Case Studies

Dataloggers are used in a vast array of industrial applications and industries including transport, security and mining in both private and public sectors.

The DataTaker DT80 is an advanced, stand alone, low-power data logger. It is an extremely flexible recording device, tracking signals and measurements from a vast range of sensors such as; temperature, pressure, flow, load, voltage etc.

A New Idea

Early in the project, CobaltNiche proposed a ‘left-field’ solution that ultimately transformed the client’s thinking and the end product. Specifically we replaced their old fabricated sheetmetal product with an extruded body and die-cast end caps. Benefits of this production and assembly approach include lower manufacturing and assembly cost, higher perceived quality and greater product flexibility.

Added Value Outcome

The DT80, like many industrial products is not a glamorous product. Users are primarily concerned with the specifications, reliability and performance of the device. Nonetheless, CobaltNiche have ensured assembly efficiency, configuration flexibility and compact electronics, user interface and  ruggedness of the casing. This has been a success internally within DataTaker and, more importantly, with the market easily exceeding previous model sales and the company’s expectations.

Beyond this product, the collaboration between CobaltNiche and DataTaker has spawned several models using the same extrusion concept and empowered the DataTaker team with new technical knowledge and expertise.

Read DataTaker's testimonial.

Key Specifications

Objectives

  • Retain metal construction for perceived strength
  • Compact size
  • Suit a wide variety of mounting positions
  • Retain current branding and colour

Design Solution

  • Aluminum extrusion with internal rails to allow electronics to be slid into position
  • Die-cast end caps to retain all-metal construction
  • Flexible construction allows for multiple model variations with only minor design and inventory changes

Commercial Outcomes

  • Overwhelmingly positive market acceptance
  • Improved margins
  • Single development and tooling investment has produced several models
  • Transfer of design process and technical design to DataTaker team

CobaltNiche tasks

  • Design strategy
  • Industrial Design
  • Product Engineering
  • Product graphics
  • Prototyping
  • Tooling management

Development Period

39 weeks

CobaltNiche Team

Shannon Smith
David Lockwood
Steve Martinuzzo

Key Supplier

ARRK (die casting)
G.James Extrusion

Material

Powder coated aluminium extrusion and die-casing

 

Based in Australia, Cobalt Niche is a globally focused creative product design and development group. We operate locally as well as Asia, North America and Europe.
 
Industrial Design : 3D Models : Sustainability DesignProduct Design MelbourneProduct Designers