SolidWorks® is computer-aided design (CAD) software that utilizes three dimensional (3D) solid modeling to assist in the creation and development of designs. MJM Manufacturing is in the business of high precision sheet metal and metal machining. This company utilizes computer numerical control (CNC) technology to produce their products. The use of SolidWorks® eases the transition of the product from a drawing to an actual physical product. The software has increased the company’s productivity and flexibility. This is achieved by the software capabilities in generating the simplest and efficient manufacturing process for the product, thus reducing time and materials. The capacity and capability to make adjustments in response to customer requests at minimal cost is also a source of competitive advantage.
We also observed that the software was also used to support the data management system. This made it easy to access product drawings over the company’s intranet, thus reducing the need for unwanted paper drawings. In Trinidad and Tobago SolidWorks® is taught to engineering students at the undergraduate level both at the University of Trinidad and Tobago and also at the University of the West Indies. It is not used in any of the manufacturing companies for production purposes. Many these companies only consider the high initial investment into the software and are conscious of the added value that this software can bring to their operations.
Authors: Rishi, Davina and Makesi
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