CIMdata PLM Industry Summary Online Archive
1 August 2007
Implementation Investments
Alitex Brings Elegance to Gardens with Glasshouses Designed in SolidWorks
U.K.-based Alitex is using SolidWorks® 3D CAD software to design beautiful aluminum and glass greenhouses to withstand the elements for discerning gardeners around the world.
For more than 50 years, Alitex has spearheaded the renaissance of glasshouses based on the traditional Victorian style of glass-paned greenhouses that allow for year-round gardening. Its products range from small greenhouses to large specialist structures costing in excess of $2 million. The company had been designing its greenhouses with 2D drawings before standardizing on SolidWorks software to accelerate customized product design, minimize errors, improve quality, and deliver better products to customers faster than before.
"With 2D we really couldn't improve our greenhouses in the design phase. The only way we could discover improvements was after it was built," said Jason Deacon, 3D design engineer at Alitex. "With virtual prototyping in SolidWorks, we can see all kinds of possibilities we couldn't before. And we can finalize initial designs in less than half the time it took in 2D, so we can begin production faster and deliver products sooner. That's important in an increasingly competitive market."
SolidWorks allows Alitex to check clearance, fit, and machine tolerancing to identify and fix errors before prototyping begins, saving the time and expense of having to re-work 2D designs after finding problems. Design accuracy also means Alitex drastically reduces the amount of metal and glass scrap it produces because of prototype errors, reducing costs and minimizing the environmental impact.
Alitex uses SolidWorks to communicate important design information internally and with customers. SolidWorks software simplifies bill of materials (BOMs) creation to ensure on-site assembly technicians have all of the parts they need to build the greenhouses. SolidWorks' models help Alitex customers better visualize window openings, corner angles, and how the greenhouse will stand up to year-round weather such as heavy snowfall and high winds.
Alitex also uses PDMWorks® Workgroup product data management software to securely store all design data and maintain version control while multiple engineers work on the same job.
"Alitex makes glasshouses for passionate gardeners around the world," said Michel Gros, SolidWorks' executive vice president of Europe. "The attention to detail, customization, elegance, and accuracy of every one of its greenhouses is a testament to its commitment to designing better products for its customers."
Alitex relies on authorized SolidWorks reseller Cadtek for ongoing software training, implementation, and support.
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