Case Studies and Videos
Fraunhofer TEG
Automatic Ultrasonic Wheel-Set Testing Station
The Results
- Cut development time by half
- Reduced product development costs more than 40%
- Improved product quality by 99%
- Decreased frequency of design failures
"With SolidWorks, we designed and built a product with more than 84 subassemblies and over 5,000 parts in fewer than six weeks."
- Jon Hoyle, Prototype Design Manager
The Challenge
Fraunhofer TEG, a process engineering design group located in Stuttgart, Germany, was recently asked to design and manufacture sensor devices for an automatic ultrasonic railroad wheel-set testing station (AURA). We wanted a 3D CAD program for parametric modeling, so there would be a full associativity between parts, assemblies, and drawings. We also needed software that was easy to use because we were constantly adding new members to our team -- usually students and freelance engineers.
The Solution
We were using AutoCAD and Unigraphics, but switched to SolidWorks sotware for the powerful integration of features like drag-and-drop, the ability to open multiple windows, and the convenience of right-click accessibility to modeling functions. We use PhotoWorks software to render photorealistic images. This way, we can more easily explain and describe design details to fellow team members and customers. Using SolidWorks, we have cut development time by half and significantly reduced the frequency of design failures.
- Industry: Product Design & Engineering Services
