SolidWorks Success at Linkx Systems

SolidWorks has been a key factor in the growth achieved by Suffolk based Linkx Systems. Linkx design and manufacture end-of-line packaging and shrink wrapping machinery. In less than three years the business has expanded from its two founders, to a team of 30 based in a purpose-designed manufacturing plant.

Shrinking design timescales and errors
At launch, the Linkx design team was using AutoCAD 2D software. However, once it analysed productivity and error occurrences, the case for adopting SolidWorks was clear.

SolidWorks’ impact at Linkx was immediate, says MD David Hayward, “We were able to get designs done far more efficiently than before.” In fact, Linkx have already reduced the production time for bespoke machines from 20 to 12 weeks, significantly improving their speed to market.

The benefits of SolidWorks permeate right through the business, says David Hayward, “It’s helped us to build knowledge across the company. On the shop floor, SolidWorks enables our people to see componentry and understand exactly how our products work.”

Quality improvements and 20% scrappage reduction
SolidWorks enables Linkx to scrutinise designs from every perspective, enhancing product quality and creating tangible competitive advantage. Being able to view components and interfaces has enabled errors and costs to be substantially cut. “It has reduced the number of parts being scrapped by something like 20%,” says David Hayward.

Enhanced sales effectiveness and stronger business relationships
The benefits of SolidWorks even extend to sales activities and customer relationships. In sales scenarios for instance, the Linkx team can use the software to present proposals in a more graphic and engaging way, giving them the edge at the sales proposal stage.

The ability to share 3D models can also strengthen business relationships. “SolidWorks engenders effective collaboration with our bigger clients, making the introduction of machinery into their manufacturing plants far smoother,” reports David Hayward.

Attentive service
As a business, Lynx are very pleased with their investment in SolidWorks. Lynx Design Engineer Glyn Ridgway confirms, “NT CADCAM offer everything we’ve needed, and we’ve got on well. Lynx have had some personnel issues that have impacted our training needs, and NT CADCAM have been especially flexible in helping us.”