IDC Models Hits the Mark with Stylish Casing for Precision Satellite Positioning Device

IDC Models Hits the Mark with Stylish Casing for Precision Satellite Positioning Device

IDC Models, the rapid prototyping and model making division of Industrial Design Consultancy (IDC), has just completed a project to help produce the casing for one of the most precise satellite positioning devices in the world.

Working for Positioneering Ltd, IDC Models was commissioned to develop an appropriate finishing solution to compliment the aesthetics of a product case part used to hold Positioneering’s high-tech precise satellite-positioning device. The device will be used in offshore applications throughout the global oil and gas industry to accurately locate vessels engaged in exploration for hydrocarbons as well as the construction of oilfield infrastructure including the placement of items on the sea bed. The device constantly adapts to recognise signals from multiple satellite constellations including GPS, the Russian equivalent, GLONASS as well as the future European and Chinese equivalents, Galileo and Compass respectively. Making simultaneous use of a minimum of 4 satellites through to an expected maximum of over 50, the system, when coupled with Positioneering’s global enhancement-service broadcasts, provides highly precise positioning and navigation to within 5cm accuracy; normal GPS devices are only capable of providing a reading within 20 metres of an object.

Positioneering is a new independent company which has excelled in developing radical solutions for positioning. This is its first satellite-positioning product and the company wanted it to incorporate its high standards and make a positive impact on the market. The product has been designed and engineered by some of the world’s leaders in industrial design and engineering. To contribute to the completion of this already stylish and high-quality product, IDC Models was able to develop a suitably high-quality finish for the casing. IDC Models initial work included anodising the main housing coupled with the application of a tough paint finish of the detail elements of the product. The resulting units were used at the product launch during the Oceanology International exhibition last month in London. Ewan Brown, Global Production and Resources Manager at Positioneering expressed his gratitude stating, “The show was a great success for us and having the units there played a big part in that.”