Friday August 30, 2019 at 4:44pm
Product developers increasingly
face design, workflow, and data requirements that extend beyond the
capabilities of traditional, single-point 3D modeling and 2D drawing software solutions.
Meeting these emerging automation and data-sharing demands means professional
design engineers need to use an integrated 3D design tool.
The complete 3D CAD design tool, SOLIDWORKS, allows all stakeholders to work collaboratively with one another, and this is one of the main reasons designers migrate from other 3D CAD platforms to SOLIDWORKS.
 | | Swapping 3D CAD software
can be a daunting task. It involves many different departments within a
company, affecting current systems and processes. Domino Printing Sciences (Domino), manufacturer of industrial
printers and coding service provider, recently switched their CAD system to SOLIDWORKS. Founded in 1978, Domino has established a global reputation for the development and
manufacture of coding, marking and printing technologies, as well as its worldwide
aftermarket products and customer service. Domino’s Digital Printing Solutions
division serves the commercial printing sector providing digital inkjet printers and control systems, which deliver
solutions for a complete range of labelling and variable data printing
applications. |
Mark Gearing, Mechanical Engineering Manager, has been with Domino for 6 years and explains what they went through after deciding to swap 3D CAD software.
What are your key design
challenges?
Mark: At Domino, we develop products for use in industrial environments, which are often required to meet strict international standards, for example IP66, or FCC Class B. With the development of any product, the design team needs to cover a number of disciplines, including industrial design, design for assembly, manufacture, and servicing, while also adhering to quality standards and ensuring the reliable products. Responding quickly and maintaining quality is imperative, so having the right tools is key.
Why did you decide to swap
from Creo to SOLIDWORKS?
Mark: The main driver for changing the system came from the design team complaining about our previous CAD software – Pro-E/ Creo – this prompted a review of our system requirements and what the market had to offer. It might sound like a simple task, but changing CAD system is never easy, requiring careful consideration of the business justifications; impact to current systems and processes; installation and training etc. We are currently in the process of doing this and the transfer has been broken down into phases. With various product development taking place in different countries it can’t be done overnight without disruption, so timing is key.
What was the impact or benefits
of that decision?
Mark: The goal for Domino is to use a tool that supports our designers and engineers with delivering products to market. While our previous CAD software was dated and limited, in the switch over to SOLIDWORKS our team has experienced the benefits of a more intuitive, less clunky, system. Once fully implemented, I’m sure we will see an improvement in the efficiency of our product development. The cost benefits with SOLIDWORKS vs Creo are also great!
Tell us about your
experience of our Solid Solutions training and services.
Mark: My experience from when we first began discussions has been very good. The training services offered by Solid Solutions so far have been supportive and responsive. Solid Solutions invited us to attend a demo day to assess the software prior to purchase, which was very informative and relaxed – I didn’t feel pressured into making a decision. The support we received following discussions, and the material provided for business case building were excellent. The Solid Solutions team were patient and understanding when awaiting budget approval and the trial licensing for FloEFD & XPLM connector. I know my team have also had great support when any issues have occurred.
For more information
about Domino please visit www.domino-printing.com