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Accelerating automotive assembly and test system design with SolidWorks Premium
Technology Category
- Analytics & Modeling - Predictive Analytics
- Application Infrastructure & Middleware - Data Visualization
- Functional Applications - Product Lifecycle Management Systems (PLM)
Applicable Industries
- Automotive
Applicable Functions
- Product Research & Development
- Quality Assurance
Services
- Software Design & Engineering Services
- Training
The Challenge
AAA engineers routinely work with large assemblies of between 1,000 and 5,000 components. In 2004, the company decided to reevaluate its design platform, focusing on large-assembly design capabilities. They had previously used Autodesk Inventor but wanted to assess other options like SolidWorks, Solid Edge, and Pro/ENGINEER. The goal was to find a more intuitive and easier-to-use software that could also support assembly analysis. The company ran a benchmark project using both SolidWorks and Inventor to validate their assumptions.
About The Customer
Assembly & Test Worldwide (ATW) operates five separate divisions, including its Advanced Assembly Automation (AAA) division, which specializes in developing component assembly and testing systems for the automotive industry. AAA engineers first moved to a 3D development platform in 2001 when the company transitioned from AutoCAD® 2D software to the Autodesk Inventor® 3D CAD system. After using Inventor software for more than three years, management decided to reevaluate the company’s design platform in 2004, with a particular focus on assessing large-assembly design capabilities.
The Solution
AAA decided to transition to SolidWorks software after a successful benchmark project. The company initially implemented 20 seats of SolidWorks Professional and later added more seats, including SolidWorks Premium. The transition included basic and advanced modeling as well as SolidWorks Simulation training. The move to SolidWorks provided an impetus for process improvement, standardization, and automation. AAA engineers completed all new projects using SolidWorks software, which helped in reducing design costs and rework, thereby boosting throughput. The integrated assembly analysis capabilities of SolidWorks Simulation allowed AAA to optimize designs and reduce material usage.
Operational Impact
Quantitative Benefit
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