CIMdata PLM Industry Summary Online Archive
16 November 2005
Implementation Investments
Glassware Leader Libbey Inc. Standardizes on SolidWorks 3D Mechanical Design Software
Libbey Inc., a leading name in glass tableware for the food service industry, is making SolidWorks® software the 3D design standard for its engineers worldwide, SolidWorks Corporation announced. Toledo-based Libbey has purchased 21 licenses of SolidWorks software for mechanical and mold engineers who design products, machinery, and tooling for the company's six manufacturing plants around the world.
"A Libbey team looked at all the major 3D computer-aided design packages, including Autodesk products, and interviewed many users," said Robert Harder, a machine design engineer for Libbey and resident software expert who has used CAD software since the 1970s. "Our research team kept coming back to SolidWorks' ease of use, and we can now confirm that finding based on our own experience. The biggest challenge isn't learning SolidWorks; it's forgetting the old stuff. We have every reason to expect SolidWorks software will greatly increase our ability to quickly get accurate products manufactured quickly."
The Libbey engineering group has already used SolidWorks in an interesting way-to transform a set of architectural drawings first created in AutoCAD® software into a working, virtual 3D model of a new Libbey plant in China. The vivid 3D renderings enable more people to make better decisions on cost-effectively outfitting the plant.
Libbey mechanical engineers will use SolidWorks software on a daily basis to design machinery for operating plants in the U.S., Mexico, the Netherlands, and Portugal. Engineers are already exchanging files with contract engineers who use SolidWorks software, and are using SolidWorks eDrawingsT communication tool to evaluate designs. The 3D models now provide machinists a method to accurately produce complex parts. In the past, the machine shops contended with 2D drawings and sketches, some on paper from the early days of the 188-year-old company.
Libbey mold designers are using SolidWorks software to design blow-mold and press mold machines that produce the actual glassware. SolidWorks software's parametric change capabilities are critical for this work: A beer mug, beer glass, wine glass, and water glass have similar but different multi-piece mold assemblies that must fit machines and support established processes. With SolidWorks software, engineers can work from master designs and change parameters for the new products. SolidWorks' bi-directional associativity between the drawing and the part supports this process. When engineers change a drawing, the related model updates accordingly. When the engineer changes a model, the drawing updates accordingly. Libbey's previous software worked only one way.
SolidWorks Corporation's PDMWorks® product data management software will enable Libbey engineers to work concurrently on these designs by simplifying design reuse and tracking revisions. With this functionality, Libbey will eventually open design archives to engineers around the world.
A key factor in Libbey's 3D CAD investment selection was the fact that SolidWorks software is available in the languages spoken at its existing and future plants, including Chinese, English, and Spanish.
"Libbey is the number one name in glassware for the U.S. food service industry, and it has been evolving and refining its go-to-market processes since the 19th century," said Rainer Gawlick, SolidWorks vice president of worldwide marketing. "We're proud that a company with such an advanced engineering organization and accomplished track record has invested in SolidWorks software."
Libbey credits its successful start with SolidWorks to outstanding training, implementation, and support from authorized SolidWorks reseller 3DVision Technologies.
Based in Toledo, Ohio, the Company operates glass tableware manufacturing plants in the United States in Louisiana and Ohio, in Portugal, and in the Netherlands. Its Royal Leerdam subsidiary, located in Leerdam, Netherlands, is among the world leaders in producing and selling glass stemware to retail, foodservice, and industrial clients. Its Crisal subsidiary, located in Portugal, provides an expanded presence in Europe. In addition, Libbey is a joint venture partner in the largest glass tableware company in Mexico. Its Syracuse China subsidiary designs, manufactures, and distributes an extensive line of high-quality ceramic dinnerware, principally for foodservice establishments in the United States. Its World Tableware subsidiary imports and sells a full-line of metal flatware and holloware and an assortment of ceramic dinnerware and other tabletop items principally for foodservice establishments in the United States. Its Traex subsidiary, located in Wisconsin, designs, manufactures, and distributes an extensive line of plastic items for the foodservice industry. In 2004, Libbey Inc.'s net sales totaled $544.8 million. For more information, visit http://www.libbey.com .
Founded in 1995, 3DVision Technologies Corp., assists companies in the implementation of mainstream CAD, CAE, and PDM technologies used in product development. 3DVision Technologies strives to maintain a "company culture" made up of employees who love what they do and work hard to help customers achieve their business goals. The company has received numerous awards for sales, training, and technical support within the engineering community. For more information on the company, visit its web site at http://www.3dvision.com .
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