Device Technologies
SUCCESS METRICS
- Shortened design cycles
- Lowered development costs
- Improved performance through integrated SolidWorks Simulation
- Communicated design concepts with marketing and medical personnel more efficiently and effectively
The Challenge
Device Technologies designs and develops medical devices and instruments used in cardiology, biopsy, endovascular intervention, radiology, orthopedics, and other medical specialties. Since its inception in 2001 the company has used SolidWorks 3D mechanical design software because of its price, performance, and ability to visualize and test products and how they perform before committing to expensive prototypes. SolidWorks allows this small company to leverage its greatest resource, its creativity and outside-the-box thinking, to develop products at a fraction of the cost required by larger companies.
The Solution
Medical devices need to be safe, effective, and ergonomic. SolidWorks allows Device Technologies to create products that meet these standards while lowering the cost of development. Using SolidWorks, the company can visualize the product and simulate and test its operations in 3D. For example, in developing a stent, the company was able to validate the performance of its design for many millions of heart beats using the SolidWorks Simulation finite element analysis software embedded in SolidWorks. Using the SolidWorks surfacing capabilities Device Technologies can create smooth, organic surfaces, and with SolidWorks interfaces it can easily and accurately transfer files electronically to manufacturers so that CNC equipment can create a tool path and cut the exact profile as designed regardless of how complex it is. Device Technologies also uses SolidWorks eDrawings files to share designs with non-engineering personnel such as marketing people and physicians, who can appreciate what the device will look like when they see it but cannot necessarily interpret engineering drawings, which helps get better products to market faster.
