The Selma, Calif., company's brass valves and vents take hours instead of months to make now that engineers use SolidWorks software and CNC systems instead of handcrafting casting patterns, according to engineering manager Sukhbir Singh. Built-to-order fabricated gates and lifts now take half a day to make instead of two weeks, the time it took with two-dimensional CAD.
"When we worked in 2D, drawings had to go back and forth with the customer for weeks," said Singh. "It's just difficult for a farmer or irrigation district manager to comprehend the finer points of 2D drawings and come up with a vivid picture in his or her mind. With SolidWorks models, customers understand what we propose, and we can design better products for them faster."
Assisting in Fresno's accelerated product delivery is the integration of SolidWorks and RuleStream(R) design automation software from SolidWorks Solution Partner RuleStream Corp. This combination automates Fresno's request-for-quote (RFQ) and engineering documentation processes, allowing Fresno salespeople to visit the customer site and fill out intuitive online forms to configure new designs in SolidWorks software. Ninety percent of the work is done for engineers, who then detail the drawings, a process that has been reduced from a week to less than 36 hours. Custom rules enforce Fresno's standards and best practices.
Fresno also convinced its manufacturing partners in China to use SolidWorks software, making it easy for Fresno to ensure its products are accurately produced the first time. Fresno uses COSMOSWorks(R) design analysis software to optimize part weight, which can yield major savings on these and other products it ships around the world.
"Many of Fresno Valve's customers' business needs are agricultural and, thus, tied to the seasons, so time is always of the essence," said Rainer Gawlick, SolidWorks vice president of worldwide marketing. "Accordingly, we continually improve our software to help customers like Fresno to more quickly bring better products to market."
Fresno Valves and Castings uses authorized SolidWorks reseller CAD Graphics West for ongoing software training, implementation, and support.
About Fresno Valves
Fresno Valves and Castings, Inc. was founded in 1952 (as Showalter's Irrigation Appliance), and began producing irrigation gates. Since changing its name to Fresno Valves Castings in 1974, the company has expanded to comprise three major divisions servicing markets around the world. The Pierce Fittings division is responsible for manufacturing a comprehensive line of some of the world's most popular irrigation fittings. The Flow-Guard Filtration division manufactures high-quality, long-lasting stainless steel filters for use in agriculture and, increasingly, in other applications - including media filters, gravity screen filters, and pressurized screen filters. Since the late 1950's, Fresno Valves has also owned and operated a state-of-the-art brass foundry designed for high-quality, high-production output of molded parts and devices. For more information about Fresno Valves and Castings, visit www.fresnovalves.com
About CAD Graphics West
Founded in 1992, CAD Graphics West, Inc. (www.cadgraphicswest.com) is a leading regional reseller of CAD/CAE/PDM software, training, consulting, and support. CAD Graphics West provides complete start to finish design and manufacturing solutions by offering SolidWorks and CAMWorks software. The company supports a broad range of SolidWorks add-on products including COSMOSWorks, PDMWorks(R), CAMWorks(R), and Dimension 3D printers.
About SolidWorks Corporation
SolidWorks Corporation, a Dassault Systemes S.A. (Nasdaq: DASTY, Euronext Paris: #13065, DSY.PA) company, develops and markets software for design, analysis, and product data management. It is the leading supplier of 3D CAD technology, giving teams intuitive, high-performing software that helps them design better products. For the latest news, information, or an online demonstration, visit the company's Web site (www.solidworks.com) or call 1-800-693-9000 (outside of North America, call +1-978-371-5000).
SolidWorks and PDMWorks are registered trademarks of SolidWorks Corporation. COSMOSWorks is a trademark of Structural Research & Analysis Corporation. Other brand and product names are trademarks of their respective owners. Copyright (c) 2007 SolidWorks Corporation.
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