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Unifin International

Transfer Technology & Cooling Equipment

Industry innovators in the design and manufacture of heat transfer products used in a variety of industrial applications. Currently recognized as world-leading suppliers of transformer oil coolers and pumps, generator coolers as well as totally enclosed water to air cooled (TEWAC) motor cooling equipment.

Markets served include power generation and power transformer industries, transmission and distribution, process industries as well as pulp & paper.

Customer base is primarily in North America but also includes Europe, South America, Asia, Australia and Africa. Established in 1920, Unifin is owned by Wabtec Corporation (a global provider of value-added technology-based products and services primarily for the rail and transit industry).

Company: Unifin International

Location: London, Ontario

URL: www.unifin.com &   www.wabtec.com

Industry: Transfer Technology & Cooling Equipment

Previous CAD: AutoDesk® Mechanical Desktop™

Products used: SolidWorks® Professional, SolidWorks Toolbox, SolidWorks MotionManager, SolidWorks eDrawings Professional


Goals

  • Reduce design time   
  • Minimize manufacturing errors
  • Increase competitive edge by producing lower cost designs

 

Solution

  • Evaluated and selected SolidWorks® Professional over AutoCAD® Inventor.  
  • Replaced AutoDesk® Mechanical Desktop™ with SolidWorks.
  • Purchased and implemented  9 SolidWorks Professional licenses.
  • Decision based on software’s functionality (specifically design tables and configurations), speed of modeling, industry wide reputation as well as reseller’s exceptional product presentation.     

 

Results

  • Reduced standard product design time by 50% using SolidWorks parametric & design capabilities as well as SolidWorks Visual Basic Programming.
  • Allowed more time for new product development.
  • Substantially reduced redundant designs and design time with SolidWorks Toolbox library of proven parts and assemblies.
  • Significantly minimized manufacturing rework due to design error by utilizing standardized drawing formatting & templates.
  • Improved internal communications with shop floor using 3D models and SolidWorks eDrawings Professional design communication tool to view internals and fit-up.
  • Directly resulted in greater understanding of designs, fewer questions, improved efficiencies and increased productivity.  
  • Fostered collaboration and quickly resolved form, fit and function issues.   
  • Improved employee understanding/product knowledge with virtual assemblies (SolidWorks MotionManager/Animator). 

 

Kevin R. Labossiere, Leader – Production Design, Unifin International
Utilizing SolidWorks 3D CAD software for communication and examination of issues, not only improves the engineering process, it also facilitates innovation.

Kevin R. Labossiere, Leader – Production Design, Unifin International


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Next Steps

Example

The Unifin Team

The Unifin Design Team. Left to Right Front Row: Cindy Brodie (Document Controller), Kate Turton (Production Designer), Teresa Johnston (Production Designer)
Left to Right Back Row: Shawn Tracey (Production Designer), Kevin Labossiere (Leader-Production Design), Jairo Bautista (Production Designer)

Click on the image to enlarge

Example

Design Priority Board

Utilizing SolidWorks to develop images to improve visibility and communicate priorities to employees. A Design Priority Board uses cards which hold images of product to be designed. Images of product are SolidWorks models.

Click on the image to enlarge