Case Studies and Videos
ROC Wheels, Inc.
The Results
- Cut design costs by 90 percent
- Saved time and money by reducing the number of prototyped parts
- Reduced turnaround time and eliminated errors in parts from suppliers
- Sped transfer from design to production in the US and Vietnam
SolidWorks CAD software helped propel ROC ahead of other non-profits, striving to lead the movement for production in developing countries and mobilizing thousands of children worldwide.
- Andrew Babcock, Executive Director
VAR: Salient Technologies, Inc.
The Challenge
ROC Wheels, Inc. (Reach Out and Care Wheels) is a non-profit organization that manufactures, delivers and maintains fully adjustable tilt-in-space wheelchairs to children in developing countries for 1/10 the cost of wheelchairs in the U.S. while still maintaining U.S. standards of functionality. In order to increase the number of children who receive ROC Wheels chairs, the goal is to develop production centers within these countries to reduce turnaround time, create jobs and continue to keep costs at a minimum. It was essential that the designers could pinpoint any problems in parts, make the necessary changes quickly and that the updates could be communicated to other manufacturers around the world.
The Solution
SolidWorks CAD software allowed for rapid product development, testing of potential failure points, and a common language for open and clear communication around the world. Salient Technologies, Inc., a SolidWorks reseller and design firm, used SolidWorks CAD software to design the ROC chair from the child out. Using SolidWorks CAD software allowed the manufacturing facilities to source the new parts and materials more quickly allowing every shipment to include the latest design, mobilizing wheelchair recipients at a faster rate with a better product.
- Industry: Medical
- Products(s) Used: SolidWorks Premium
