Fri, 24 February, 2023
TWI has begun working with world-famous musical instrument makers, Geneva Brasswind Ltd to re-engineer instruments using modern techniques for manufacture.
Having produced hand-made instruments for seven generations, Geneva Group’s instruments are used by the world’s finest brass bands, leading orchestral artists, pop and jazz musicians, and in the recording, film and television industries.
TWI were called upon to help re-engineer a cornet, which has been made using patent parts since the 1890s. Using our technical expertise, we were called upon to provide manufacturing consultancy support to produce individual engineering drawings. This was achieved by using a combination of internal technical knowledge of manufacturing, CAD systems and a GOM laser scanning system supplied by Central Scanning Ltd. This system produced full 3D image files that captured detailed parameters including external and internal dimensions, surface geometry and part fitment, resulting in production of 2D engineering drawings of all parts, so that we could design new manufacturing solutions for the Geneva Group.
In addition, our wealth of knowledge meant that TWI was able to assist on other, related areas, such as coatings, joining methods and additive manufacturing for the instruments. This ability to bring together a range of areas of expertise has allowed us to find solutions for a variety of challenges related to the instruments’ production and re-design.
Speaking on the project, TWI Manufacturing Support Manager, Paul Brooker, said, “Here at TWI we work as a team, dedicated to ensure we not only deliver but exceed our customers’ expectations with our innovative solutions. We pride ourselves on our ability to offer world leading knowledge and real world expertise in manufacturing solutions.”
Geneva Executive Director, Vincent Eckerman said, “The outcome of this project has brought significant opportunities for Geneva to expand on its commitment to continuous development of its handmade instruments. The resulting 2D imaging is allowing us to explore manufacturing techniques utilising the latest design tools available today. Paul and his team have taken the time to understand our product and our innovative ideas to bring new materials and fabrication techniques to the manufacturing of brass instruments, which have seen little change in fabrication techniques since the original Patent in the mid 19th Century.”
While this work is perfectly suited to the needs of the Geneva Group, such re-engineering and manufacturing support can readily support many other industries including, but not limited to, aerospace, medical, power and automotive.
You can find out more about our manufacturing and subcontract support services here.