Product category:
3D CAD software
News Release from: SolidWorks Corporation
Edited by the Engineeringtalk Editorial
Team on 03 April 2007
Rwanda launches CAD company
Rwanda's technology ministries are teaming with two major science and technology schools and SolidWorks Corporation to launch a company that will convert 2D data into 3D models.
Capitalising on the growing pool of skilled engineers in Rwanda, the country's technology ministries are teaming with two major science and technology schools and SolidWorks Corporation to launch a company that will convert 2D data into 3D models efficiently and affordably Gasabo 3D Design will provide fast, accurate file conversion as a service, enabling SolidWorks customers to leverage their existing 2D design data without having to do it in-house
Rwanda has experienced a re-birth, fueled in part by an ambitious science and technology capacity building programme launched by President Paul Kagame who has said, "The application of science and technology is fundamental, and indeed indispensable, to the social and economic transformation of our countries".
"It is about applying science and technology holistically - in all levels of education and training, in commercialising ideas, in developing business and quickening the pace of wealth-creation and employment-generation, in enabling government to provide better services, and indeed, in providing basic tools to society at large for self- and collective betterment".
Science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) curricula are playing a critical role as schools across the country are graduating more engineers, in line with its vision of building a knowledge-driven economy.
Gasabo 3D Design is a joint venture between the Rwanda Information Technology Authority (RITA) on behalf of Rwanda's technology ministries, the Ecole Technique Officielle (ETO) Gitarama high school, and the Kigali Institute of Science and Technology (KIST).
SolidWorks is providing software and business expertise to launch and grow a startup company.
More importantly, the company will also provide the hands-on 3D CAD software training to teach STEM principles and ignite engineering enthusiasm.
Gasabo 3D Design expects to begin converting 2D drawings into 3D models by Q3 2007.
Converting 2D files to 3D solid models can be expensive and tedious for large manufacturers with tens of thousands of product drawings.
Paper Converting Machine Company manufactures machines that produce a variety of paper products, including tissue, newsprint and embossed paper.
The company has 10,000 machines deployed worldwide, and allocates 50% of its budget on service and retrofit projects.
"Our machines last a long time".
"Some of them have been deployed for 87 years", said Thad Perkins, director of CAD systems at PCMC.
"Many of our designs reside in 2D drawings, but converting them to 3D models is expensive and time consuming".
"By outsourcing the conversion, we save about two-thirds of the cost of doing it in-house".
"From a resource standpoint, it's like adding 10 people to my staff, which enables us to be more responsive to our customers' needs and provides us with the opportunity to accelerate investments in new technology".
"We're able to develop equipment we might not have been able to develop, and sell equipment we might not have been able to sell".
"Gasabo 3D Design will help companies like us secure a competitive position in the global marketplace".
SolidWorks' involvement in the project is the latest in a series of efforts aimed at helping rebuild Rwanda's infrastructure.
The company has donated software and staff time to train teachers on how to use SolidWorks to promote STEM education with the goal of increasing the country's engineering population".
"This partnership is really a testament to Rwanda's resilience in the face of devastating circumstances", said SolidWorks CEO John McEleney.
"Gasabo 3D Design will provide large manufacturers a cost-effective and fast way to convert vital 2D files into accurate 3D models they'll be able to modify, machine, and build upon to meet customer needs".
"That efficiency will help companies stay agile, so they can design better products and excel in a global economy".
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