Online service gives lift to elevator controls
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SolidWorks Corporation product story
Edited by the Engineeringtalk editorial team
Mar 16, 2006
Online catalogue lets companies custom-configure optical encoders, inclinometers and other motion control devices that fit into their specific product designs in minutes rather than days.
Motion control product provider US Digital is using SolidWorks' 3D Partstream Net service to create an interactive online catalogue that company officials expect will increase sales by 30%.
US Digital customers will be able to custom-configure optical encoders, inclinometers and other motion control devices that fit into their specific product designs in minutes rather than days.
The firm's products ensure elevators stop at the correct floors, assembly plant machines accurately pick out parts in an assembly line and overhead cameras at American Football matches closely follow the action for the perfect view.
The company had relied on word of mouth, its web site and a home-grown engineering web portal for matching engineers with the parts they need.
Customer demand prompted US Digital to begin representing its parts in 3D, including models created in SolidWorks software, to streamline configuration and purchasing processes.
After evaluating several options, the company found 3D Partstream Net had the best user interface, the easiest management and operation, and the flexibility to handle all file formats.
"So far, customers love 3D Partstream Net", said Michael Grant, Mechanical Engineer at US Digital.
"We can give them all the information - including 3D models or 2D drawings, accurate pricing, part numbers, and the necessary packaging - they need online".
"That empowerment gives customers more confidence that we're working to make their lives easier, which translates to completed sales".
To meet customer demand quickly, US Digital worked with SolidWorks to begin offering downloadable 3D parts models in less than three weeks.
The 3D Partstream Net service lets users search for the right part based on various specifications, configure it to fit their exact needs, and download a model of the part into their product designs to check form and fit.
This self-configuration saves US Digital engineers from spending days building custom 3D models of parts and troubleshooting design errors over the phone and via email.
According to Grant, the new 3D models in the online catalogue enable engineers to spot design errors more quickly so they can fix them before customers notice.
US Digital has also used SolidWorks CAD software to design all its products since 1996.
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