Close collaboration
optimum design

Having developed two market-leading laboratory products for Specac previously, IDC was chosen to help develop Specac's latest laboratory product, the Pearl liquid analysis accessory for infrared spectrometers.

Close collaboration between Specac’s optical engineers and IDC’s designers was key in the development. Specac's Technical Director, Graham Poulter, explains, “We were keen to work with IDC again following the success of previous design projects which established our products as class-leading laboratory devices. Having worked with the team before, we knew we could work seamlessly together to develop the best solution.”

Specac came to IDC with a proof of concept prototype which included pioneering new optical technology, and briefed IDC to optimise the design for users and production. This meant assessing the best construction, materials and mouldings for manufacture, while making the device stylish and appealing.

Specac’s concept included an oyster test cell with an innovative flap that when closed, was able to hold the sample in precisely the right position for analysis. The test cell sits within a drawer, which is slid into the device horizontally for analysing. This configuration presented a challenge to the design team as not only did the flap have to take account of the depth of the test cell when closed, but had to protect against any air movement within the cell that would influence the test. The design team had to ensure perfect alignment for the infrared light beams and sensors, once the test cell flap was shut and the drawer slid into place for analysis. This enabled the highest degree of accuracy and repeatability.

IDC previously worked with Specac on its market leading Quest ATR accessory and Specac was keen to continue the look and feel of this in the Pearl device. Taking this into account, IDC’s designers took the same design cues to produce an aesthetically pleasing smooth, curved surface similar to the Quest. The Pearl products also shared a choice of 7 bright handle colours, which matched the colours of the Quest product’s lids. These handles were made from anodised aluminium so they could be produced in different colours.

IDC’s Design Director, Marc Tanner managed the project and comments, “This project is a great example of how well our design teams work with clients to produce outstanding results. Throughout the project we worked hand-in-hand with Specac’s engineers to ensure that our casing and construction solutions would integrate fully with the complex optical design within the product. IDC Models also contributed to the project by producing SLAs of the mouldings so a production prototype could be produced and tested prior to production. We’re delighted to have helped Specac produce another exciting lab product - this is our third product so far.”