Like most SolidWorks users, I love technology. I love to see what’s next, and get excited when I see our customers create something truly original. For example, at SolidWorks World 2013, Dr. Vijay Kumar's presentation on micro-robots was my favorite presentation, as there were so many useful possibilities for these robots in our world.
Some great technology stories are never seen on the main-stage since they are advancements in production, and not as sexy as flying robots. However, these advancements are incredibly important, very innovative, and will save companies money and many headaches. I want to tell you about one of these stories.
I was looking forward to presenting with one of our customers this year: JL Audio. Yes, JL is the company that makes high-end speakers and other audio devices for everything from cars, to boats, to motorcycles, anything you can imagine. And yes, the speakers are cool and they sound incredible, but designing top of the line speakers was not the problem JL faced. The issue was on the assembly end. Basically, how do you deliver quality, intuitive instructions that have many applications (how do you install one speaker model in several different cars or boats) and still meet the customers’ high standards?
To tackle this issue, JL Audio uses SolidWorks Composer to convert their 3D CAD speaker models into images and animations for assembly instructions and product manuals. It takes less time than taking photos and the Composer images look a lot better than the digital photos JL Audio had used previously. Check out these before/after pictures to get a better idea:
Before:
After:
Instead of using a block of wood to resemble a $100,000 boat that you are attaching the speakers to, JL was able to represent the overhead bar of the boat with an actual cylinder with the help of Composer. The images are much more professional, but the best part of using the software is that the “after” instructions took less time to create.
JL Audio uses SolidWorks Composer to create their 3D communication. As a result, it has cut down cost, production time, and many errors.
I realize reducing costs and errors on an assembly line is not as interesting as flying robots or high speed motorcycles, but what about all the time and money you save could kick-start time working on new robot ideas?
For more information on SolidWorks Composer, check out our User Manual video series (you will need to register first)
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