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As a
participant in the high-technology industry, we rely heavily on rapidly
evolving computers, machine tools, and CAD/CAM packages to perform our
assignments efficiently. What we have always hoped for is an evolutionary
improvement that would streamline the entire development process.
For
us, the Holy Grail of product development would be to work with a single
database from start to finish.
If
designers, engineers, and machinists were on the "same
page", projects would move faster and much more smoothly. A number of
years ago, we finally achieved that goal when relatively user-friendly
CAD/CAM packages and compatible PC-based machining center controllers
finally became available.
Today, we build
entire projects around the SolidWorks®
database, all the way from initial concepts to CNC machined models,
injection molds and the first-articles. Our design, engineering, and
machining departments use comparable information so change orders can be
clearly communicated at any stage in the process. Service bureaus can use
that same database to build stereolithography parts. The original computer
files can also be used to produce photo-realistic renderings, animations,
assembly illustrations, patent drawings, and instruction manuals.
Often,
the only paper output we produce are the engineering drawings at the end
of the project.
They are part
of the hand-off to manufacturing, containing the control (receiving)
documents, notes, and a few key dimensions and tolerances to determine if
the parts are within specification. |
