Welcome to 4c Engineering
What we do…
We are experts at…
Technology Development
Wherever your idea is at, we can take it forward.
Whether you are starting with a sketch or you have an established technology needing a burst of innovation, we can help you progress through the Technology Readiness Levels.
Our process is individually tailored to you and your project; so while these stages might look a little different for you, a typical example of the 4c way might look like this:
Context
What must it do? How will it be used? What else interacts with it? What constraints are we working under? What risks do we need to mitigate? These are just a few of the questions we’ll be exploring with you to get a full understanding of your project.
Whether you’re coming to us with a full spec or a sketch on a napkin, we’ll build a solid basis for design. We won’t drop your baby.
Concept
We will help you pull together your concept design, drawing on our extensive engineering experience to explore the options, determine the required subsystems and features, and suggest solutions to your challenges.
Creation
The fun part (for geeks like us!). Complex calculation, detailed CAD work, component and material selection, instrumentation, electronics and control programming.
With our 3D printers, laser cutter and assembly tools, and the knowledge of how to use them, we can make you a prototype in our well-equipped lab/workshop.
Confirmation
Throughout the process we will review the design with you to ensure it is addressing all the requirements. We can instrument and test your device (or components thereof) to examine its behaviour and confirm its performance.
A bespoke package tailored for you
The design process is rarely as linear as described above, often requiring adaptation as we learn, or rapid design/test iterations to solve specific challenges – we’ll work with you to cover the areas you need to. We can also help with project planning, point you towards the right funding sources, and help you address any areas of risk ahead of your next investment round. We can build you a visualisation, a model, or a prototype to show off, and help you with routes to manufacture.
So why not give us a call or email us to discuss how we can help?
With a particular specialism in…
Marine Renewables
We have a strong track record in this challenging field.
We have significant experience in marine renewables R&D, leading and collaboarating in several large-scale projects under public R&D programmes for Wave Energy Scotland, EuropeWave and the US Dept. of Energy, as well as directly for developers under Innovate UK. Our rigorous engineering and analysis skills allow us to tackle the most complex of challenges in this important sector.
Technology assessment & project planning
Just how good is your technology? We use a structured and systematic approach to really get under the bonnet of your idea, breaking it down by sub-system to determine TRLs and identify key risks and unanswered questions. We then tailor a development program giving you a roadmap to a proven design.
Simulation & modelling
Want to know how your technology will perform before investing time and money into building a physical prototype? Our simulations and models provide insight into performance, survivability, and economics, saving you time and reducing costs. Let us help you optimise your design before you take it to the next level.
Model design, build & test
Building and testing a model of your technology is a critical step in the development process. Our experienced team will guide you through the process, from design to validation, to ensure your model accurately represents your technology. We have particular expertise in scale-model tank testing, instrumentation and data analysis, which will help you build a solid foundation for your full-scale design.
Concept design & visualisation
Are you ready to take your technology to the next level? We can bring your ideas to life with 3D models, renders, infographics, and data visualisation. We’ll work with you to develop and validate your concept, giving you, your current funders, and potential investors a clear understanding of your technology’s potential.
Full-scale design & engineering
Ready to deploy your technology on a larger scale? Our full-scale design and engineering process will help you navigate the challenges of materials selection, environmental conditions, and deployment logistics. From test rigs to large-scale prototypes, let us help you bring your technology to the real world.