Nic Copley, Technical Director at the KV Limited
manufacturing site in Milton Keynes, says, "NT
CADCAM has been our engineering software partner
since 1998 when we initially investigated upgrading
our 2D modelling system. Potential software suppliers
were given a practical example to solve "off the
cuff" and NT CADCAM excelled with a demonstration
of their SolidWorks 3D modelling package, which
we have found not only to be a straightforward
and flexible system but a fantastic selection
tool."
Crucially, KV design team require SolidWorks
in order to view complicated pneumatic manifold
blocks three-dimensionally on the screen: checking
potential clash problems, which they simply could
not do with 2D systems. "Elimination of port clashes
is vital for product quality and reliability,"
explains Copley, "and the 3D modelling has made
this process far more accurate and many times
quicker". |
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To highlight how KV Limited total design and
prototyping processes have been improved by working
with NT CADCAM, Copley continues, "Now we can
send 3D images using e-drawings, enabling visual
communication with tool-makers and customers which
means we can find rapid solutions to design questions.
Combine this with rapid prototyping processes
such as stereolithography and selective laser
sintering the result is that new products are
brought to market quicker, more economically and
with value added." In fact, KV Limited design
team is now contracted by other companies requiring
their skills and design tool capabilities.
When KV Limited recently wished to upgrade their
product design process to link to their ERP system
they naturally sent a detailed specification of
their requirements to NT CADCAM. Copley says,
"After quizzing at length, the PDM Works by NT
CADCAM has proved to be the solution for our engineered
documentation control."
PDM Works provides secure storage for drawings
and strict control of issue numbers, while capturing
all links between drawings, bills of materials,
assemblies and structures, so that every stage
of manufacture is simultaneously updated. Other
advantages planned include linking design and
manufacturing scheduling, delivery times and invoicing.
Automation of these activities provides further
cost savings and elimination of human errors.
Copley predicts, "Overall customer service will
be improved further, as PDM Works multilevel structures
means that spares can be easily and accurately
back-tracked to correct issue and year of manufacture".
KV Limited utilise SolidWorks 2005, SolidWorks SimulationXpress
and PDMWorks. Copley comments, "We have fifteen
seats, using mainly the standard packages which
are extremely easy to use and, as importantly,
very low cost to maintain. When required, NT CADCAM
services are helpful and quick and if customisation
of a system is necessary, we know we can trust
NT CADCAM to demonstrate its engineering and software
expertise."
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