Virtual Reality: Office Layout Solutions

Office Layout Solutions

The painstaking task of rearranging an office or a production plant only to realize that the layout wasn’t what you expected is something that happens way too often. That process is changing as technology advances. Now, companies are noticing the benefits of using virtual reality beforehand to place all the items before the actual move.

Reasons to Use Virtual Reality First

Previously seen mainly in the gaming industry, virtual reality is spreading to a more useful tool in a wide variety of industries. This being said, no one likes to do the same task twice. Why not take the virtual step to ensure complete satisfaction before moving things around?

Ultimately, viewing something like an office layout with virtual reality helps save time and limit frustration. Depending on which software is being used, there is the ability to measure item locations, move items around, take in-app screenshots, and markup items while in virtual reality. All these items combined allows everyone involved to add their opinions on what they think a layout should look like.

Safety

Safety is the main concern for many companies whether it’s in the day-to-day life or during something like a major move. In instances like a plant floor layout, there is a lot of room for error when there are multiple people and maybe a forklift moving a piece of machinery only to realize it all needs to be done again since the machine doesn’t fit in the desired location. It may not be as severe with something like an office layout, but there’s still potential for error and injuries. Virtual reality solves the issue when it comes to ensuring correct item locations before the move begins, and it’s completely safe! All that’s needed is a single person and with one hand, items can be moved over and over without the worry of injuries.

Figure 1: Reorganizing the Office

Case Study

We at Perception Engineering have been able to use this technology to aid us in redesigning our own office layout! We created many different versions, 17 to be exact, to show us potential outcomes with items placed in a variety of locations.

Figure 2: Different Configured Office Layouts

Figure 3 demonstrates the current layout of items at our office. Our company is growing often so we were faced with the problem of fitting more people and more equipment in the office.

Figure 3: Current Office Layout

Luckily, through virtual reality, we were able to find the optimal set-up that satisfied both overall efficiencies and giving everyone enough space to be comfortable. The process was very smooth and easy since we had an overhead layout view after moving items around while in VR to get the best setup.

Figure 4: New Office Layout

Conclusion

Enough can’t be said when it comes to the benefits of using virtual reality. This is only one instance where it’s a far superior solution to a current issue. The ability to move items safely and accurately is a big topic when it comes to office and production plant layouts. Some people may be skeptical at first, but all that can really be said is try it! Who knows, more and more benefits can be realized as soon as the headset is worn.

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3D Printing at Perception Engineering

If you have an idea for a product and possibly even the design ready to go, but you want to be able to have a better idea of what it may look like when it is manufactured, we have the solutions for you. One of those solutions is 3D printed prototyping.

Here at Perception Engineering, with both in-house capabilities and local partnerships, we can bring your prototype to life. This can often be done with one of the many forms of 3D printing. With our in-depth knowledge of printing processes, we can choose the best method for any project. In-house, we can carry out appropriate projects with FDM, otherwise known as Fused Deposition Modeling, which is the technique likely to come to mind when people hear 3D printing. This is where a thin layer of plastic is extruded out in layers in the shape of one’s product. An example of this product can be seen below.

This can provide a great perspective into what your finished product will approximately look like when manufactured. Following are some samples of what a finished print may look like.

If your product has features that fall outside of our in-house abilities, such as having extremely fine geometry and details, or you desire to have a production quality part with strong mechanical properties not done with FDM, we have 3D printing partners which we can work with to make sure the job is done right. We also have the knowledge to know what process will get the best results for any projects. To learn more about our in-house processes and some of the other commonly used processes that we have available to us through our partnerships, you can visit the 3D Printing page.

Figure 1: Example 3D Printed Parts

That’s all for now! Keep us in mind for any of your current or future 3D printing prototyping needs. Every project has individual needs, and we can work with you to fit those needs. If you like the content or have questions, sign up for our email list to stay in the loop for solutions or weekly content.

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Prototyping: Laser Cutter

Laser Cutter

One of the in-house machines that Perception Engineering uses to service its customers is a CO2 laser cutter. With this laser cutter, Perception Engineering provides its customers with accurately cut parts. CO2 lasers have been around since the mid-sixties and to this day are still some of the most reliable, powerful, and accurate lasers used. This blog will talk about some of the lasers features and how it can be used.

Laser specs

The KH-7050 is an electrically powered CO2 Laser cutter. With this 60-Watt laser, materials such as thin woods, cardboard, acrylic, cloth, and plastics can be cut. The Laser is also powerful enough to engrave images, text, or anything else desired by the customer on the same or similar materials. Some variations of this laser can also come with a rotary head or chuck that allows the laser to etch on curved surfaces such as bottles or glasses. Here at Perception Engineering, a material we often cut into is quarter inch thick acrylic. The CO2 laser effortlessly cuts through the acrylic leaving a smooth edge all the way around. Etching text onto acrylic is another easy feat for the laser. The text is able to be etched at all sizes, coming out clearly and accurately. Some example laser cut products made here at PE are shown below in Figure 2.

Figure 2: Laser cut/etched products

When Would This Be Used?

Now you might ask, what kinds of jobs can a laser cutter like this take on? Laser cutters, such as this one, can be used on a daily basis doing all kinds of work! Perception Engineering has used its laser for both large and small scale cutting jobs. Customers come to Perception Engineering by cutting jobs that involve single prototype parts, personal projects, and large quantity production. The laser is able to cut out single parts very quickly or programmed to run for multiple hours cutting out very intricate parts or large part loads. The time it takes to run a job does depend on material type and thickness. The thicker or harder the material, the longer it takes to cut. However, with the lasers ability to adjust the bed height up and down, the perfect laser distance can be homed in for the best results. And any job can be trained to run quickly without sacrificing the quality of the parts.

Final Thoughts

A CO2 laser is a great tool to have for both business and personal use. The list of possible projects that could be completed with this type of laser is too long to put down. With its wide range of maneuverability, power, and speed, its no wonder why this type of laser has been around for so long. A CNC laser is a must-have tool in most shops, and the cost-friendly price makes it easily affordable and the power of the CO2 laser gives it plenty of reliability.