Case Studies and Videos

The Challenge

Bourgault Industries Ltd. is an agricultural equipment manufacturer located in the heart of the grain belt of western Canada. We had been evaluating several options to replace our current 2D drafting package. We were looking for software that would reduce design time, be easy to use, require fewer prototype iterations, and be affordable to buy and maintain. Furthermore, we wanted to be sensitive to the concerns of our engineering staff, who had demonstrated some reluctance in moving to the 3D world and making the shift to dynamic modeling designs.

The Solution

At the end of our evaluations, which included AutoCAD, Mechanical Desktop, Pro/ENGINEER, and MicroStation, we decided on SolidWorks as our chief engineering tool. The decision was based on the ease-of-use of the package and the relatively short learning curve to gain proficiency. Once our engineers completed training and began their first design project with the package, they quickly became converts to 3D modeling. We also felt that SolidWorks was progressive and dynamic as a company, fundamentally dedicated to the end user, and easy to deal with overall. We saw SolidWorks as the best investment we could make for an engineering package. Within a year of purchase SolidWorks became our main design package. We have since reduced prototype iterations using virtual prototypes that allow us to check for interferences. We have also reduced design time, as well as time spent on product documentation, since illustrations and BOMs are exported to create manuals and parts books. Finally, we now use the web to download and evaluate product enhancements, so we are able to test and implement improvements more efficiently.