3D CAD helps hydraulics manufacturer move designs rapidly and at lower costs |
A maker of hydraulic systems, Pascal Systemtechnik had been using a major CAD system for all design activities. Engineers at the company needed a better solution to shorten design time and get more output. The old system required Pascal Systemtechnik’s engineers to manually check for errors that occurred in the design process, which meant multiple design revisions to overcome those errors. Engineers also faced difficulty with 3D modelling and assembly verification. The company was looking for a 3D CAD solution that would streamline its product development process from initial design to product delivery. In assessing available solutions, engineers were convinced that a 3D CAD product would help reduce design time and model revisions as well as overcome production errors. This would allow them to better control overall product development costs.
The company began looking for a system that would enable its engineers to build more precise and accessible 3D models, decrease operating costs and reduce time-to-market. After evaluating several systems from leading PLM companies, Pascal Systemtechnik selected Solid Edge software from Siemens PLM Software.
After seeing a demonstration of Solid Edge, Pascal Systemtechnik’s engineers immediately recognised it as a better design system than a 2D CAD package because of its flexible functionality, including the ability to generate 2D draft options, produce manufacturing production drawings and readily generate a bill of materials (BOM). The engineers were especially impressed with the synchronous technology capabilities of Solid Edge. “We felt that the cost reduction in design could be achieved using Solid Edge, plus the ability to provide on-time product delivery to our clients, would enable us to enhance our reputation and get new customers,” said SS Manjunatha, director, product design, Pascal Systemtechnik.
“Other factors impacting selection included the depth and breadth of technology offered by Siemens PLM software and the support we saw from their distributor/partner to understand and address our issues. With such complete 2D/3D functionality, we knew that Solid Edge would deliver unique capabilities to meet our needs.”
Since implementing Solid Edge as its standard 3D CAD design tool, a larger number of designs are released quickly and without major effort. As a result, the cost per design has been reduced dramatically. Pascal Systemtechnik is also tracking productivity gains because using Solid Edge means that a full BOM, including a complete list of fittings and hardware list, is generated from the solid models that the company’s engineers create. As a result, models are more accurate and can be easily verified whenever required. The company is also saving time because Solid Edge enables its engineers to quickly alter existing products to make similar new products with different dimensions. Generating 2D drawings is now significantly faster as well.
Quality improvements include the ability to produce an exact model of the product before going to manufacturing. With markedly improved visualisation, errors in the product have been minimised. From a competitive standpoint, Pascal Systemtechnik’s engineers are now able to prepare a model in less time and, as a result, drawings are submitted to customers in a smart, accurate manner. Moreover, customers understand the designs rendered in 3D very easily, unlike 2D drawings, which can be difficult to interpret even by professionals. Ultimately, this improved alliance is resulting in greater collaboration and better product decision-making.
“Solid Edge is helping the company open new doors,” averred Manjunatha. “We are now confident of completing our design work on time and with greater innovation and quality built-in.” He noted, “Even if our business grows by two or three times its current size, we are confident that with Solid Edge, we can get the job done according to the highest standards and on time.”