The conceptual design stage is supported by Illstreet Composites with on site consultation and engineering. Original designs are by definition patentable. Illstreet Composites will also support substitution of non-metallic materials for an existing metallic product. Products that have material substitution can also be considered conceptual designs even though the product geometry has been established.

Level D: Non-Structural Product Non-Metallic Substitution

An existing metallic product, for reasons of cost, weight, working environment, or customer preference may lend itself to non-metallic material substitution. This level of engineering effort may require material design and analysis, geometry change and manufacturing engineering. This level of engineering effort is reserved for products with no external loading.

Level E: Structurally Loaded Product Redesign

An existing [loaded] metallic product, for reasons of cost, weight, working environment, or customer preference may lend itself to non-metallic material substitution. A loaded metallic product could be redesigned from composite and engineering plastics materials. A non-metallic redesign of the loaded metallic product would require material property evaluation and strength analysis with the aid of a finite element model (FEM). The redesign may affect form, fit and function.