GTME’s core specialism is motorcycle engineering design. Its services include chassis design, layout and packaging, low volume and prototype build services, and advice on homologation and type approvals. By improving product performance and reducing material costs, assembly time and other overheads, the company enables its clients to raise profitability and competitiveness.
CAD software experience
Prior to setting-up GTME, Greg Taylor gained first hand experience using a number of well known CAD software systems while working for businesses such as Triumph Motorcycles, Lotus Motorsport, Austin-Rover, Dynamic Suspensions and Indian Motorcycle.
When it came to setting-up his own business, however, Greg says there was only ever going to be one CAD system choice: “I found SolidWorks so much easier to use than other software – it’s more intuitive, and even people with no experience can learn it really quickly. It’s better value for money, too.”
Ease of setup
Ease of setup is one aspect of SolidWorks that has impressed GTME. They found it very straightforward to install the software on a PC and start using it immediately, in contrast to other CAD software that requires a high degree of configuration before it is ready for use.
With SolidWorks, setting-up design templates for projects is quick and easy. GTME access and use their templates regularly to minimise the time absorbed on initial project setup. This helps them to maximise productivity on the job at hand.
Interfacing with other CAD systems
As GTME provides consultancy services to client companies, it needs to be able to import and work with files generated using a variety of CAD software including Pro Engineer and CATIA. The flexibility of SolidWorks keeps GTME competitive, minimises overheads by alleviating the need to equip the business with additional software, and boosts client relationships.
SolidWorks is highly adaptable, with facilities such as a Pro Engineer file reader. GTME have found this incredibly useful for viewing and working on client files using IGES and STEP formats. Greg Taylor comments, “We have worked on projects where, if we hadn’t had the handy file reader, we would have had to ask our clients to translate all their files to a different format. SolidWorks simplifies project workflow and enhances our reputation in the eyes of our clients.”
Component assemblies
The engineering projects GTME works on often involve complex vehicles comprising a large number of components. SolidWorks enables them to look at component assemblies, view specific sections, and check clearances and interfaces.
For GTME, another valuable feature of SolidWorks is the way it enables them to assign material properties to components. They use this to calculate mass, assess forces, and locate centre of gravity – vital considerations on vehicles such as advanced motorcycle designs and floating craft.
Visualising ideas
The ability to visualise and communicate ideas is an important driver of GTME’s business. “SolidWorks is very good for creating models quickly, and helping our clients get to grips with how products will actually look and feel. The free SolidWorks eDrawings viewer download is really helpful too, making it simple to share 3D models with clients,” says Greg Taylor.
Working together
GTME are full of praise for the service they receive from their SolidWorks partner, NT CADCAM, who they selected ahead of a more local supplier. Greg Taylor concludes, “We work well together from a business point of view – they help with networking and contacts, and have even supplied potential business leads. NT CADCAM didn’t just sell us the software – they’ve supported and are interested in our business - that’s what I really like about them.”
About NT CADCAM
Founded in 1996, NT CADCAM is the longest serving supplier of SolidWorks in the UK, and was the first to introduce the software into the country. The length of this partnership enables the company to offer unrivalled levels of expertise in every aspect of SolidWorks - including the industry’s largest portfolio of product add-ons and training.
As the UK's leading SolidWorks Certified Training Centre, NT CADCAM provides fully certified and accredited trainers who are also experienced engineers. It has state-of-the-art training centres in Oxford, Manchester, Bristol, Leeds, Birmingham and Alloa (Scotland). The leading innovator in the CADCAM industry, NT CADCAM has over 5,000 commercial licenses installed at over 2,000 customer sites. |
