Maple experience 50% reduction in design time following successful collaboration with Vision Profiles

Maple bosses have described working with one of the UK’s leading aluminium specialists as a ‘seamless experience.

We teamed up with Vision Profiles, who are experts in aluminium extrusions, for a prestigious project at Oxford Science Park.

Combining our design expertise with Vision’s fabrication skills (and state-of-the-art CNC machining equipment), we created solar screening systems for the four-storey, glass-fronted Schrödinger Building.

“Working so closely with Vision Profiles helped the project run very smoothly,” said Maple project director Sean McGrath. “It was a seamless experience, and gives us great hope for similar collaborations in the future.”

While the project architects sought to maximise natural light for staff and visitors, Maple’s challenge was to control unwanted solar heat and glare. We used a bespoke brise soleil system and created a large aerofoil canopy over the entrance to the building, which will create the only new Grade A office space to rent in Oxford.

Key to the success of the project was our shared investment in advanced 3D modelling software. Design drawings were uploaded and detailed fabrication drawings ― all accurately measured ― were output for Vision Profiles to create the extruded aluminium components.

“The use of our 3D modelling software and its compatibility with Vision Profiles’ CNC machining equipment helped reduce design time by around 50% for the whole project,” added Sean.

Kirk Hutchins, Maple’s procurement manager, said: ‘Because the project was so bespoke and there were so many variances in size and angles, we had to find a cost-effective way to reduce the design time of drawing every piece.

“The answer was to integrate the 3D model with a CNC machine, so every piece didn’t have to be drawn and dimensioned ― but we needed a supplier with the expertise and experience to do this.

“Given the complexity of the project, we felt Vision Profiles were best suited to partner us. We trialled the 3D modelling software and created a few samples and it worked perfectly.

“Vision then purchased the software but we contributed 50% towards the investment ― to emphasise our commitment to Vision as a vital player in our supply chain.

“With Vision’s expertise and commitment, and daily communication between both teams, the project was delivered on time and in perfect condition.”