Tractair accelerates brake system development with SolidWorks
3D CAD software lets U.K. firm compete with engineering departments 50 times its size to develop air brake systems for John Deere, Massey Ferguson, and Case
CONCORD, Mass., Aug. 27, 2007 - Tractair, Ltd. is using SolidWorks® 3D CAD software to design the air and hydraulic brakes that farmers, construction workers, and others driving heavy duty tractors and off-road vehicles rely on to stop quickly and safely. Tractair's brake systems enable customers to safely operate larger equipment carrying heavier loads at faster speeds than ever before.
Based in Brough, U.K., Tractair has spearheaded development of air brake systems which, unlike traditional hydraulic systems, deliver finely controlled, powerful stopping capabilities for both the tractor and the trailer for the bigger loads customers pull today. The company standardized on SolidWorks software to speed up the design and development process.
"We're working with engineering departments 50 times our size," said Tractair Managing Director David Constantine. "SolidWorks levels the playing field because its table-driven format gives us repeatable designs that we can quickly modify to meet specific customer needs and design better products. That's huge when you're designing brake systems to fit on tractors for John Deere, New Holland, and Massey Ferguson."
SolidWorks allows Tractair to send customized brake system models to customers in the CAD format of their choice. That flexibility, coupled with time-saving features such as physical simulation, streamlined large assembly design, and automated bill of materials creation and updating help Constantine and his team reduce overall development cycles, costs, and time to delivery. This productivity has played a key role in the company's 75 percent growth in the past five years.
"Stopping a 40-ton load traveling 50 kilometers per hour is not a simple task," said SolidWorks Marketing Manager, Europe Simon Booker. "Tractair has an impressive list of globally recognized customers precisely because it has developed an efficient braking system capable of such demands; even as customers continue to push the limits of weight, velocity, and size."
Tractair relies on authorized SolidWorks reseller CADConnect for ongoing software training, implementation, and support.
About Tractair, Ltd.
Tractair Ltd. designs, manufactures and installs air and hydraulic brake systems for special applications.
The company is design led, and works closely with the design engineers of major international tractor manufacturers and other OEMs to ensure that the braking systems are fully integrated. The company has been closely involved in the development of air brakes for agricultural and other off-road vehicles since 1985 and continues to adapt available technologies to meet the demands of increasing loads and speeds handled by agricultural and construction vehicles both on and off the highway. For more information, visit the Web site (www.tractair.co.uk).
About CADConnect
CADConnect is a supplier of 3D design and engineering solutions based in the North of England. It provides manufacturing and design companies with 3D design automation solutions based on SolidWorks software. By providing a knowledgeable pre- and post-sales and support team, it enables customers to successfully implement SolidWorks, enhancing their ability to compete, collaborate, shorten product development cycle times, and grow their business. For more information, visit the Web site (www.CADConnect.co.uk).
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 +1-978-371-5000).
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) and Dassault Systèmes’ ADRs may be traded on the US Over-The-Counter (OTC) market (DASTY). For more information, visit http://www.3ds.com/.
CATIA, DELMIA, ENOVIA, SIMULIA, SolidWorks, and 3D VIA are registered trademarks of Dassault Systèmes or its subsidiaries in the US and/or other countries. Other brand and product names are trademarks of their respective owners. Copyright © 2009 Dassault Systèmes SolidWorks Corp.
