CIMdata PLM Industry Summary Online Archive
14 January 2008
Implementation Investments
MTS Systems Uses SolidWorks to Accelerate Custom Configuration of Testing Equipment
MTS Systems Corp. is using SolidWorks® 3D CAD software to more efficiently design, configure, and assemble the testing products it develops for customers across a broad range of industries. MTS products include road simulators for automobiles, earthquake simulators for buildings, frame testers for aircraft, wear testers for biomedical devices, and a variety of sensors.
Since adopting SolidWorks software, the $421 million Eden Prairie, Minn., company has accelerated delivery of highly customized load frames so that customers can execute their testing programs earlier and move their products quickly to market. MTS is using SolidWorks in conjunction with its SAP enterprise resource planning system to create new assembly designs from interchangeable parts, originally designed in SolidWorks, with variable dimensions. "Over time, this system should save our customers many hours in their project schedules," said Rod Ingalls, engineering services manager at MTS.
MTS used SolidWorks to develop a high-performance road simulator, the Heavy Truck 329 system, that can apply virtually any force to any combination of wheels on a heavy truck. The simulator tests yaw, camber, and response to braking, jouncing, vertical acceleration, and lateral acceleration. "The goals of this initiative were affordability and accuracy," Ingalls said. "SolidWorks and its integrated analysis software, COSMOSWorks®, helped us get there, enabling us to efficiently iterate and analyze range of motion, resulting in a superior design."
MTS has also begun using the SolidWorks eDrawings® e-mail enabled communications tool to give manufacturing personnel information in three dimensions to more quickly and easily assemble custom load frames.
The company began purchasing SolidWorks software in 2005 and has steadily grown its team of SolidWorks users, now at 40 with plans to expand to 55. "After an extensive evaluation two years ago, we chose SolidWorks over alternatives because of its ease of use, streamlined user interface, extensive VAR-based support and training, abundance of experienced users in our area, and general cost-effectiveness of design and analysis tools," Ingalls said. "Our employees are enthusiastic about the move to SolidWorks and looking forward to taking further advantage of its increased efficiency."
"MTS Systems is a stellar example of a company using 3D CAD software in innovative ways for competitive advantage," said Rainer Gawlick, vice president of worldwide marketing for SolidWorks Corporation. "The company's success in the global marketplace speaks for itself."
MTS Systems relies on authorized SolidWorks reseller Alignex for ongoing software training, implementation, and support.
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