INFINITE is born from the need to create a faster, more accurate and more precise laser engraving solution that is able to deliver the detail and quality already being demanded by customers, but not achievable with any present alternatives, laser or non-laser. This is achieved through the combination of various software and hardware innovations. Software innovations include programs to design and manipulate the details to be engraved, as well as the program that controls the machine during engraving. The hardware innovations involve adapting an articulated arm robot for greater flexibility, range of motion and working envelope with a reduced footprint, as well as an artificial vision system to improve precision and accuracy and reduce significantly set-up time.
ML Engraving, specialists in engraving, was founded on the principal of “laser or nothing” and with a decade of experience in this area is the ideal candidate to develop these innovations. DS4, has been working with robotics, laser systems and artificial vision for nearly 20 years, making them the ideal partner for the hardware aspects of the INFINITE technology.
However, before this innovative solution could reach the market and to confirm its potential, a feasibility study has been carried out by the two partners. This study evaluates the technical and commercial feasibility of the proposed product in order to assess if it could successfully reach the market. To do so, ML Engraving and DS4 presented a project to the SME Instrument H2020 Phase1 (June 2014). The project was granted and Phase 1 and during the last 4 months, a Feasibility Study comprising a Business Plan has been carried out.
This Feasibility Study consisted of technical, commercial and financial activities. Technical tasks included the detail of the technical specifications and latest developments (further tests and results from the initial 1st prototype and fabrication of a 2nd prototype focusing on the software), including an FMEA risk analysis. A Freedom-to-Operate has been carried out to ensure that the proposed technology does not interfere with existing technologies. Furthermore, the Work Plan for the execution of the innovative project (complete industrial prototype, demonstration and preparation for commercialization) was elaborated, including team, organization and budget assessment.
Regarding commercial and financial activities, an exploitation plan has been developed, including a consolidated market analysis (trends, competitors, growth). A marketing strategy has been elaborated, based on clear value proposition, competitive advantage and objectives.
Finally, a scenario has been detailed and developed, leading to consolidated financial projections for the 2017-2020 period (Revenues, Margin, Profits).
Based on the results of the Feasibility Study, the conclusion is that INFINITE project shall continue on a SME Instrument Phase 2 as it is a strong project which can boost the market by reaching a European need. Moreover, the technical and commercial study carried out justifies the reliance of the technology and has prepared both ML Engraving and DS4 for the future commercialization.
