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Revolutionary enterprise server SSD device sold to SanDisk for $327M

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enterprise ssd render concept

An Inside Glimpse Into the Product Development of SanDisk's Enterprise SSD

SLA Rapid Prototype Parts for assembly, parts fit and DFM

Product Design Requirements

Pliant Technology came to Design 1st with innovative SSD technology and required a unique enclosure that would alleviate thermal issues, distinguish the brand, and be cost-effective for volume manufacturing.

  • Design several new enclosure concepts that would prevent thermal heat issues and match the brand
  • Integration of heat sensitive electronics in an ultra-compact shape that maintains precise flexing characteristics
  • Develop a pre-production prototype for user testing and support manufacturing setup for volume production
CNC Machined Prototype of External Housing for thermal tests

Engineering Challenges

Pliant Technologies’ innovative approach to SSD packed a lot of power into a small enclosure, to ensure the product would not fail required several rounds of prototyping and virtual simulations to understand heat issues.

  • Develop an optimized heat sink design for enclosure
  • Rapid design, build and test of bench model prototypes to determine optimal form factor for heat dissipation
  • Build several SLA prototypes to test concept designs before choosing a final design direction
First Volume Production 2.5 inch SSD drive

Product Results

The success of Pliant Technologies’ SSD was recognized by SanDisk, and the entire company and product line were acquired for $327M.

  • High quality production process and enclosure design built trust with enterprise users
  • Achieved rapid turnaround from concept to production in under 6 months.
  • Minimum component count and ease of assembly of the cast metal enclosure were critical to high quality volume production over multiple manufacturing runs
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Exploded CAD render of the SanDisk enterprise SSD showing stacked memory boards and casing

Solved a tough technical challenge and brought us to successful volume manufacturing in nine months

“We highly valued Design 1st as our product development partner. Their design and engineering expertise was exactly what we needed to be successful.”

Mike Chenery CEO, Pliant Technologies Inc Senior Partner, SanDisk

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