Many companies use advanced finite element analysis to calculate design stresses, but the fatigue analysis is often still done by manually picking stress points for spread-sheet analysis. This is time consuming and unreliable because it�s easy to miss failure locations. Component validation by fatigue testing a prototype design in the test lab is time-consuming. If the prototype fails prematurely, a costly, open-ended cycle of design-test-redesign is required. Project time-scales slip and delivery is late.In the automotive industry some 40% of the total development cost is spent making prototype parts. In the medical industry an unexpected failure can mean the loss of several months lead-time over competitors.
