Background

A Canadian innovator in assistive technology, embarked on developing a revolutionary patented wheelchair. A core component of this design was a custom-shaped aluminum wheel that needed to be produced as a single, complete piece (monobloc construction). This ambitious design presented exceptional challenges in precision engineering, mold development, and mass production, pushing beyond the capabilities of standard wheelchair component suppliers. Sourcing Captain was engaged to transform this innovative design into a manufacturable and reliable reality.

Client Expectations

Customer’s requirements were as innovative as they were demanding:
Precision and Integrity: The wheel had to be a single, seamless piece of aluminum, matching the exact custom shape from the design specs without any welds or joins that could compromise strength.

Functional Prototyping and Mass Production: The partner needed to manage the entire process from creating functional prototypes for testing and patent verification to establishing a stable supply chain for mass production.

Technical Partnership: Beyond simple manufacturing, B.Braver needed a sourcing agent with deep technical knowledge to solve inherent production difficulties and ensure the final product met stringent quality and safety standards for medical devices.

The Solution

Sourcing Captain implemented a holistic and technically-driven solution to overcome the project’s complexities.
Advanced Manufacturing Liaison: We identified and partnered with specialized factories in China possessing the expertise in high-precision aluminum casting and CNC machining required for a one-piece custom wheel.

Design for Manufacturability (DFM) Analysis: Our team worked closely with both B.Braver’s engineers and the factory to analyze the design for production feasibility, suggesting subtle optimizations that maintained the design intent while enhancing manufacturability and structural integrity.

End-to-End Project Management: We managed the entire timeline and workflow, from material sourcing (selecting the appropriate aluminum alloy) and prototyping to overseeing production quality control, ensuring every wheel met the exact specifications before shipment to Canada.

Client Feedback

The collaboration with Sourcing Captain was pivotal to the success of our innovative wheelchair. They demonstrated an exceptional ability to navigate the complex challenges of producing a custom monobloc aluminum wheel. Their technical input during the prototyping phase and their rigorous production management ensured we received a high-quality, durable component that was true to our patented design. Sourcing Captain proved to be more than a supplier; they were a true technical partner in bringing our vision to life.