Software simulation keeps
best-in-class manufacturers
ahead of the pack

What make a manufacturer best-in-class?

What keeps it there? A benchmark study available from the Aberdeen Group (aberdeen.com) provides insight into best practices of the manufacturers that use CAD simulation software tools.

Simulation-Driven Design Benchmark Report: Getting It Right the First Time demonstrates that software simulation and virtual prototyping help manufacturers respond to market demands quicker. According to the study:
• All best in class manufacturers use simulation in the design phase compared to only 75% of laggards.
• Best in class manufacturers are 63% more likely to provide CAD-embedded simulation to their engineers.
• Best in class manufacturers are 48% more likely to provide technologies to transfer models from CAD to independent pre-processors for their analysis.
• Best in class performers are 42% more likely than all others to provide specific examples to users for training.

Recommendations for action from the study include:
• Perform more simulation of product performance in the design phase.
• Provide CAD-embedded simulation capabilities to engineers.
• Use training materials and specific examples to get new users up to speed.
• Employ technologies that transfer geometry from CAD to independent preprocessors for analysts.
• Track requirements and regulatory product compliance prior to design release.

While some of the findings may appear self-evident to design engineers, the business value case made by the study should please accountants. For example:
• Best in class manufacturers average 1.6 fewer prototypes than all others.
• Best in class manufacturers of the most complex products get to market 158 days earlier with US$1,900,000 lower product development costs.
• Best in class manufacturers of the simplest products get to market 21 days earlier with $21,000 fewer product development costs.

Mike Edwards, Editor, DPN Magazine medwards@clbmedia.ca
Past e-LETTERs: click Archives

USEFUL SITES

3D CAD competition. CoCreate Software wants users of its software to submit design projects created in its 3D product development environment (cocreate.com/innovation).

Plastic bearings. Igus Inc. has published a white paper detailing polymer bearing applications and technical specifications for the automotive industry (igus.com/automotivepaper.pdf).

Switches. NKK Switches has announced 3D CAD file downloads for its SmartSwitch line of switches (nkksmartswitch.com).

Enclosures. The redesigned, searchable Rittal Systems Ltd. (rittal.ca) website provides downloadable literature, white papers, technical documents, assembly instructions and CAD drawings.

Seals. Daemar (daemar.com) provides links to information on fluid sealing and components, including: O-rings, rotorclips, retaining rings, Caplugs, keystock, ceramic linear motion bearings, bushings, Clipper oil seals, mechanical seals and shims.  
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                 DPN EXCLUSIVES

Programmable analog sensors. The R-Series analog sensor from MTS with Temposonics technology includes programmable dual channel outputs for simultaneous position and velocity, or dual magnet position.

Color plugs, caps. Tyco Electronics has added colored plugs, caps and headers to its Universal MATE-N-LOK connector line. The molded units are available in UL 94V-0 or UL 94V-2 material.

Articulating piston compressors. TA-E series compressors from Thomas Pumps provide up to 150 psi of pressure. Maximum flow is rated at 3.35 CFM. The E series compressor section is an oil-less design with dual cast iron cylinders, stainless steel valves and PTFE piston rings and skirts.

Touch-sensitive switches. ITW has announced ActiveTouch brand touch-sensitive switch technology. The technology is available in "modular" switches, keypads and keyboards, or it can be integrated into custom bezels or panels.

       

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DPN gratefully acknowledges HP Canada for the use of its new HP Compaq nw9440 Mobile Workstation to run the latest Mechanical CAD & Industrial Design applications and peripherals.

UPCOMING EVENTS

February 4-7, 2007. New Orleans. SolidWorks World 2007 International User Conference and Exposition for mechanical design engineers (solidworks.com/registersww07).

February 13-15, 2007. Anaheim, CA. Pacific Design & Manufacturing Show with product pavilions on CAD/CAM/RP, contract manufacturing and enterprise technology (devicelink.com/expo/pac07).

April 16-19, 2007. Detroit. SAE 2007 World Congress (sae.org/congress), with the event theme: Engineering for Global Sustainable Mobility ? It's Up to Us.

May 14-17, 2007. Montreal. ASME Turbo Expo 2007, the global conference addressing new developments in gas turbine technology (asmeconferences.org/TE07).

CLICK HERE FOR MORE EVENTS
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Coming Soon:

 January/February
  2007 DPN
  Digital Edition

• More 3D PDF content for DPN online
• SolidWorks CEO on CAD's Future
• Toyota's Lexus LS460 reviewed
• Mechanical CAD tools revealed
• Ford quality maintained with sensors