Product category:
3D CAD software
News Release from: SolidWorks Corporation | Subject: 3D CAD and Cosmos design analysis
Edited by the Engineeringtalk Editorial
Team on 04 October 2006
Designer praises timesaving parametric
power
UK design consultancy Tobermory uses SolidWorks 3D CAD and Cosmos design analysis software to design everything from precision medical devices to machines that make ICs.
Tobermory is using SolidWorks 3D CAD and Cosmos design analysis software to design everything from precision medical devices to machines that make silicon computer chips The UK consultancy designs more innovative custom products faster with SolidWorks and Cosmos than with its previous 2D and 3D software
Since 1997, Tobermory has worked with companies of all sizes in a variety of industries including aerospace, electronics packaging, semiconductor, medical, building and construction, public sector, and nuclear.
Some of its projects include outdoor Internet access kiosks and complex wing de-icing systems for Boeing aircraft.
Aside from providing innovative product designs and the manufacturing services to complete clients' products, Tobermory also analyses clients' product designs to determine if they'll stand up to different stresses or behave as expected during use.
The company standardised on SolidWorks and Cosmos software to streamline product development, minimise errors, and enhance creativity.
"We had been using AutoCAD and Pro/Engineer software, but found our abilities were somewhat shackled by the software's limitations", said Derek Jones, Engineering Director at Tobermory.
"AutoCAD can't handle some of the complex products we design, and you have to drive Pro/E pretty hard to get any benefit out of it because it's so difficult to use".
"SolidWorks delivers the timesaving parametric power we need in an intuitive platform".
"Now we're able to spend more time discovering new design approaches and deliver products faster".
One of Tobermory's specialties is designing large machines used in silicon chip manufacturing.
The machine passes gas over silicone wafers at temperatures in excess of 1000C, depositing the elements that make up the different chip layers.
Tobermory modelled the machine in SolidWorks three times faster than it took in Pro/Engineer.
It used CosmosWorks design analysis software to check the structural integrity of the machine design and CosmosFloWorks fluid flow simulation tool to ensure the proper gas flow throughout the chip-making process.
"Having SolidWorks and CosmosFloWorks integrated is invaluable to us", said Jones.
"Otherwise, we'd have to learn and run two programs".
Because of the customisation involved in most of its clients' projects, Tobermory frequently shares designs with clients using SolidWorks eDrawings e-mail-enabled design communication tool.
Recipients can view, edit, rotate, and manipulate 3D models as if they were holding them in their hands.
Tobermory also uses PhotoWorks photorealistic rendering tool to create lifelike images of its clients' products for marketing and sales endeavours.
"SolidWorks and Cosmos provide design consultancies like Tobermory the freedom to be innovative, the ease of use to be fast, and the integration to ensure designs are accurate and durable", said Simon Booker, SolidWorks Marketing Manager for Europe.
"These benefits separate them from the rest of the market, helping them to be more successful".
Tobermory relies on authorised SolidWorks reseller Cadtek Systems for ongoing software training, implementation, and support.
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