Cabin Development

The first step is to create an overall cab design that shows how the machine with the new cab will look like. This will typically be hand-drawn by a designer specializing in cabin design. Often it’s about getting a modern and integrated design where the machine and cabin fit together, both technically and design-wise. At the same time, there are often a number of specific considerations to take into account, such as visibility, access, noise, etc. The design brief is finally approved by the customer and will be the basis for the subsequent work in 3D.

In the 3D phase, the design brief from the Sketch phase is translated into 3D models and concrete designs of both interior and exterior. Technical solutions and components are found, that make the actual production design as close to the design brief as possible. Subcontractors are involved via FLK’s extensive network of relevant manufacturers and prices are obtained for materials and tools. Often there is a need for molding tools or molds that can be used to make plastic and rubber materials for covers, armrests or floor mats, for example. This phase is typically the most time-consuming because there are many considerations to take into account and all the technical solutions need to be defined down to the smallest detail.

A prototype is a trial where we can test tools and components for the first time. It’s also the first time you can get the feeling of sitting in the new cabin for real. When the first prototype is built, all subcontractors are activated and the new tools are ordered along with prototypes of the parts to be used. These range from standard parts such as bolts and screws to more specialized steel pipes, glass, plastic and rubber parts. Many of the parts may be custom-designed for that particular cabin, so production time can be quite long. One or more prototypes can be made, as needed, and it’s important to make all necessary corrections before going into series production.

Once the prototype has been approved and tested, serial production will begin, where you will of course try to keep costs as low as possible by setting up a LEAN production.

FLK Cabin specializes in developing and manufacturing cabins of the highest quality. Typical series sizes range from 50 cabins per series. years and up.