Case Studies and Videos

The Challenge

HIGHVOLT Prüftechnik Dresden GmbH, a world leader in the design, manufacture, and implementation of high-voltage testing systems, faced the challenge of effectively competing in a highly specialized market. A major obstacle was the company’s 2D AutoCAD design software. It had proven itself inefficient for the handling of the large assemblies that are common to HIGHVOLT systems and a standard requirement of the company’s new arc-suppression coils product line. Recognizing the value of a 3D CAD environment for improving productivity, reducing design costs, and developing new products, HIGHVOLT conducted a rigorous, multistep evaluation of 3D CAD packages.

The Solution

After its review of several 3D CAD packages, including SolidWorks, Pro/ENGINEER, Mechanical Desktop, and Solid Edge software, the company decided to standardize on SolidWorks CAD software because of its fast ROI, large-assembly capabilities, and production-level engineering drawing support. By deploying SolidWorks, HIGHVOLT realized a 40% reduction in the design cycle for traditional products. The company uses PhotoWorks rendering software so clients can review detailed design concepts prior to manufacture. Using SolidWorks eDrawings, an innovation that allows easy sharing of CAD drawings via email, the staff can also present complex drawings in a manner that is simple to understand and interpret.