and a MSc (Res) Associate profited greatly in terms of his personal and professional development Associate gained a wealth of both technical and software knowledge including FEA, terramechanics and computer-aided design Associate is advancing toward Chartered Engineer Status Dr James Brighton of the National Soil Resources Institute (NSRI) at Cranfield University, was the academic supervisor of the project. BENEFITS Exposure to agricultural manufacturer practices allowed the NSRI at Cranfield University to gain a better appreciation of this particular industry sector. This project has given the technical staff within the group valuable experience in applying existing expertise to new applications. They have also developed new and novel test methods. The test work conducted during the project has highlighted new areas of research which could be investigated in the future. RESULTS The University has exploited a number of networking opportunities as a result of the KTP The University has expanded its off-road tyre test capability during the project Test results from this project will be used in future teaching and a selection of the results will be published