Scientific instrument maker uses 3D shape search to cut part development
23 September 2010
FMB Oxford makes instruments for the scientific community. The company is using newly developed ShapeSpace Enterprise 3D shape search technology to help maximise the reuse of existing parts accumulated in its large library of components.
ShapeSpace’s advanced 3D search-by-shape technology integrates with all major CAD, PDM/PLM and back office systems, and allows designers to locate and re-use existing components/designs (even when a part number or name isn’t known or it can’t be found using keyword and metadata search). The software presents the results collectively for visual comparison in full 3D. This increases a design engineer’s productivity and reduces costs by avoiding the wasted time and expense involved in ‘re-inventing the wheel’.
FMB says 3D visualisation provided by the ShapeSpace application makes it easy to search and browse for geometrically similar parts without opening CAD files, so searches are quick and easy. The company found that by searching for and reusing existing components it could reduce the number of parts designed by around 5% – providing a significant saving on the costs of new part introductions.
Avanquest ProcessFlows is the sole UK distributor for ShapeSpace. “The business drivers for users in the fields of engineering and manufacturing are no different from customers in the Public Sector, healthcare or banking industry sectors” says ShapeSpace sale manager, Gary Pesticcio. “They all want to ‘wring more’ from their existing system investments and deliver a higher level of customer service and profitability.” Mr Pesticcio is seen here with ShapeSpace’s developer, Andrew Sherlock.
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