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General Atomics uses SolidProfessor to shorten learning curve and as refresher course

General Atomics was conceived in 1955 at San Diego, California for the purpose of harnessing the power of nuclear technologies for the benefit of mankind.

General Atomics basic research into fission and fusion has matured into competence in many technologies, making GA and its affiliated companies one of the world's leading resources for high-technology systems development ranging from the nuclear fuel cycle to remotely operated surveillance aircraft, airborne sensors, and advanced electric, electronic, wireless and laser technologies.

Recently, SolidWorks Express spoke with Steve Visser, CAD/Designer Supervisor at General Atomics, about his team's use of SolidWorks® software and multimedia training from SolidProfessor.

Rrepresentation of the DIII-D tokamak fusion energy research device which is run by the Energy division of General Atomics for the Dept. of Energy. The facility is the largest of it's kind in the United States, so the project is considered the National Fusion Facility.	The core of the device is a torus shaped vessel with a D-shaped cross section. This chamber is normally under high vacuum and contains the "plasma", the actual fusion reaction.

What challenges led you to consider SolidProfessor training?

" About three years ago, the Energy Group of General Atomics adopted the use of SolidWorks as it's primary CAD program. At the time, SolidWorks users in our area were in short supply so we sent many potential new users to the Essentials training with our local SolidWorks distributor, Digital Dimensions, Inc. Although the training was quite good, we found some users still spinning their wheels with some SolidWorks operations after taking the course."

What's the benefit of using SolidProfessor in conjunction with VAR-based SolidWorks training?

"Over the last year Digital Dimensions has sent a copy of SolidProfessor as a training aid before the class started to get new users familier with SolidWorks. This allows the new user to 'hit the ground running' when they start the intensive four day class."

What are the benefits of using SolidProfessor?

"Since this training aid has been in use, the users are becomming more confident not only when first starting the course but being able to use SolidProfessor long after the course has concluded to refresh themselves on certain operations. In our R & D environment, we do have users who start off with SolidWorks but because they are "multitasking", may not be able to get back to SolidWorks use for several days or weeks. This is a big advantage in using SolidProfessor in that they can refresh themselves on usage of certain modeling operations."

Which SolidProfessor modules are you using?

Photograph of the DIII-D device surrounded by various diagnostics and auxiliary heating systems.

"In addition to the Core Concepts module of SolidProfessor, we recently received the networked version of SolidProfessor 2005 Update Training module. Although we haven't moved forward to SolidWorks 2005, we anticipate that when we do, the Update Training will be a big plus for our existing users."

How do you expect using SolidProfessor will impact your company in the future?

"Although it's always nice to send users to advanced training classes of SolidWorks, the truth is that our division cannot afford to send every user to every training class. We hope to see more modules of SolidProfessor on topics relating to advanced modeling, detailing, PDMWorks®, assembly design, etc. so that we can increase our users SolidWorks knowledge.

Additional information
General Atomics along with the Energy division operates a student education program. They also operate a Fusion Educational website explaining the concept of fusion and outlining possibilities for future use. In addition, they support local schools, colleges, and universities throughout the San Diego area in the science of fusion and related technologies. General Atomics physicists and engineers travel to classrooms to present demonstrations, and also provide tours for thousands of students each year touring their National Fusion Facility.

Contact information

Steve Visser, CAD/Designer Supervisor

General Atomics

San Diego, CA
steve.visser@gat.com

P: 858 455 2454
F: 858 455-4515

Interviews with other companies using SolidProfessor multimedia training:
     Viasat, Inc.    

     WaterFX