CIMdata PLM Industry Summary Online Archive
17 December 2007
Implementation Investments
Rock-Ola Makes Jukebox Designs Groove with SolidWorks
Bright lights. Sleek design. Precision craftsmanship. Sweet tone. And the promise of listening to a song you haven't heard in years. These are the hallmarks of the classic Rock-Ola jukebox, whose presence in restaurants, dance halls, bars, and private homes has been a welcome sight and sound for more than 70 years.
Rock-Ola Manufacturing Corp. aims to continue building on its product's legend by creating even more innovative jukeboxes using SolidWorks ® 3D CAD software. The Torrance, California company replaced 2D paper drafting with 3D modeling to push the limits of cool, hip, and classic jukebox designs. Rock-Ola standardized on SolidWorks to reduce design and prototyping cycles and streamline communication with suppliers.
"Working in SolidWorks as opposed to paper is like the difference between competing in the Indy 500 in 1930 and doing it today," said Rock-Ola Vice President of Engineering Ross Blomgren. "Not only does it speed design completion, it gives us the time to create multiple renderings of important design features so we can discuss the trade-offs between design innovation and manufacturing ease."
Rock-Ola CEO Glenn Streeter knows that a jukebox's appearance plays a crucial role in a would-be customer's decision to insert money and choose a song. He is a stickler about jukebox and wall-mounted unit presentation, according to Blomgren. SolidWorks software's surfacing capabilities enable designers to replicate Streeter's vision for attractive sound systems. The software also helps designers solve the challenges that sometimes arise when artistic vision constrains internal component design and fit.
Design communication with Rock-Ola's suppliers is easy because SolidWorks can import component design files from suppliers regardless of the CAD format. This flexibility minimizes miscommunication that can lead to errors while accelerating component design. It also ensures manufacturers capture the geometry to make a good-looking, good-sounding machine.
"It doesn't really matter what type of music you listen to, Rock-Ola jukeboxes have a special place in Americana," said SolidWorks Vice President of Worldwide Marketing Rainer Gawlick. "Their cool appearance and sound depend on constant refinement of an already successful design. Continued innovation will further cement Rock-Ola as a market leader and cultural icon."
Rock-Ola relies on authorized SolidWorks reseller Hawk Ridge Systems for ongoing software training, implementation, and support.
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