Rod Mackay – TriMech https://trimech.com Your complete engineering resource, we specialize in delivering and supporting SOLIDWORKS, 3DEXPERIENCE, 3D Printing, FEA tools and more. Tue, 09 Jan 2024 15:26:02 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://trimech.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/cropped-trimech-icon-32x32.webp Rod Mackay – TriMech https://trimech.com 32 32 How to Increase Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE) https://trimech.com/how-to-increase-overall-equipment-effectiveness-oee/ Fri, 22 Dec 2023 10:22:14 +0000 https://trimech.com/?p=67026 Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE) is gaining popularity as the best resource to view data at the machine, assembly line and plant level so manufacturers can check for opportunities to create higher quality products at a lower cost.

This is especially important with short lead times. While this data is very valuable, it can also be a challenge to navigate it while continuing production.

Included in the Overall Equipment Effectiveness paper

In this white paper, we guide you through how to make the most of OEE data with important checkpoints:

  • Where to Start
  • Roadmap to Increasing OEE Performance
  • Lessons Learned from Improving OEE Performance

Once you finish reading this white paper, you will have a strong outline of the steps needed to implement OEE with confidence and how DELMIAWorks software can help you.

Fill out the form to download the white paper instantly! 

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A Practical Approach to IIoT (Industrial Internet of Things) https://trimech.com/a-practical-approach-to-iiot-industrial-internet-of-things/ Fri, 22 Dec 2023 10:13:18 +0000 https://trimech.com/?p=67021 Manufacturers face a multitude of variables when it comes to data management and the path to implementing IIoT can be confusing.

There are many discussions about how IIoT (Industrial Internet of Things) can benefit your business and they cover all the main features, but how are you supposed to implement it? What technologies would work best with your production process? Often times, these discussions are so vague they leave you to do your own research and offer little when it comes to an actual plan of action. It is important to know what is available and how it will improve your efficiency with smart shop floor devices and generating high-level analytics.

Learn more about IIoT

This white paper will walk you through the steps that three manufactures used to determine what the needed to implement Industrial Internet of Things successfully with DELMIAWorks. Here are some of the steps they used:

  • Determine a specific problem and a have fix in mind
  • Look past the hype
  • Pilot one process or cell at first
  • Keep the initial scope simple
  • Create an investment and roll-out plan

Once you finish reading this white paper, you will have a strong outline of the steps needed for implementation with confidence.

Fill out the form to download the whitepaper instantly! 

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Bridge the Gap from Engineering to Manufacturing with DELMIAWorks https://trimech.com/bridge-the-gap-from-engineering-to-manufacturing-with-delmiaworks/ Fri, 22 Dec 2023 10:03:14 +0000 https://trimech.com/?p=67016 When manufacturing and engineering are separated in your business, there’s a lot to manage. Want to break down the barriers between these two departments? Watch as manufacturing experts Earl Hasz and Dick Longoria explore how DELMIAWorks can help link engineering to manufacturing on one platform.

About DELMIAWorks

DELMIAWorks ERP, MES, and Quality Management Software (QMS) systems are part of the cloud-based 3DEXPERIENCE Works portfolio, they represent a much more affordable solution for manufacturers than traditional desktop or network enterprise systems because of the much smaller required investment in hardware. Plus, the added flexibility and scalability of a cloud-based platform will improve collaboration, manufacturing efficiency, and business agility, allowing manufacturers to rapidly scale up to support growth while simultaneously providing better service to customers.

The Benefits of ERP on the Cloud

ERP systems utilize software and technology to support the management of a manufacturing organization’s primary production and business processes, often providing information that reveals workflows that could be automated or made more efficient. Instead of providing information on business performance after the fact, an ERP system provides an integrated and continuously updated view of core business processes in real time.

By enabling manufacturers to track key business resource information—such as cash, raw materials, production capacity—and the status of business commitments—through orders, purchase orders, and payroll—ERP systems support the sharing of data across various departments (i.e., manufacturing, purchasing, sales, accounting, etc.).

By facilitating the flow of information among business and manufacturing functions—as well as with external stakeholders—an ERP system can reveal processes that are ripe for automation, saving a manufacturing organization substantial amounts of time, reducing production and related costs, and supporting and sustaining growth.

By using a cloud-based ERP system—such as the DELMIAWorks ERP system on the 3DEXPERIENCE Works portfolio—manufacturing organizations can connect key team members to the system from any location, on any device, and at any time of day. In addition to saving time, reducing costs, and supporting growth, using an ERP system like DELMIAWorks can result in a substantial reduction in IT costs. Because the platform is hosted in the cloud, there’s no need to install software, upgrade hardware, or conduct updates and fixes. With the applications residing on the cloud instead of on an individual user’s computer, all updates are conducted automatically and users only need a PC or mobile device to access and use the ERP system.

Learn more about Engineering to Manufacturing

Visit our DELMIAWorks product page to learn more about the benefits of an integrated ERP and MES system to go from Engineering to Manufacturing.

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Bridging the Gap from Engineering to Manufacturing | Exploring 3DEXPERIENCE Works nonadult
Practical Workflow for SOLIDWORKS Topology Optimization https://trimech.com/practical-workflow-for-solidworks-topology-optimization/ Wed, 20 Dec 2023 11:11:47 +0000 https://trimech.com/?p=66878 If you are looking for a better way to accomplish your task of designing a model that meets all goals efficiently, looks aesthetically pleasing, and comes in under budget, SOLIDWORKS topology optimization is for you.

Included in the SOLIDWORKS topology optimization guide

Together, we will look at how SOLIDWORKS fits into that picture including modeling, simulation, topology optimization, parametric design and design for manufacturing.

In this white paper, you’ll learn:

  • What is SOLIDWORKS Simulation Topology Optimization
  • Benefits of Topology Optimization
  • Simulation Best Practices
  • Modeling Best Practices

Fill out the form to download instantly!

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SIMULIA Structural Engineer Snap Fit Analysis https://trimech.com/simulia-structural-engineer-snap-fit-analysis/ Wed, 20 Dec 2023 10:52:53 +0000 https://trimech.com/?p=66874 SIMULIA Structural Engineer (SSE) is available on the Dassault Systèmes 3DEXPERIENCE cloud platform. In this guide, we will show you how to use SSE to extend SOLIDWORKS Simulation capabilities with a snap fit analysis.

Snap fit analysis example

For this guide, we will be running a snap fit analysis. You will learn about:

  • Running a nonlinear analysis in SSE
  • Analyzing a buckle clip assembly
  • Using the 3DEXPERIENCE add-in of SOLIDWORKS
  • Analyzing an assembly in SSE

After reading this guide you will have a clear concept of SSE and how to use it for your simulations. You will be able to create designs within the 3DEXPERIENCE platform.

Fill out the form to download instantly.

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Heat Transfer Analysis with SOLIDWORKS Flow Simulation https://trimech.com/heat-transfer-analysis-with-solidworks-flow-simulation/ Wed, 20 Dec 2023 10:11:50 +0000 https://trimech.com/?p=66868 SOLIDWORKS Flow Simulation Heat Transfer Analysis can improve design productivity and may dramatically reduce the number of physical prototypes needed for testing. Equally important, it encourages engineers to explore many more ‘what-if’ scenarios to perfect their designs.

Topics covered in the Heat Transfer Analysis guide include:

  • Analysis in the 3D CAD environment
  • Solving advanced heat transfer challenges
  • Validation and verification
  • Optimizing cooling features
  • Benefits of concurrent CFD
  • One way Fluid-Structure Interaction with SOLIDWORKS Simulation and Flow Simulation
  • CFD for all Product Engineers

Fill out the form to download instantly. 

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Managing Your SOLIDWORKS PDM Archive Size https://trimech.com/managing-your-solidworks-pdm-archive-size/ Wed, 20 Dec 2023 09:46:27 +0000 https://trimech.com/?p=66864 In this guide, we will show you several methods that will allow you to manage the size of your SOLIDWORKS PDM Archive. You’ll learn about:

  • Compression Method
  • Archive Splitting Method
  • Cold Storage Method and more!

After completing the guide, you will be able to implement these methods and have a more organized and compressed PDM Archive.

Fill out the form to download instantly.

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SOLIDWORKS PDM Client Guide https://trimech.com/solidworks-pdm-client-guide/ Wed, 20 Dec 2023 09:41:49 +0000 https://trimech.com/?p=66859 In this guide, we will show you how to understand the three basic types of SOLIDWORKS PDM Client:

  • Viewer
  • Contributor
  • Editor

After completing the guide, you will be able to assess your vault usage expectations and determine the right blend of PDM client licenses for your team environment.

Complete the form to instantly download the guide.

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TriMech SOLIDWORKS 2024 Hardware Requirements https://trimech.com/solidworks-2024-hardware-recommendations/ Fri, 24 Nov 2023 19:15:11 +0000 https://trimech.com/?p=66008 While navigating through the challenging process of choosing a new CAD system, clients often overlook the importance of having the appropriate hardware to support their new purchase.

To help minimize your frustrations and maximize your capabilities, TriMech has compiled this SOLIDWORKS Recommended Hardware guide to aid you in the process of upgrading or purchasing new hardware.

In this guide you will find SOLIDWORKS 2024 hardware recommendations for:

  • Processor (CPU)
  • System memory (RAM)
  • Graphics card
  • Hard drives
  • Operating system
  • SOLIDWORKS Network License (SNL) Server
  • Add-in considerations (including eDrawings, SOLIDWORKS PDM and SOLIDWORKS Visualize)

Complete the form to download the guide instantly.

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SOLIDWORKS 2024 What’s New https://trimech.com/solidworks-2024-whats-new/ Wed, 11 Oct 2023 07:37:59 +0000 https://trimech.com/?p=64318 Enhance your 3D CAD capabilities by connecting your SOLIDWORKS 2024 Desktop design processes to the 3DEXPERIENCE® platform for access to powerful tools across the entire product development lifecycle, including data management, collaboration, advanced simulation, manufacturing, and production.

SOLIDWORKS 2024 Enhancements Summary List

GENERAL/USER INTERFACE

  • Hardware accelerated silhouette edges
  • Preview sketch dimension when selected
  • Saving SOLIDWORKS Documents as Previous Versions 2023, and 2022
  • Hide and Show
  • Opening SOLIDWORKS Files from Shortcuts
  • Selecting Materials
  • Exporting to Extended Reality
  • 3DEXPERIENCE Platform: Creating a Single Physical Product – Video
  • 3DEXPERIENCE Platform: Defining Rules for Updating Models – Video

PARTS & FEATURES

  • Hole Wizard
  • Making Multibody Parts from Assemblies
  • Body Transparency for Combine Features
  • Cylindrical Bounding Boxes
  • Excluding Parent Surfaces in Untrim Features
  • Flip Side to Cut for Cut Revolves
  • Stud Wizard
  • Symmetrical Linear Patterns

SOLIDWORKS 2024 ROUTING

  • Naming Wires and Cables in the FeatureManager Design Tree – PPT
  • Discrete Wires with Auto Route – PPT

SOLIDWORKS 2024 SHEET METAL

  • Rip Tool
  • Tab and Slot Propagation
  • Stamp Tool
  • Normal Cut in Tab and Slot

SOLIDWORKS 2024 WELDMENTS/STRUCTURE SYSTEM

  • Corner Management
  • Displaying Units in File Properties
  • Structure system improved usability

ASSEMBLIES

  • Defeature Rule Sets & Propagating Visual Properties
  • Repairing Missing References in a Linear or Circular Pattern
  • Mate References
  • Auto-Repair for Missing Mate References
  • Specifying a Prefix and Suffix for Components
  • CircuitWorks: Date Formats for IDX Communication
  • Additional Toolbox Hardware

DRAWINGS

  • Overridden Dimensions
  • Keeping Chain Dimensions Collinear
  • Reattaching Dangling Dimensions
  • Highlighting Referenced Elements
  • Keep Link to Property Dialog Box Open
  • Opening a Drawing in Detailing Mode by Default

SOLIDWORKS INSPECTION

  • Welcome Page (Standalone)

SOLIDWORKS MBD

  • Hole Tables
  • Repairing Dangling Dimensions
  • Adding a Decimal Separator & Display Dual Dimensions in Geometric Tolerance Symbols
  • Controlling Visibility of Annotations through Solid Geometry
  • Creating Thickness Dimensions for Curved Surfaces
  • Displaying Half Angles of Conical Dimensions
  • Exporting Custom Properties to STEP 242

SOLIDWORKS CAM

  • Additional Probe Cycle Parameters
  • Correct Feed/Speed Data for Parts Comprising Assemblies
  • End Conditions for Islands in the 2.5 Axis Feature Wizard
  • Leadin and Leadout Parameters for Linked Contour Mill Operations
  • Minimum Hole Diameter for Thread Mill Operations
  • Post Processor Path
  • Probe Cycles & Tool Output Options
  • Setup Sheets
  • Shank Types for Mill Tools
  • Tool Selection – Tool Crib Priority

SOLIDWORKS SIMULATION

  • Automatic Saving of a Model File
  • Convergence Check Plot
  • Decoupling Mixed Free Body Modes
  • Direct Sparse Solver Retired
  • Enhanced Bearing Connectors
  • Underconstrained Bodies Detection

SOLIDWORKS FLOW SIMULATION

  • Importing and Exporting Component Lists.
  • Mesh Boolean Operations

SOLIDWORKS PLASTICS

  • Batch Manager
  • Hot and Cold Runners
  • Injection Location Advisor
  • Material Database

SOLIDWORKS ELECTRICAL

  • Aligning Components
  • Changing the Length of Multiple Rails and Ducts
  • Filtering Auxiliary and Accessory Parts
  • Auto Balloons in 2D Cabinets
  • Removing Manufacturer Part Data
  • Shortening Lists Using Ranges
  • Resetting an Undefined Macro Variable

SOLIDWORKS COMPOSER

  • Support for SpeedPak Configurations

SOLIDWORKS EDRAWINGS

  • Display Styles in Drawings
  • Supported File Types

SOLIDWORKS VISUALIZE

  • Enhanced Capabilities for Creating Compelling Appearances

SOLIDWORKS PDM

  • Assembly Visualization
  • Downloading Specific Versions of a File in Web2
  • Check Out Option in Change State Command – Web2
  • Copying Tree Dialog Box
  • Viewing Check-Out Event Details & License Usage – Web 2
  • Data Security Enhancements – Web2

SOLIDWORKS MANAGE

  • Measuring in a Document Preview
  • Field Conditions for Affected Items
  • Adding Required Fields to an Affected Item Field
  • Task Automation
  • Timesheet Working Hours
  • Adding Custom Columns to the Where Used Tab
  • Process Output for Replacing BOM Items & Enabling Mass Replace
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How SOLIDWORKS Desktop Users Collaborate using 3DEXPERIENCE Works https://trimech.com/how-solidworks-desktop-users-collaborate-using-3dexperience-works/ Fri, 02 Jun 2023 11:11:38 +0000 https://trimech.com/?p=61654 For SOLIDWORKS Desktop users to collaborate they are challenged with having to store, manage, and work together on product design data. With many more teams working remotely, the question becomes:

“How can we securely centralize our data, improve collaboration, and design concurrently while maintaining our use of SOLIDWORKS Desktop?”

Example of how SOLIDWORKS Desktop Users Collaborate

Watch this demo below to learn how startup Square Robot addressed and overcame these challenges by adopting the cloud-based data management and collaboration tools with 3DEXPERIENCE Works.

Square Robot found it easier to communicate with one another about key strategic changes, design flaws and challenges, and much more via the cloud-based collaboration solution; Collaborative Designer. Square Robot worked with SOLIDWORKS Desktop CAD and the 3DEXPERIENCE platform to use the data and lifestyle management solutions available to facilitate remote design and collaboration.

Because Collaborative Designer and SOLIDWORKS desktop software work together flawlessly, it enabled Square Robot to manage important documents and designs from within the desktop authoring application. Collaborating within a single program versus hemorrhaging from costly IT overhead gave engineers, managers, and key stakeholders flexibility, time, and accelerated development cycles to push their revamped product to market.

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A Better Way to Design Products: the Engineering Manager’s Perspective https://trimech.com/design-products-engineering-manager-perspective/ Fri, 02 Jun 2023 09:59:26 +0000 https://trimech.com/?p=61648 As an engineering manager, you want your design team to be able to focus on what’s important: creating that next amazing new product.

The use of disparate tools, however, slows the process and makes it difficult for your engineers and designers to collaborate and stay laser-focused on innovation. It also impedes your ability to manage people, projects and tasks.

Using 3DEXPERIENCE Works

Deliver high-quality designs faster using 3DEXPERIENCE Works on the cloud. It’s the only solution that connects the entire value network in a way that accelerates the process and improves the product.

Effectively lead the design process, adapt without missing a beat, and deliver superior products by adopting these 3DEXPERIENCE Roles:

Learn the Engineering Manager’s Perspective

Download this white paper to learn how a collaborative design process, empowered by the right tools, will enable:

  • Your designers to spend more time innovating
  • Stakeholders to “self-serve” and find the data they need to provide necessary feedback
  • Capture knowledge for continuity, such as requirements, or design intent, to onboard new members faster
  • Support geographically distributed teams more efficiently
  • Always be able to see the latest status on projects
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3DEXPERIENCE Collaborative Design: the Designer’s Perspective https://trimech.com/3dexperience-collaborative-design-the-designers-perspective/ Thu, 01 Jun 2023 15:45:50 +0000 https://trimech.com/?p=61628 Fragmented tools and communication silos slow engineers and designers down and create busywork that impedes their ability to innovate. While getting input from various stakeholders is vital to the process, disparate tools make this process difficult and often time-consuming.

Enter Collaborative Designer for SOLIDWORKS® which connects SOLIDWORKS Desktop to the 3DEXPERIENCE® platform. Designers can securely save SOLIDWORKS design data to the cloud and access it from anywhere with a browser. All 3DEXPERIENCE solutions for design, simulation, manufacturing and governance can leverage the data once it’s on the platform.

How to conduct collaborative design

Download a white paper to learn how to design products with an integrated approach so that designers and engineers keep using the CAD tools they know and love while gaining the freedom to:

  • Spend more time innovating
  • Design anytime, from anywhere
  • Collaborate more efficiently
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Does your ERP System Support your Growth Plans for 2023? https://trimech.com/does-your-erp-system-support-your-growth-plans-for-2023/ Thu, 01 Jun 2023 15:17:33 +0000 https://trimech.com/?p=61623 The key to supporting your growth in your manufacturing company is selecting an ERP system with the required features and functions that can scale as fast as your business is growing.

ERP software is not a one size fits all solution. So how do you determine if your new or current ERP software is the best choice for your specific manufacturing company? You need an audit tool that will help you evaluate how the fit and functionality within each solution will support the goals and growth of your manufacturing business.

ERP System Features and Function Audit Checklist

The ERP Features and Function Audit Checklist is an easy-to-use assessment tool that will help you evaluate how well a solution will support the goals and growth of your manufacturing business

  • Functionality check list: Make quick work of identifying must-have features not only in your ERP, but MES and CRM systems as well.
  • Fit “Acid Test”: The final factor in determining whether or not the solution can support your goals.

Download the checklist so you can be absolutely certain the ERP you select is the right choice for your business.

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A Practical Approach to IoT Implementation using DELMIAWorks https://trimech.com/iot-implementation-using-delmiaworks/ Thu, 01 Jun 2023 14:27:57 +0000 https://trimech.com/?p=61610 Manufacturers face a multitude of variables when it comes to data management and the path to IoT implementation can be confusing.

There are many discussions about how IoT (Internet of Things) can benefit your business and they cover all the main features, but how are you supposed to implement it? What technologies would work best with your production process? Often times, these discussions are so vague they leave you to do your own research and offer little when it comes to an actual plan of action. It is important to know what is available and how IoT will improve your efficiency with smart shop floor devices and generating high-level analytics.

Included in the IoT Implementation White Paper

This white paper will walk you through the steps that three manufactures used to determine what they needed to implement IoT successfully with DELMIAWorks. Here are some of the steps they used:

  • Determine a specific problem and a have fix in mind
  • Look past the hype
  • Pilot one process or cell at first
  • Keep the initial scope simple
  • Create an investment and roll-out plan

Once you finish reading this white paper, you will have a strong outline of the steps needed to implement DELMIAWorks with confidence.

Fill out the form to download the white paper instantly!

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