SolidWorks Case Studies
The following case studies illustrate how SolidWorks products have been used by various clients to improve the design process and increase overall design efficiency:
Automation Tooling Systems, Inc.
The Challenge
Automation Tooling Systems, Inc. (ATS), is the global leader in the design and manufacture of turnkey automated manufacturing and test systems. The company's equipment is used to reduce costs and achieve higher quality production by a variety of manufacturers in the automotive, computer/electronics, healthcare, and consumer products industries. ATS also manufactures plastics and metal precision components and subassemblies utilizing its own custom-built manufacturing systems, process knowledge, and automation technology. ATS needed to upgrade from 2D to 3D software to boost productivity, improve quality, design more innovative products, and expand its market.
The Solution
After evaluating Mechanical Desktop, Pro/ENGINEER, and I-DEAS/Master Series,
ATS selected SolidWorks software because of its short learning curve, large
assembly capabilities, compatibility with legacy data, and 3D visualization
and animation capabilities. By implementing SolidWorks, ATS realized productivity
improvements, implemented company-wide design standards, eliminated drafting/drawing
errors, minimized structural errors through integrated analysis, improved
product quality, elevated the level of communications with its customers,
and introduced a strategic product, the SuperTrak High-speed Pallet Transport
System. ATS uses SolidWorks Animator and PhotoWorks to produce animations
and graphics of systems and uses eDrawings to share these drawing and model
files with colleagues and customers.
Summary and Metrics:
* Accelerated the design of large, moving assemblies
* Implemented company-wide design standards
* Reduced drafting and structural errors
* Enhanced customer communications
Roman Limited
The Challenge
Roman Limited is the UK's leading and most innovative shower manufacturer. The company transitioned from its 2D design tools to Autodesk Inventor 3D software in 2001. However, after using Inventor software for more than a year, the company replaced it with the SolidWorks mechanical design system, following a benchmark in 2004.
The Solution
The company chose SolidWorks software because it is easy to use, has advanced surfacing capabilities, includes mold design and analysis tools, produces high-quality renderings, supports design configurations, provides direct integration with important add-on applications, and offers the best local training and support. By implementing SolidWorks software, Roman Limited compressed its design cycles by an average of 50 percent, eliminated the development of prototype molds, reduced the number of recalled and returned parts, and launched its innovative Sculptures high-end product line.
Summary and Metrics:
- Reduced design cycles by 50%
- Eliminated prototype mold development
- Reduced the number of recalls and returns
- Launched a new high-end product line
