BAE SYSTEMS
"We had a high confidence level that the concept would work
because we had run motion simulations in SolidWorks, it functioned
exactly as we had envisioned."
-Craig Yort, Engineering Manager
The Challenge
BAE Systems' Intelligence, Electronics & Support operation
in Crestview, Florida, develops defensive and communications
systems for retrofitting on military aircraft. The group was
an early adopter of 3D CAD technology in 1997, when it transitioned
from AutoCAD 2D CAD software to 3D technology in order to respond
to defense contracts more quickly, control costs more effectively,
and grow operations more efficiently.
The Solution
The company selected the SolidWorks 3D mechanical design system
because it is easy to use, includes robust 3D visualization tools,
and comes with the SolidWorks eDrawings design communications
package. By deploying SolidWorks software, BAE Systems -
Crestview was able to deliver a safety system to the field within
three months, eliminate costly prototying cycles, increase the
level of confidence on its deisgns, and support ten-fold growth in
the number of defense contracts.
The Results
- Delivered aircraft safety system to field in less than three
months
- Eliminated costly prototyping cycles
- Increased level of confidence in designs
- Supported ten-fold growth in defense contracts
LEATHERMAN TOOL GROUP, INC.
"With the other systems, you had to buy extra modules to do
things like sheet-metal design, analysis, and PDM. SolidWorks® CAD
software had it all. It has proven to be the best tool for
us."
- C.J. Goodrich, CAD Manager
The Challenge
Leatherman Tool Group, Inc. is the leading manufacturer of
multipurpose tools and knives. The company replaced its 2D design
package with a 3D CAD system to support growth. However, the
company's engineers soon discovered that they needed a broader
range of capabilities to sustain an expanded new product
development program.
The Solution
The company switched to SolidWorks® CAD software because of the
system's ease of use, advanced modeling and surfacing tools, and
sheet-metal design capabilities. Leatherman also valued the
integration of SolidWorks® Simulation, SolidWorks® Workgroup PDM,
and PhotoWorks™ rendering software. By deploying SolidWorks® CAD
software, Leatherman increased the number of new products developed
each year by 100 percent, shortened its product development cycles
by 33 percent, supported the implementation of lean manufacturing
methodologies, and achieved its ambitious accelerated product
development goals.
The Results
- Increased number of annual new products by 100 percent
- Shortened development cycles by 33 percent
- Supported implementation of lean manufacturing
methodologies
- Achieved ambitious accelerated product development goals
BIGBELLY SOLAR
"Because we decided to use SolidWorks, we had the tools to
optimize the design and accelerate development, enabling us to
cultivate and grab a significat share of this market."
- Jeff Satwicz, Product Manager
The Challenge
BigBelly Solar designs and manufactures innovative solar-powered
trash compaction systems that lower fuel costs and carbon emissions
by reducing garbage truck pickups and trips. Selecting an
efficient 3D CAD platform for developing the BigBelly system was an
important consideration for the startup company, in order to build
and satisfy the needs of a new market.
The Solution
The company chose SolidWorks CAD software because of its ease of
use and widespread popularity among design and manufacturing
partners. BigBelly Solar also valued the software's
visualization, sheet-metal design, and integrated analysis
capabilities. By implementing SolidWorks software, BigBelly
Solar developed the world's first solar-powered trash compactor;
increased its sales 300 percent following product redesign; cut its
material costs by using 30 percent fewer steel parts; and improved
its design quality and control.
The Results
- Developed the world's first solar-powered trash compactor
- Increased sales 300 percent following product redesign
- Cut material costs by using 30 percent fewer steel parts
- Improved design quality and control
- Industry: Energy, Process & Plant;
Machinery
- Products(s) Used: SolidWorks Standard
BRISTOL-MYERS SQUIBB
COMPANY
"Virtually everything we do - including working with
assemblies, generating drawings, and communicating with vendors -
requires fewer steps in SolidWorks."
- Joseph Nolfo, Mechanical Engineer
The Challenge
Bristol-Myers Squibb supports an extensive pharmaceutical and
medical research program. Much of the equipment that company
scientists utilize is purchased on the open market. However, the
research is often so distinctive that it requires highly
specialized equipment, which is custom-designed by the company's
Discovery Automation Group. In an effort to accelerate development
and keep pace with the company's cutting edge research, the group
decided to evaluate CAD systems in 2000.
The Solution
BMS migrated to the SolidWorks mechanical design system because
it was the easiest to use, was the most intuitive, and represented
the best value. By deploying SolidWorks software, and upgrading to
the SolidWorks Professional suite, the group reduced its design
cycles by 75 percent, developed higher quality equipment, improved
design documentation and data management, and enhanced its
interaction with BMS scientists.
The Results
- Reduced design cycles by 75 percent
- Boosted equipment quality
- Improved documentation and management of design data
- Enhanced interaction with BMS scientists
