Radio Flyer uses SolidWorks software to reintroduce classics
Venerable company refreshes time-honored icons and develops new ones using 3D CAD software
CONCORD, Mass. , Aug. 13, 2007 - Radio Flyer, the 90-year-old company famous for every kid's red wagon, is using SolidWorks® software to continually design better versions of timeless products and to launch new products that improve on the status quo.
For example, the Chicago company used SolidWorks 3D CAD software and COSMOSWorks® Designer analysis software to quickly and cost-effectively design, analyze, and refine numerous iterations to produce its recently re-launched Inchworm: a childhood classic with a new, safer bounce-and-go mechanism.
The company also used SolidWorks and COSMOSWorks on My First Scooter, the most stable juvenile scooter on the market. The new foldable toy has two wide-set front wheels for stability and a tapered platform that, unlike other scooters, ensures the child's foot clears the back wheel with each kick. COSMOSWorks Designer helped the company determine the optimum design of the blow-molded platform for strength and rider comfort.
"We couldn't imagine doing our work without SolidWorks, which lets us quickly develop, prototype, and optimize sophisticated designs, like the shape of the handlebars or the action of the bounce-and-go, then rapidly complete them," said Tom Schlegel, Radio Flyer's vice president of product development. "If our founder Antonio Pasin, who hand-built wagons in his cabinet shop, could see us churning out exciting new toys using high-tech tools like SolidWorks software, I know he'd be very proud."
Radio Flyer uses SolidWorks software's powerful surfacing capabilities to cost-effectively design shapely parts; a tricycle saddle, for example, that in the past would be painstakingly hand-carved and patterned prior to molding. Manufacturing partners in China use SolidWorks software for seamless collaboration with Schlegel's team in Chicago. Radio Flyer is using PDMWorks® data management software to control file versions as the company adds designers and engineers to its growing team. Schlegel credits SolidWorks' ease of use and his reseller's proven training techniques for quickly making new employees productive on SolidWorks.
"Even a firmly established company like Radio Flyer with timeless product lines needs to constantly reinvent," said Rainer Gawlick, vice president of worldwide marketing for Solidworks. "That means listening to the market, testing ideas, and continuously designing better products."
Radio Flyer works with authorized SolidWorks' reseller CATI for ongoing software training, implementation, and support.
About Radio Flyer
Radio Flyer has been an American Classic for 90 years, creating a legacy of toys that continue to spark the imagination. Based in Chicago, Radio Flyer is the #1 wagon maker and the #1 trike maker in the industry. Since the creation of the Original Red Wagon that lent the company its name, the brand has expanded to create trikes, bikes, wagons, ride-ons, specialty items and a mini line for imaginative play. As the new millennium gains momentum, Radio Flyer is still in the driver's seat, creating tomorrow's innovative products with the same classic quality and sheer sense of play that have been their trademarks from the beginning. For more information, visit www.radioflyer.com.
About CATI
Computer Aided Technology, Inc. (CATI), headquartered in Buffalo Grove , IL , provides the Midwest with seven full-service facilities, supporting Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Michigan, and Wisconsin. CATI creates competitive advantage for manufacturing clients by leveraging an industry-experienced team and leading technology solutions. CATI is the Nation's original resource for SolidWorks with the Midwest's leading support and services team. For 15 years CATI has been dedicated to providing comprehensive solutions to engineering, manufacturing, and educational sectors and offers a full suite of SolidWorks Solution Partner technologies including CAD, CAE, CAID, CAM , ECAD, and PDM solutions. For the latest news from CATI, visit the company's website at www.cati.com or contact a representative at 888-308-2284.
About Dassault Systèmes SolidWorks Corp.
Dassault Systèmes SolidWorks Corp., a Dassault Systèmes S.A. subsidiary, is a world leader in 3D solutions that help millions of engineers and designers succeed through innovation. Our products deliver an intuitive experience in product design, simulation, publishing, data management, and environmental impact assessment. For the latest news, information, or an online demonstration, visit our Web site (www.solidworks.com) or call 1-800-693-9000 (outside of North America, call +1-781-810-5011).
About Dassault Systèmes
As a world leader in 3D and Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) solutions, Dassault Systèmes brings value to more than 100,000 customers in 80 countries. A pioneer in the 3D software market since 1981, Dassault Systèmes develops and markets PLM application software and services that support industrial processes and provide a 3D vision of the entire lifecycle of products from conception to maintenance to recycling. The Dassault Systèmes portfolio consists of CATIA for designing the virtual product – SolidWorks for 3D mechanical design – DELMIA for virtual production – SIMULIA for virtual testing – ENOVIA for global collaborative lifecycle management, and 3DVIA for online 3D lifelike experiences. Dassault Systèmes’ shares are listed on Euronext Paris (#13065, DSY.PA). For more information, visit http://www.3ds.com/.
SolidWorks is a registered trademark of Dassault Systèmes SolidWorks Corporation in the US and other countries. 3D VIA is a registered trademark and 3DVIA Composer is a trademark of Dassault Systèmes in the US and other countries. Other brand and product names are trademarks of their respective owners. © 2010 Dassault Systèmes SolidWorks Corp.
