The Challenge Terraluna Design Limited develops fitness and related recreational products. In this business, getting to market fast is critical to success, so using a 3D modeler for product development is important. When the company first moved from 2D to 3D design, it tried Mechanical Desktop. This product had a great number of commands, making it difficult to learn and use, and could not handle injection-molded parts, which are key elements in many consumer products. So the company looked for another dedicated 3D product development package.
The Solution
We chose SolidWorks software. The learning curve was quick, and SolidWorks provided a fully loaded package that addressed the needs of industrial designers, engineers, production engineers, marketing, and sales. SolidWorks enables us to move from a sketch to a very mature level of development in short order. We can disperse design control 3D documentation quickly and concurrently among all product development people. We use SolidWorks Simulation Software for motion analysis, for example, to make sure our bicycle frames can survive the repetitive oscillation of commercial fitness environments. PhotoWorks enables us to show a dynamic representation of what happens in new inventions, including their dynamic ergonomics, to clients, and avoid surprises later. It also allows us to bring patent attorneys on board early to determine whether there is a viable new patent. Because the fitness industry is so competitive, this is important. Finally, with SolidWorks we can also convey a very accurate conception of a product to toolmakers and those responsible for production, so there are no hiccups or bumps during manufacture.
The learning curve was quick, and SolidWorks provided a fully loaded package that addressed the needs of industrial designers, engineers, production engineers, marketing, and sales.
-Daniel Moon, Principal
Summary and Metrics:
Shortened product design time by 33 percent
Saved $40,000 to $100,000 in prototype and design rendering costs
Eliminated 50 percent of design errors while improving styling and ergonomic success, and increasing component assembly and product structural integrity
Allowed a shift from being a single-product category company (treadmills) to a full cardio spectrum supplier
