CAD data handling time slashed at Detroit Diesel

Edited by the Engineeringtalk editorial team Aug 30, 2001

Prior to implementing CADporter, Detroit Diesel was relying on standard file formats such as STEP and IGES to share CAD data; now software such as the Unigraphics-CATIA translator saves a lot of time

When you have a leading product, why change? Such is the philosophy of many established companies today.

But a process of constant improvements is the driving force behind Detroit Diesel, one of the world's top heavy-duty engine manufacturers.

Detroit Diesel Corporation (Detroit, MI) designs, manufactures, sells and services diesel and other engines and parts to the truck, coach and bus, automobile, construction, mining, marine, industrial, power generation and military markets.

Speeding up development and therefore time to market are vital for Detroit Diesel to retain its leading market position.

A key product in the company's lineup is the Series 60, a 6-cylinder engine that is the top-selling heavy-duty diesel engine in North America.

Initially designed in 1987, the Series 60 was the first heavy-duty diesel engine with fully integrated electronic controls.

But almost 15 years later, far from seeing end-of-life for the product, designers are continually updating this power performer to meet the ever-increasing emission, fuel economy and performance demands of the marketplace.

As each new design is developed, one of the biggest challenges is securing the ability to share data with its suppliers and customers.

No one knows this better than Sharon Keith, senior engineering analyst and leader of the CAD interoperability efforts at Detroit Diesel.

Sharon is currently working on the Year 2002 proposal of the Series 60 engine for its customer Freightliner.

The engine's configurations range from 330 to 550 horsepower.

CAD data files range in size from 2 MB up to 30 MB for a component of the engine.

Prior to implementing CADporter, Detroit Diesel was relying on standard file formats such as STEP and IGES to share CAD data with suppliers and provide customers with CAD data of engines.

The results were unsatisfactory - designers were faced with the cumbersome task of reworking files, adding days and weeks to each project.

"We have a customer that would only accept CATIA files," said Sharon.

"In the past I would translate from Unigraphics to STEP to CATIA, then ask a CATIA designer to review the file and create a volume if needed.

This process could be very time consuming if the STEP translation resulted in surface and face data.

The designer would have to find the problem areas and recreate the surfaces to get a volume." In order to save time and money in the Series 60 design process, Sharon began looking for a way to radically simplify the process of translation and eliminate the problems of missing geometry and surface data in place of solids or volumes.

After witnessing CADporter in action, Sharon decided to benchmark Elysium's Unigraphics-CATIA translator by testing it on some complex parts.

The results amazed her.

"For an average of 30-some files, what used to take three weeks now takes a day or two with this product." "The time and money saved is short of a miracle," said Sharon.

"Out of all the software I have tested, this product is the best I have used.

My customers are very satisfied with the CAD data I can provide.

I love using this product.".