Summary: When launching their own walk-behind mower line, a customer approached CEW for their expertise in wheel design. Armed with rough models and a vision, they needed CEW's experienced engineering team to develop a wheel that was functional, aesthetically pleasing, and economical. Through multiple iterations and close collaboration, CEW delivered a wheel that satisfied all criteria, enabling the customer to successfully launch their new product line.Industry: Lawn & Garden Category: Custom Wheel Design Processes: Custom Design, Multiple Iterations, Optimization for Manufacturing and PerformanceA customer was preparing to launch their own walk-behind mower line. While they had a clear vision... Read More
Summary: CEW partnered with a large outdoor commercial equipment OEM to design a custom no-flat wheel assembly that met specific space and gear interface requirements for a new product launch. Providing multiple design iterations, CEW helped the customer choose the optimal cosmetic look while ensuring durability and reliability. Despite global supply chain challenges, CEW delivered the project on time and within cost targets, using their internal manufacturing processes and globally sourced materials.Industry: Industrial & Commercial Category: Custom No-Flat Wheel Assembly for New Product Launch Processes: Custom Design, Multiple Iterations, Internal Manufacturing Processes, Global Sourcing of MaterialsA large outdoor commercial... Read More
Summary: CEW leveraged the REHACARE International Trade Show to introduce its innovative D-Flex suspension caster system to the global market. Designed to offer superior ride quality and vibration dampening without altering rolling resistance, D-Flex aims to revolutionize caster technology. The patent-pending design marks a significant step forward in enhancing the mobility experience for users.Industry: Medical & Mobility Category: New Product Introduction Processes: Patent-Pending Design, Suspension Caster SystemThe REHACARE International Trade Show serves as a hub for innovation and networking in the healthcare industry. It's a platform where CEW not only meets international clients but also hears firsthand about challenges... Read More
Summary: CEW successfully partnered with a prominent cooler manufacturer to reshore Polyurethane Wheel Assembly production to North America, providing substantial cost savings and reducing supply chain length by over 9,000 miles. In addition, CEW's local production positively impacted the client’s ESG performance by reducing freight and employing cleaner manufacturing processes. During the transition, CEW also suggested cosmetic changes to the product, offering extra value at no added cost.Industry: Industrial & Commercial Category: Reshoring Polyurethane Wheel Assembly Manufacturing Processes: Local Manufacturing, Cost-Saving Measures, ESG-Friendly ProcessesA well-known cooler manufacturer aimed to reshore production to North America and sought CEW's expertise in manufacturing... Read More
Summary: CEW delivered unparalleled value in a reshoring initiative for an OEM by locally manufacturing a wheel previously produced in Asia. Utilizing their decades of expertise, CEW not only duplicated the existing design but also introduced cost-saving design improvements. The customer benefited from a 15% cost reduction, shorter lead times, and enhanced quality control, putting the product on track for production in North America by Fall 2023.Industry: Industrial & Commercial Category: Reshoring Wheel Manufacturing Processes: Local Manufacturing, Design Review and ValidationAn Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) decided to reshore full unit production from Asia to North America to better meet market... Read More
Summary: During a global biking surge amid the pandemic, CEW rose to the occasion by manufacturing high-performance, lightweight rear bike frames for a leading eco-friendly bicycle manufacturer. Utilizing its patented Lost Core system and leveraging 40 years of experience, CEW managed to cut the lead time down to less than 10 days. The project was a success, meeting strict quality standards and allowing CEW to contribute to stress reduction and healthy recreation during trying times. Industry: BicyclesCategory: Custom Bicycle Bicycle Frame ManufacturingProcesses: Lost Core System, Streamlined Production Processes The onset of the pandemic led to an unprecedented global surge in... Read More
Summary: CEW crafted a transformative solution for differently-abled students through its X-CORE® 6-Spoke Wheels. Developed with the unique Lostcore Molding process, the wheels are a single-piece design, virtually maintenance-free, and outfitted with CEW’s patented, non-pneumatic SHOXTM and AEROFLEX™ polyurethane tires. As a result, these wheels have revolutionized the wheelchair experience for students by providing exceptional stability, eliminating the worry of flats, and enhancing maneuverability during physical education and sports activities. Industry: Medical & MobilityCategory: Custom Wheel Assembly for Wheelchairs and Adaptive SportsProcesses: Lostcore Molding, Composite Material Integration Schools and organizations were grappling with the limitations of conventional wheelchair wheels, particularly... Read More
Summary: CEW leveraged its Polyurethane and Injection Molding capabilities to address the critical wheel-related challenges faced by Motivo's Tour Walkers. By designing a custom 8×1 wheel assembly featuring a zero-maintenance microcellular polyurethane tire, CEW significantly reduced both degradation and maintenance issues. The result was a marked improvement in product durability and customer satisfaction, reflected in higher sales and lower returns for Motivo. Industry: Medical & MobilityCategory: Custom Wheel Assembly for Mobility EquipmentProcesses: Polyurethane and Injection Molding, Centrifugal Casting Motivo, a leading provider of medical and mobility equipment, was facing significant challenges with their Tour Walker product line. The walker, primarily... Read More