Case Studies and Videos
Matla Coal Ltd.
20-Ton Underground Shuttlecar
The Results
- Cut project modeling time by 60 percent
- Reduced data-pack generation time by 60 percent
- Reduced analysis time by 300 percent
- Increased productivity by 100 percent
"The astonishing value that SolidWorks CAD software offers with its awesome sheet-metal, machining, molding, casting, and other functions convinced me to adopt this system for our current and future needs."
- Ruurd van der Wal du Preez, Superintendent Design Engineering
VAR: MECAD Systems
The Challenge
Matla Coal Ltd. is one of South Africa’s largest underground coal mines, annually producing 15-to-20-million tons of coal. Because of the severe operating conditions underground, the company needed to totally redesign and optimize its machinery and equipment to ensure reliability, availability, easy maintenance, and cost-effectiveness.
The Solution
After an extensive evaluation of CAD systems, including AutoCAD, Pro/ENGINEER, and several other design packages, Matla chose SolidWorks CAD software for its powerful sheet-metal capabilities, seamless interface with other industry-standard programs, and unparalleled customer support. Since switching to SolidWorks about a year ago, productivity at Matla has increased 100 percent, especially in the sheet-metal area. Overall, project modeling and data-pack generation times have been cut by approximately 60 percent. Due to the ease of using SolidWorks CAD software in conjunction with FEA software, analysis time has been reduced by about 300 percent.
- Industry: Heavy Equipment
- Previous CAD: Pro/ENGINEER
- Products(s) Used: SolidWorks Standard
