3D software cuts design time

Starlinger implemented CoCreate's Model Manager software for universal data management in the autumn of 2005.

CoCreate Software's Model Manager software has been used in the development of the new Starlinger ad*starKON 60 manufacturing plant, providing resource savings.

Starlinger, a supplier of machinery and plants for woven plastic bag production, continually develops and perfects concepts in bulk packaging.

Starlinger implemented Model Manager for universal data management in the autumn of 2005.

One year later, the company can now present a further packaging innovation in the form of the ad*starKON 60 manufacturing plant.

The system, which was developed from scratch in OneSpace modelling and Model Manager, achieves a 50% increase in the throughput of bags produced.

Nonproductive periods have been reduced to a minimum, allowing the machine to be used almost 24/7.

In addition, the products can also be used for bulk materials that have to be transported in hermetically sealed bags.

"Without the almost simultaneous implementation of Model Manager, it would have been impossible to build the new plant in the scheduled time".

"We would have needed at least two more workers to monitor and compare the various components", reports Norbert Neumuller, Manufacturing Design Engineer at Starlinger.

"Once we had defined the naming conventions, finalised the usage concepts for Model Manager and finished testing, things happened very quickly".

Up to 10 developers were working on the ad*starKON 60 at the same time.

One part of the team worked out the 3D models for the plant's components, while the others were responsible for creating production-based drawings.

In total, around 12,000 different components were constructed between the autumn of 2005 and June 2006.

"Previously, we often finalised components on the basis of outdated information, which meant a lot of reworking", explains Neumuller.

"With ad*starKON 60 we were able to eliminate those sorts of errors".

"This is certainly one reason why the project was so successful".

Model Manager has now become established as Starlinger's core system for data management, allowing the company to further optimise its cross-departmental processes.

The recycling rate has risen and the number of unprofitable versions has decreased, both of which have resulted in increased productivity in development.

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