CAD helps produce racing car parts

Edited by the Engineeringtalk editorial team Aug 30, 2007

Hoffman uses the CosmosXpress analysis tool embedded in SolidWorks to run thermal and stress analysis on brake parts for safety and durability.

A small New Hampshire company making aftermarket parts for racing cars is using SolidWorks 3D CAD software to perform like a larger company.

"It allows me to play with the big boys and source manufacturing partners anywhere on the planet", said Hardbar USA founder Gary Hoffman.

"I don't need a staff of 20 people, and I can't afford millions of dollars in machine tools".

"But now I can design a great product, push a button, and send SolidWorks 3D CAD files to my partners, whether they're across town or in California".

Hardbar USA takes its name from its signature light, strong, and durable harness bars that anchor full-body racing harnesses popular on the Sports Car Club of America racing circuit.

SolidWorks software has helped the company develop high-performance brake parts, composite wings, racing seat mounts and camcorder fixtures.

As a former aerospace engineer, Hoffman has worked with virtually all the CAD offerings on the market.

He switched to SolidWorks last year because it was the one most of the machine shops in his industry were using.

"It was amazing", he said.

"I realised you could teach yourself".

Hoffman says SolidWorks software helps him design better products by getting plans right the first time.

In fact, saving one or two mistakes on a US $5000 wing mould more than pays for the software.

He has refined his accuracy by importing GM's Corvette automotive designs into SolidWorks as STEP files and designing all new parts to the proper dimensions.

He uses SolidWorks renderings to gauge and generate demand for a product before manufacturing it to avoid investing in products that won't sell.

"The biggest challenge for my business is throughput, and getting it right the first time saves time and money", Hoffman said.

Having a design for one car in SolidWorks makes it easy to adapt the design with minimal effort to other vehicles.

With one click, for example, Hoffman can modify his five-hole Corvette alignment tool for a six-hole Dodge Viper wheel.

He uses the CosmosXpress analysis tool embedded in SolidWorks to run thermal and stress analysis on brake parts for safety and durability.

The heat maps help customers understand and appreciate the value of his designs.

His latest SolidWorks-designed product is a universal camcorder mount that, with a twist of an allen wrench, lets drivers capture the drama on the track or the data coming from their instrument panels.

"This story illustrates the value of participating in the worldwide community of SolidWorks users", Rainer Gawlick, Vice President of Worldwide Marketing for SolidWorks.

"For Gary and many like him, being an entrepreneur requires not only superior products, but finding new and better ways of doing business".

"The critical mass of SolidWorks users in the racing community, together with the capabilities of SolidWorks, help businesses like Hardbar USA thrive".

Hardbar USA uses authorised SolidWorks reseller CADD Edge for ongoing software training, implementation, and support.