| Share this

Sport Systems Unlimited Corp.

Engineering and Construction

One of the fastest-growing companies in Canada, Sport Systems Unlimited Corp. manufactures ice hockey rink board systems, with 22 of the 30 arenas in the NHL using its products. The company's management adopted a lean manufacturing philosophy in 2005, which required a move to 3D to automate its robotic production processes.

Company: Sport Systems Unlimited

Location: Waterloo, Ontario

URL: www.sportsystemscorp.com

Industry: Engineering and Construction

Previous CAD: AutoCAD®

Products used: SolidWorks® Standard, DriveWorks Professional


Solution

Sport Systems Unlimited chose to implement SolidWorks® 3D design software as the cornerstone of its lean manufacturing initiative because the software is easy to use and can drive the company’s manufacturing processes, automatically generating robotics and CNC code from 3D solid models. The hockey boards manufacturer also acquired DriveWorks® knowledge-based engineering software, a Certified SolidWorks Gold Partner Product, to automate the configuration of customized board sizes.

Using the SolidWorks Visual Basic® for Applications Interface, Sport Systems Unlimited automatically creates tool paths and instructions for its CNC machines and robotic systems directly from SolidWorks models. By automating its manufacturing processes, the company has slashed production time for custom rinks from 1,200 staff-hours per rink in 2006 to 450 staff-hours in 2009, a 62 percent reduction in production time.

 

Results

  • Cut production time by 62 percent
  • Tripled manufacturing throughput
  • Achieved a 40 percent share of the Canadian market
  • Expanded into new markets.

 

Working in 3D has enhanced our ability to visualize and develop new concepts, and then show them to potential customers. This allows us to stimulate interest and secure business without having to make significant capital investments up front

Chris Henhoeffer, Project Manager and Design Coordinator


Need more information or want to tell a colleague?

Related Links

Next Steps

Example

Sport Systems boards used for indoor soccer

Lean manufacturing, robotics, and SolidWorks has allowed Sport Systems to branch out into new markets like indoor soccer, one of North America's fastest growing sports

Click on the image to enlarge