thinking about buying SW, am in wood crating biz. good idea? 5

[Erin70]

I would like some ideas about whether or not SW is the right application for my (our) work; Wooden custom crating, all sizes. I have a personal edition copy to practice with and need some tips, advice.

 

[JMirisola]

I think it's a good idea. Then again, if you go to the Pro/E forum, or the UG forum, or the AutoCAD forum, they'd probably say the same thing. SolidWorks will, definitely, get the job done.

Jeff Mirisola, CSWP

http://designsmarter.typepad.com/jeffs_blog

Dell M90, Core2 Duo
4GB RAM
Nvidia 3500M

 

[Eltron]

With a crating business I would think that the aspect of the program that you'd use the most would deal with weldments. I have set up a decent library of dimensional lumber weldments, and it seems to speed up design. Plus you end up with a full cut list in the end.

It's really up to you to determine weather any CAD package is a good investment, though.

Dan

http://www.eltronresearch.com

 

[MadMango]

Questions that should be asked:
What are you currently using to design your crates with?
What short comings are you experiencing with this system?
What gains do you hope to achieve by switching to 3D parametric solid modeling software?

"Art without engineering is dreaming; Engineering without art is calculating."

Have you read faq731-376 to make the best use of Eng-Tips Forums?

 

[Erin70]

We use AutoCAD, no real shortcomings with it, everyone's fast, consensus is moving into 3D would provide us with more options as we design, and the FEA option may be an asset.

 

[MadMango]

Eltron points out a good feature. I have also found that the Weldments feature in SW was great for making custom pallets at my last job.

Be aware there are additional costs associated with switching CAD systems. Computer systems will probably have to be upgraded, training classes, loss of productivity for a few weeks while every learns the new system. These are generic concerns no matter what software you choose. In the end I think the benefits will out weigh all of these concerns. SW is definitely up to the task.

"Art without engineering is dreaming; Engineering without art is calculating."

Have you read faq731-376 to make the best use of Eng-Tips Forums?

 

[Theophilus]

Weldments would probably go a long way. You could also build a "skeleton sketch" in your assembly that would drive all the lengths of the segments needed for the crates. Change the sketch (a cube, basically), and all the lengths will automatically update. It's perhaps a bit more complex than that, but after understanding the basics of driving features with sketches in the context of an assembly--and getting plank spacing figured out--modifications will be fast and accurate.



Jeff Mowry

http://www.industrialdesignhaus.com

Reason trumps all. And awe transcends reason.

 

[TheTick]

Most likely reasons for lack of success in 3D transition:
Training
Implementation
Document Control

Get your people trained.
Get your people using the system and putting their training to use. You may need to hire someone who already has experience.
Get some sort of document control (ideally a PDM system) so your data is not lost or corrupted.

p.s. Don't overuse/misuse configurations.

 

[JMirisola]

Very true, Tick. Excellent points.

Jeff Mirisola, CSWP

http://designsmarter.typepad.com/jeffs_blog

Dell M90, Core2 Duo
4GB RAM
Nvidia 3500M

 

[CorBlimeyLimey]

The probability of successful implementation of any[/] new software increases dramatically if its proposed users in accord with the need for it and want to learn how to use it.

Have a good demo created to show them how much easier their jobs will be. Also introduce them to this forum to show them how much fun they can have.

 

[JMirisola]

It's only fun as long as CBL remains on his meds...watch out if he misses a dose though!

Jeff Mirisola, CSWP

http://designsmarter.typepad.com/jeffs_blog

Dell M90, Core2 Duo
4GB RAM
Nvidia 3500M

 

[CorBlimeyLimey]

Actually, I'm thinking of changing meds to help me "grow a set" ... any recommendations?

 

[Ripper2009]

Blimey...
the stuff Im taking is pretty good....help ya grow a set and a half!!

Thanks,

Rip


SolidWorks 2007
SP 4.0

 

[CorBlimeyLimey]

... a set and a half???

Wouldn't that make you walk funny?

 

[Theophilus]

Uhhh. ..?



Jeff Mowry

http://www.industrialdesignhaus.com

Reason trumps all. And awe transcends reason.

 

[JMirisola]

I knew a guy in college who had a set and a quarter...nasty run in with a hockey puck...

Jeff Mirisola, CSWP

http://designsmarter.typepad.com/jeffs_blog

Dell M90, Core2 Duo
4GB RAM
Nvidia 3500M