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Innovating scientific instruments with SolidWorks software
Technology Category
- Functional Applications - Product Lifecycle Management Systems (PLM)
- Functional Applications - Computerized Maintenance Management Systems (CMMS)
- Analytics & Modeling - Predictive Analytics
Applicable Industries
- Life Sciences
Applicable Functions
- Product Research & Development
- Quality Assurance
Services
- Software Design & Engineering Services
- System Integration
The Challenge
As a leading supplier of scientific instruments and vacuum technologies for life-science and industrial applications, Varian, Inc., faced the challenge of having no standard CAD platform across its product development and manufacturing facilities worldwide. This lack of standardization led to inefficiencies, increased costs, and difficulties in collaboration. Following a corporate reorganization in 2000, the new CEO set a goal to bring all Varian product design groups onto the same CAD platform to streamline processes, increase productivity, and foster collaboration. The task of standardizing on a single CAD system was assigned to Layne Howard, who was then the manager of Varian MRI Systems Mechanical Engineering and Design Group. The team evaluated several CAD systems, including AutoCAD, Mechanical Desktop, Autodesk Inventor, CADKEY, Pro/ENGINEER, and SolidWorks software. Despite initial resistance and concerns from the team, the evaluation process revealed that SolidWorks software was significantly ahead in terms of capabilities compared to other options.
About The Customer
Varian, Inc. is a leading supplier of scientific instruments and vacuum technologies for life-science and industrial applications. The company operates several product development and manufacturing facilities worldwide. Varian's product portfolio includes a wide range of advanced scientific instruments used in various industries, including life sciences, industrial applications, and research. The company is known for its innovative solutions and commitment to quality, which has made it a trusted name in the scientific community. Varian's products are used by researchers, scientists, and engineers to conduct critical experiments, develop new technologies, and improve existing processes. The company's dedication to innovation and excellence has driven its growth and success in the competitive field of scientific instrumentation.
The Solution
Varian chose to standardize on SolidWorks Professional, installing 110 seats companywide due to its ease of use, value, data compatibility, integration with SolidWorks product data management (PDM) software, and advanced surfacing and sheet-metal design capabilities. The decision was based on a thorough evaluation process that included software demonstrations tailored to Varian’s product design needs. The team found that SolidWorks software was significantly more capable than other options, including Autodesk Inventor. The implementation of SolidWorks Professional allowed Varian to streamline its design processes, increase productivity, and foster better collaboration across its global enterprise. The integration of SolidWorks PDM and design analysis tools further enhanced Varian's capabilities, allowing the company to manage design files more efficiently and perform advanced design-performance analysis and simulation. The transition to SolidWorks Professional also improved Varian's surfacing and sheet-metal design capabilities, which are critical to its product design needs. The company added a super floating license of integrated SolidWorks Flow Simulation computational fluid dynamics (CFD) and SolidWorks Simulation analysis software, providing additional design-performance analysis and simulation capabilities.
Operational Impact
Quantitative Benefit
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