Case Studies and Videos
ATW Advanced Assembly Automation
Engineers at ATW’s AAA division use SolidWorks software to automate the development of assemblies of 1,000 to 5,000 components, resulting in less rework and increased throughput.
The Results
- Cut design costs by 10 percent
- Increased throughput by 10 percent
- Reduced steel usage by 10 to 15 percent via integrated assembly analysis
- Improved design visualization and communications
"We got to use many of the great tools SolidWorks provides for achieving standardized procedures and process automation."
- Bill Budde, President
VAR: Solid Insight
- Download Success Story (PDF, 1257 KB)
The Challenge
ATW’s Advanced Assembly Automation (AAA) division manufactures component assembly and testing systems for the automotive industry. The company transitioned from AutoCAD 2D software to the Autodesk Inventor 3D CAD system in 2001. After using Inventor software for more than three years, management decided to rebenchmark its large-assembly CAD solution by running the SolidWorks 3D CAD system in parallel with Inventor software on an actual project.
The Solution
AAA engineers decided to standardize on SolidWorks Premium 3D CAD software because of its ease of use, intuitive interface, and robust large-assembly capabilities. The company also valued the integrated SolidWorks Simulation software and highly visual design communication tools. By deploying SolidWorks software, AAA cut design costs by 10 percent, increased throughput by 10 percent, optimized material usage through integrated assembly analysis, and improved its design visualization and communication capabilities.
- Industry: Automotive & Transportation
- Previous CAD: AutoCAD,Pro/ENGINEER,Inventor
- Products(s) Used: SolidWorks Simulation, SolidWorks Simulation Professional, SolidWorks Workgroup PDM, SolidWorks Standard, SolidWorks Professional, SolidWorks Office, SolidWorks Premium
