Cost effective and flexible software has allowed Minima to work on projects as diverse as BT Internet access telephones, beverage vending machines, specialist lap-top computers, industrial pumps and even hydrogen fuel cells; testing the software to the limits. |
Minima's Design Manager Matt Horsup explains how Minima first struck up the partnership with NT CADCAM: "Knowing Minima needed a system that could compete on cost, speed of execution, flexibility and ease of use, in 1997, I introduced the company to SolidWorks. Then, it soon became apparent that many clients actually requested the use of the software when working on their projects." Working on more and more prestigious projects, Minima's reputation for supplying outstanding product design & development consultancy grew fast, leading to rapid expansion and relocation to a purpose built, technology driven premises.
One of Minima's most challenging SolidWorks projects involved the design of an ultrasonic blind cane, called UltraCane for Sound Foresight. Minima was tasked with the design and development of the product, with Cambridge Consultants providing
the electronics design. The cane has gained major recognition for Sound Foresight after winning numerous industry awards including the Tomorrow's World Innovation Award. "The product moves away from the usual rules of product design, where the ergonomics and tactility considerably out weigh the products aesthetics," explained Horsup. "Resulting in a very organic form being designed, meaning we were pushing SolidWorks to the limits on its surfacing manipulation. However the system stood up to the challenge well and the results speak for themselves." |
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