Our process
Every project we work on for a film, stunt or theatre client is unique, which means the journey from initial idea to finished product is unique too.
However, there are some broad steps we typically follow for each project to ensure we always deliver outstanding bespoke products and equipment for every one of our customers.
Step 1 – Analyse the brief
Initially, we’ll hold a briefing meeting with you if necessary. Our aim is to fully understand what you want your bespoke product to do and how it should look.
We believe a thorough analysis of a brief is essential to a smooth and clear route to a finished product that will meet all your practical and aesthetic needs.
Step 2 – Design and development
We’ll provide you with a firm price for design and development and an estimate for the manufacturing of your required product.
Our highly experienced design engineers will work with you to create a feasible design for the piece of equipment or component you require. This is likely to involve 3D modelling of mechanical areas.
We’ll work with you if any amends need to be made to the initial design. After a final design has been signed off, we will create professional manufacturer drawings and provide a firm price for the manufacturing of the designed product.
At this stage, we can also provide a price for the production of a prototype, if that’s something you require.
Step 3 – Manufacturing
Our workshop in Surrey houses the very latest in turning, milling and grinding technology. This state-of-the-art equipment means we can quickly produce all types of products and components with sub-millimetre accuracy.
Throughout our manufacturing stage, you are more than welcome to visit us to see how the parts that make up your prototype or final product are made.
We can also offer a range of finishes for products, if necessary. This means we’re fully equipped to create visually appealing items that meet your aesthetic requirements as well as your practical ones.
Step 4 – Inspection and testing
After a prototype or finished product has been manufactured, we will carefully inspect it using state-of-the-art technology in our dedicated temperature-controlled inspection room.
This stage can be critical to ensuring a component or piece of equipment will perform as required, every time it’s used.
At AEC, we also have an in-house testing team that is vastly experienced at conducting load, pressure, electrical and pneumatic testing on components and assemblies.