Rock-Ola makes jukebox designs groove with SolidWorks
CONCORD, Mass., Dec. 17, 2007
— Bright lights. Sleek design. Precision craftsmanship. Sweet tone.
And the promise of listening to a song you haven’t heard in years. These are
the hallmarks of the classic Rock-Ola jukebox, whose presence in restaurants,
dance halls, bars, and private homes has been a welcome sight and sound
for more than 70 years.
Rock-Ola Manufacturing Corp. aims to
continue building on its product’s legend by creating even more innovative jukeboxes
using SolidWorks® 3D CAD software. The Torrance , California company replaced
2D paper drafting with 3D modeling to push the limits of cool, hip, and classic
jukebox designs. Rock-Ola standardized on SolidWorks to reduce design and prototyping
cycles and streamline communication with suppliers.
“Working in SolidWorks as opposed to
paper is like the difference between competing in the Indy 500 in 1930 and doing
it today,” said Rock-Ola Vice President of Engineering Ross Blomgren. “Not only
does it speed design completion, it gives us the time to create multiple renderings
of important design features so we can discuss the trade-offs between design
innovation and manufacturing ease.”
Rock-Ola CEO Glenn Streeter knows that
a jukebox’s appearance plays a crucial role in a would-be customer’s decision
to insert money and choose a song. He is a stickler about jukebox and wall-mounted
unit presentation, according to Blomgren. SolidWorks software’s surfacing capabilities
enable designers to replicate Streeter’s vision for attractive sound systems.
The software also helps designers solve the challenges that sometimes arise
when artistic vision constrains internal component design and fit.
Design communication with Rock-Ola’s
suppliers is easy because SolidWorks can import component design files from
suppliers regardless of the CAD format. This flexibility minimizes miscommunication
that can lead to errors while accelerating component design. It also ensures
manufacturers capture the geometry to make a good-looking, good-sounding machine.
“It doesn’t really matter what type of
music you listen to, Rock-Ola jukeboxes have a special place in Americana ,”
said SolidWorks Vice President of Worldwide Marketing Rainer Gawlick. “Their
cool appearance and sound depend on constant refinement of an already successful
design. Continued innovation will further cement Rock-Ola as a market leader
and cultural icon.”
Rock-Ola relies on authorized SolidWorks
reseller Hawk Ridge Systems for ongoing software training, implementation, and
support.
Rock-Ola Manufacturing Corporation was
founded in 1927 by coin-op pioneering legend David C. Rockola. The company has
been redefining coin-operated sound with innovative jukeboxes and wall-mounted
units since 1935. For more information about the company, or the legendary Rock-Ola
jukebox, visit the Web site (www.rock-ola.com).
About Hawk Ridge Systems
Hawk Ridge Systems is one of the largest
SolidWorks VARs in the world. Founded in 1995 in the San Francisco Bay Area,
HRS has 11 offices located throughout California , Nevada , Oregon , Washington
, and British Columbia , Canada . Hawk Ridge has 30 Certified SolidWorks Engineers
on staff and maintains a 2:1 ratio of engineers to salespeople – more than double
the industry norm. This heavy investment in customer support, plus an array
of industry-leading products, including SolidWorks®, COSMOSWorks®, and PDMWorks®
software, has attracted thousands of West Coast customers in industries ranging
from fiber optic networking products, semiconductor equipment, medical devices,
consumer products, automotive, and aerospace. For more information, visit the
Web site (www.hawkridgesys.com).
About SolidWorks
Corporation SolidWorks Corporation, a Dassault Systèmes S.A. (Nasdaq:
DASTY, Euronext Paris: #13065, DSY.PA) company, develops and markets software
for design, analysis,
and product data management.
It is the leading supplier of 3D CAD technology, giving teams
intuitive, high-performing software that helps them design better products. For
the latest news, information, or a live online demonstration, visit the company's
Web site (www.solidworks.com) or call 1-800-693-9000 (outside
of North America, call +1-978-371-5000).