|
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 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 integrityof themachine 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'.
|