Product category:
Publishing and documentation software for Engineering
News Release from: SolidWorks Corporation | Subject: 3D PartStream.NET
Edited by the Engineeringtalk Editorial
Team on 01 June 2004
Paperless catalogue is net gain for
encoder users
Renco Encoders has slashed costs and cut weeks out of its customers' product development cycles by using 3D PartStream.NET to create an interactive paperless catalogue for its rotary optical encoders.
Renco Encoders has slashed costs and cut weeks out of its customers' product development cycles by using SolidWorks' 3D PartStream.NET service to create an interactive paperless catalogue for its rotary optical encoders 3D PartStream.NET allows Renco to offer solid models of encoders that its customers can download into their product designs and check for fit and function
These encoders are motion sensors that provide speed and position feedback in a variety of applications such as high-end printers, machine lathes, conveyer belts, and elevators.
Customers use Renco encoders whenever they must regulate mechanical position or movement.
For example, Renco encoders will tell elevators when to open doors after stopping at the right floor, or ensure a conveyor belt moves at the appropriate speed so an automated assembly line correctly fills potato chip bags.
Some of its customers include Rockwell Automation, Aspen Motion Technologies, Storage Technology Corp, and Beckman Medical.
Renco chose 3D PartStream.NET to simplify how it collaborates with customers on product configuration, CAD drawing requests, and quotes for its encoders.
Dan Baxter, Renco's Vice President and General Manager, estimates that the 3D PartStream.NET service cuts customer product searches from days to minutes, speeding time to market.
Previously, Renco would convert a customer's initial request into 3D designs saved on a CD that Renco would have to send by mail or overnight delivery.
If the customer had any problems viewing or understanding the design, the process would repeat itself.
Edits required additional design work and CD shipping.
This back-and-forth and constant design tweaking often meant customers wouldn't receive encoder products for four to six weeks.
Additional problems arose when customers couldn't accept Renco's design file format.
Purchasing a licence of every type of computer-aided design software was financially prohibitive.
"Swapping CDs with customers and wrestling with file translation issues may seem like necessary evils for small companies", said Baxter.
"But they're ultimately expensive and force staff to focus on customer quotes rather than new product designs".
"3D PartStream.NET offers customers self-service product configurations so they can find the right encoder with a couple of mouse clicks, regardless of the customers' design file format".
3D PartStream.NET also saves Renco thousands of dollars every month because engineers don't have to spend time burning CDs and shipping them to customers.
The company has also stopped printing paper catalogues.
"3D PartStream.NET has paid for itself in the first couple of months we've had it running", said Baxter.
"We've now gone to a paperless sales environment where we've reduced customer help calls and focused on innovation".
Renco is also listed on SolidWorks 3D ContentCentral, an online directory of suppliers offering downloadable 3D part models.
Companies looking for encoders can find Renco on 3D ContentCentral and search for the right product to suit their design needs.
"The 3D PartStream.NET service gives Renco a significant competitive advantage in a market where paper catalogues dominate the parts-buying landscape", said Bob Noftle, General Manager of 3D Content Solutions at SolidWorks Corp.
"Mouse-click product configuration means prospective customers are more likely to download, test and ultimately purchase Renco's products".
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