Javelin Customer L-3 WESCAM improves design analysis capability
With a combination of a capable, cost effective CAD System and innovative Analysis Software
Oakville, ON., October 21, 2008 - With a proven ability to provide state-of-the-art sensor technology, advanced image stability as well as long-range detection and identification capability to Defense/Military, Homeland Security and Airborne Law Enforcement agencies worldwide, L-3 WESCAM has positioned itself as this industry’s key supplier.
Based in Burlington, Ontario, L-3 WESCAM designs and manufactures stabilized multi-spectral airborne imaging systems. Using these systems, customers are able to capture, process, transmit and interpret visual information and data in real-time, from a wide range of moving platforms including rotary and fixed-wing aircraft, unmanned vehicles and ships.
Since its inception in 1974, product applications have continued to expand. In order to meet increasing demand, WESCAM needed to improve its design analysis capability as well as replace its aging CAD system. In an effort to align itself with a capable yet cost-effective CAD product, in 2005, WESCAM evaluated several 3D CAD systems including Unigraphics NX4® and SolidWorks® CAD software. At the end of this process, SolidWorks suite of design software was selected along with SolidWorks® Simulation (formerly COSMOS) suite of analysis software.
After a couple of days training with Javelin Technologies, SolidWorks and manufacturing products value-added reseller (VAR), staff can complete complex analysis very quickly
Nick Moore, Manager of Mechanical Engineering, L-3 WESCAM
“SolidWorks’ functionality, ease of use, cost effectiveness and wide industry use, makes it the right mix for us. We also found this particular product to be completely focused on CAD, whereas with some of the other companies, CAD is another product,” said Nick Moore, L-3 WESCAM’s Manager of Mechanical Engineering.
In addition to SolidWorks, WESCAM also utilizes the following design analysis software; SolidWorks Simulation Professional (design validation & optimization) and SolidWorks Flow Simulation (fluid flow simulation and thermal analysis). According to Nick Moore, bringing complex analysis to the everyday engineer or designer and having these analysis tools well integrated into the CAD tool, is something that makes SolidWorks Simulation (COSMOS) innovative. Moore explained that although this integration has existed in other CAD products, it has generally been with CAD tools that are much more difficult to use than SolidWorks.
“WESCAM has gone through a phase where there has been a need for us to improve our design analysis ability before parts were made. SolidWorks Simulation utilizes CAD data directly and allows us to do virtual validation of products in a much easier way than we ever did before. Utilizing an expanded range of analysis capabilities to test products during the design process allows us to comprehensively examine product performance. Ultimately, this results in higher quality products,” said Moore.
“We also find the algorithms and methods used to do analysis are very flexible. The capability of some of the larger more complex systems out there is within SolidWorks Simulation (formerly COSMOSWorks) and SolidWorks Flow Simulation (formerly COSMOSFloWorks). However, we don’t need to bring in engineering specialists such as finite element analysis (FEA) experts or computational fluid dynamics (CFD) PhD’s who are proficient in the field of fluid simulation to do the work. After a couple of days training with Javelin Technologies, SolidWorks and manufacturing products value-added reseller (VAR), staff can complete complex analysis very quickly” added Moore.
While WESCAM products designed using SolidWorks and SolidWorks Simulation (COSMOS) software have yet to hit the market, a number of benefits have been realized. Although difficult to quantify due to the custom nature of these products as well as confidentiality issues, according to Moore, cost savings in both time and money is expected. Design and analysis communication with external customers and internal design & manufacturing departments has also improved by utilizing SolidWorks eDrawings®. As a direct result, WESCAM has also been able to speed up their product development process. In the end, the ability to provide proven product performance to meet demanding customer needs is what sets L-3 WESCAM apart from the competition.
Summary and Metrics
- Expanded range of analysis capabilities.
- Improved product quality.
- Savings in time, money and expertise expected by utilizing integrated analysis tools to test products during the design process.
- Improved design and analysis communications using SolidWorks eDrawings to speed up the product development process.
About L-3 WESCAM
A world leader in the provision of visual information systems, Wescam delivers exceptional value in precision optics, gyrostabilization, digital and analog transmission and reception, and custom-fitted system integration. Wescam’s visual information systems are used by the most discriminating customers around the world including armed forces; federal and local law enforcement agencies; broadcasters of news, entertainment and sports; and NASA. Using their systems, customers are able to capture, process, transmit and interpret integrated images and data.
About Javelin Technologies Inc.
Javelin Technologies is Canada's premier 3D Design, Analysis, Design Automation, and Data Management Value-Added Reseller (VAR). Javelin is a fully authorized and certified SolidWorks training and support organization. In addition to SolidWorks 3D design products, Javelin is a licensed reseller of the SolidWorks Simulation validation suite of software, SolidWorks PDM data management products and a number of other tools to help your business become more efficient and profitable.
SolidWorks is a registered trademark of Dassault Systèmes SolidWorks Corp.. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
