Join us as Mike Walloch, a Certified SOLIDWORKS Expert and Instructor, leads us through the process of creating a part from start to finish. Starting from a blank slate we’ll cover sketching 2D profiles, extruding 3D solid bodies, and creating cut-and-hole features. We’ll also look at some other useful and time-saving features like mirrors and shells.

But wait, there’s more! Mike will show you various tips and tricks along the way. Taking advantage of SOLIDWORKS extremely user-friendly interface you’ll see how to reduce picks and clicks, minimize mouse travel, and make your work seem almost effortless. This webinar will give you a good idea of what to expect from the part modeling lessons in the SOLIDWORKS Essentials class.

During this SOLIDWORKS Training webinar, you will learn:

• Creating 2D Sketches
• Extruding 3D Features
• Using the Hole Wizard
• Modifying Solid Bodies
• Tips and Tricks

The company is based in Waterloo, Ontario and was founded in 1988. It was known as Systematix until 2021, when Samuel, Son & Co acquired Systematix, and the Samuel Automation Solutions Group was formed.

We talked to two members of its multidisciplinary engineering team, Admir Mujanovic and Jim Peltier, who explained that as custom machine builders, every day is different. Customers present a product design and rely on Samuel Automation to automate the mass production process.

“Creating one-off custom equipment can be challenging,” Jim said. “We know the goal and we know what’s needed to get there. And there’s no stopping us.”

Matching the industry standard

Admir Mujanovic – Systematix Engineer

Samuel Automation chooses SOLIDWORKS, sold and supported by their technology partner Javelin, part of TriMech Group.

Jim said SOLIDWORKS allows their designers to get ideas out of their heads and into the minds of their colleagues who build the tools and machinery.

“It’s our design platform, but also our communication tool. It’s the language we use to communicate ideas. That also applies externally when we communicate with suppliers and customers.”

Samuel Automation started their switch to SOLIDWORKS in 2017. Admir explained that one reason for changing from Autodesk Inventor to SOLIDWORKS 3D CAD software was to better match the skills of the available talent pool of designers and engineers, both recent graduates and established professionals.

“SOLIDWORKS is the industry standard. We’re keeping up to date and have been upgrading over the years.”

In switching to SOLIDWORKS, the team’s engineers were also hoping to avoid costly rework.

“With the SOLIDWORKS parametric approach to modeling, I know for a fact that no one here is talking about misaligned holes anymore,” Admir said.

Unlocking the potential of SOLIDWORKS PDM Professional

A recent upgrade took Samuel Automation from SOLIDWORKS PDM Standard to SOLIDWORKS PDM Professional. Professional takes storing and managing data to the next level, with advanced workflow automation and the SOLIDWORKS PDM Application Programming Interface (API).

Jim completed the Using SOLIDWORKS PDM Professional training course with Javelin to gain the confidence to maximize the capabilities of the tool. He shared how he leveraged its high-end functionality – with tech support from Javelin – to create a macro that updates the geometry of an assembly in just two clicks.

“This means that if someone on the shop floor opens an assembly file, they see the most up-to-date version. Without this macro, they would see the assembly’s geometry as it was last saved. This is custom functionality that Javelin helped us develop.”

Automating documentation

API is used to automate redundant and lengthy design tasks and to create completed engineering applications that can run both inside and outside of the SOLIDWORKS application.

When a Samuel Automation customer asked that thousands of their drawings be formatted and numbered according to the customer’s methods, Jim relied on his design automation experience and the power of SOLIDWORKS API to create processes to do the work. Each drawing was updated in 30 seconds, when a more manual process would have taken 30 minutes. Overall, a project that Jim’s manager thought might take 10 months took just one.

Open API has also allowed Samuel Automation to integrate SOLIDWORKS with internal custom software and their ERP system. Data shared include part numbers, costing, and due dates.

Javelin on standby

Admir said that when his team was in the process of switching to SOLIDWORKS, they had a lot of questions about the installation and how to integrate with their custom software.

“I’ve dealt with vendors who made us feel like we weren’t supposed to ask questions.

Not once did Javelin say, ‘we can’t help you.’ You fill out a quick report and within a couple of hours, if not minutes, someone is reaching out to help you. You get quick, in-depth responses from very knowledgeable people. Having someone pretty much on standby during the tricky parts was fantastic.”

He added that various disciplines across the company – from designers to analysts to assemblers – use SOLIDWORKS tools differently, and that he appreciates that Javelin provides floating/network licensing for clients who need a pool of software licenses that can be shared among users.

Continued success with manufacturing solutions

Samuel Automation looks forward to an ever-expanding focus on sustainability measures, including persistently improving efficiency, reducing waste, and meeting customers’ growing need for energy savings through fully electric actuation.

Admir said integration is an ongoing theme, as Samuel Automation finds more opportunities to collaborate with their sister operations within the Samuel family of companies and continues to standardize software and processes among departments internally.

With personal support from Javelin and access to the wider product and service offerings of TriMech Group, Samuel Automation is well positioned to take on new challenges.

“Javelin is always happy to drop in and chat with us about the latest and greatest,” Admir said. “They understand what we do and how we do it, so they know what can help us.”

Samuel Automation is online at samuel.com/our-businesses/systematix.

Systematix – Waterloo, Ontario, Canada

The following Terms and Conditions apply to the Training products supplied by Company:

1. Training Definitions

   1. Public Training are classes open to various clients.
   2. Closed Training are classes scheduled for an individual client.
   3. Training Passports are prepaid unlimited 12-month Training subscriptions.

2. Complimentary Repeats

   A complimentary repeat is offered for Public Training should issues be communicated during attendance of the original course. The goal is to resolve any issue in a satisfactory manner. If the training needs to be repeated, the opportunity is available for up to 6 months from the original course date.

3. Rescheduling

   1. Company allows cancellations and rescheduling without cost as per the guidelines below. Requests to cancel or reschedule must be received in writing.
   2. For Closed Training onsite at client’s location, cancellations received within 10 business days of the start date, an administrative fee of $500.00 per day applies. This includes group training, assessments, mentoring, and consulting.
   3. For Public Training, the following administrative fees will be applied to cancellations or rescheduling less than 10 business days before the start date:
      1. Up to or on 10 business days: no fee for rescheduling or cancellations.
      2. 9 to 3 business days: $250.00 fee per person, per public course applies.
      3. 2 to 0 business days: The course cost will be forfeited. There will be no refunds and no rescheduling.
      4. Non-arrival (no show): The course cost will be forfeited. There will be no refunds and no rescheduling.
   4. Training Passports cancellations and transfers may be done without cost on or before 10 business days prior to the first day of training. After 10 business days the administrative fee of $250.00 applies.

4. Course Postponements

   Schedules for Public Training schedules are subject to change. Courses may be rescheduled due to low enrollment, or availability of classrooms, equipment, or trainers. Company will provide rescheduling notice at least 5 days prior to the course start date whenever possible and in such a situation you will be offered a 100% credit for transfer to another date. Company will not be liable for any costs incurred for travel, hotel, or any other consequential damages because of a course change.

5. Scheduling new Public Training

   Company can schedule a new public digital or in-class course in North America. Newly scheduled courses are subject to the minimum attendance requirements (as noted in Sec 4 above)

6. Training manuals and exercises

   Manuals are not for sale individually and are distributed for training course attendance only, as follows:

   1. Manuals for digital courses: Training manuals are only provided upon course registration and will be shipped 5 to 10 days prior to the course start date. Should a training manual be shipped and the student cancels registration, the manual(s) must be returned unopened. If not returned the full course fee will be charged.
   2. Manuals for classroom courses: Training manuals are provided during the first day of class.

7. Training Prerequisites

   1. Each training course is paired with prerequisites that are listed in the course descriptions on Company websites. It is the student’s responsibility to meet the prerequisite requirements.
   2. A telephone call assessment with an instructor can be arranged to determine if a prerequisite exemption is applicable.
   3. In the event a student chooses to proceed without the required prerequisites, Company will not alter the course content to accommodate the student’s lack of prerequisites.

8. Evaluations and certificates

   Upon full attendance of the course with participation to the satisfaction of the instructor, you will be emailed your training feedback evaluation at the end of the course. You will then be emailed a copy of your training certificate of completion.

9. SOLIDWORKS Training Passport Terms and Conditions

   1. The Training Passport entitles a single owner to attend unlimited instructor-led courses offered within the Passport for the 12-month period that commences on the first course attendance. All course attendance must occur within this time limit.
   2. The first training course attendance must occur within 6 months of the purchase date.
   3. If the Passport holder ceases employment within the 12-month duration, then ownership is transferable to a replacement employee. The expiration date of the Passport will not be extended; it will still expire one year from the original start date. Please contact Company’s Training Department to make this exchange.

Wayne White

Before joining TriMech in 2012, Wayne worked in companies large and small, and in industries including automotive and battery technology. This path led him to TriMech, where he began as a general application engineer supporting clients working with SOLIDWORKS desktop products. Today, he supports clients in their move to the cloud and, through training and support, ensures they take full advantage of the power of the 3DX platform.

How did you make the shift to focusing on 3DEXPERIENCE within TriMech’s collection of products and services?

I have worked for Matt Kokoski throughout my career with TriMech. Beginning about 2017, he started to ask me for help supporting 3DX because it was new at the time and he was a team of one. I was already watching the trend of everything moving to the cloud and wanted to be part of that, so eventually I asked Matt if I could work on 3DX full time.

I have used cloud-based products personally for more than 15 years and I knew the benefits related to data management and backup, and just connecting large amounts of information and making it more usable.

Plus, I liked the idea of marrying CAD with the cloud.

It can be challenging to be on the leading edge of change, since people are naturally resistant. How do you deal with this?

Some people are still resistant to moving to the cloud. That’s not unique to engineering or manufacturing – there’s a societal shift in how we’re using software.

Our most successful 3DEXPERIENCE clients are those who are willing to put some time into making a few simple changes and trying new things. You have to say, “ok, this workflow doesn’t work the same way anymore, I’m open to adapting.”

People like what they’re used to. You build a history of knowledge and skills and we’re presenting you with a different technology and asking you to retool your brain. The first hurdle is encouraging people to make a change, and we do that through education.

Do clients have misconceptions about what it means to use 3DX?

One misconception is that the cloud is not as secure as storing your data at your physical location behind a locked door. We provide clients with all the information they need about Dassault Systèmes’ ISO-certified management systems and risk management practices to protect their data and privacy.

Speaking of education, how do you support client learning?

There are several options. To start, the MySOLIDWORKS platform has excellent on-demand video content that you can watch when it suits you.

And within The TriMech Group, we have training options that are live and interactive. This gives clients a chance to ask very specific questions, which they always do.

I always recommend TriMech 3DEXPERIENCE training because this is how you will truly understand what the platform is capable of. This is how you learn to make informed decisions about how you want to use the environment to suit your specific needs. Training exposes you to features and benefits of the platform that you’re not likely to tap into otherwise.

It makes sense to invest in the best possible use of the system where all your critical data and communication is stored.

Beyond training, we’re always here to answer questions by phone or by email.

Is there an ideal client for 3DX?

Honestly, 3DX can suit the full range of clients. I will say that small- and medium-sized businesses that don’t currently have a data management solution in place are often the most ready to run with it.

Having said that, very large companies have successfully migrated their existing data into 3DEXPERIENCE; it just takes a bit of time to make the transition.

What are the most attractive features of 3DEXPERIENCE that are making clients move to 3DX as a data management solution?

The first thing I would say is that it’s data management out of the box. The second thing is that 3DX offers rules-based standardization among all users, keeping consistency across the board. 3DX is the problem-solver that leads to efficient data management and effective team collaboration.

For 25 years, people got used to managing their own data. The problem of course is that people leave organizations and trying to pick up where that person left off is a daunting task. Nobody can afford to have errors and delays because of inconsistent data management practices.

3DEXPERIENCE Platform

Why should people choose 3DEXPERIENCE training offered by TriMech Group?

Our training courses are home grown and continually evolving, and we bring all of our years of experience using and supporting 3DEXPERIENCE.

We’ve worked with many different types of clients and know what works best in uploading files, setting workflows and revision schemes, rules that are critical to success, etc.

In our six-hour course, for example, we outline everything the client has to look out for in order to make informed decisions about what will work in their organization. We show them the steps, and all the variables that come into play along the way.

It’s really important to consider the needs of existing SOLIDWORKS users vs. non-users, and we cater to both.

Is the 3DEXPERIENCE training content flexible enough to evolve over time?

We’re always making changes. There are common technical questions that most clients have, and we always answer those; at the same time, we definitely reconfigure the training based on interactions with clients and training participants.

Being cloud-based, 3DX itself changes more frequently that SOLIDWORKS desktop users would be used to. Adjusting the training based on platform updates is critical. I actually had a call yesterday from a client interested in taking the training for a second time.

We can add new modules or courses as new 3DX elements are introduced or as we learn more about what a certain group of clients needs. Right now, I’m working on content for more role-specific training courses.

What makes a successful learning environment for a trainee?

People should come ready to participate. I encourage a comfortable learning space by telling everyone that I also started at zero with 3DEXPERIENCE, and that all questions are welcome. Even when we’re learning together online, you can easily communicate with the instructor. I want people to ask the questions that make their learning valuable.

Businesses who invest in training and development for their people clearly demonstrate that the organization is committed to the platform and this leads to greater success overall.

Why does your team stand out?

I’m proud of the TriMech 3DEXPERIENCE training team because I feel we are among the most advanced. We can answer the basic questions about how 3DX works and we’re also well past that. We’re on top of the evolution of the platform in a proactive way. Combine that with our experience up to this point, and we can quickly solve issues that clients run into.

3DX is a massive platform with far-reaching applications and our client base is diverse. The exciting part is watching clients push the boundaries of its capabilities. Imagine an organization with more than 100 users across many different departments.

We can support any client, small or large, anywhere in the world. For me, this is special and different from my first 10 years in the business. It’s cool that I’m on calls with people in Europe, India, and China.

Are you interested in TriMech 3DEXPERIENCE Training or Support?

Learn more about the 3DEXPERIENCE training courses available and the 3DEXPERIENCE support options for TriMech clients »

Join us as Russ Bassett, a TriMech Process and Training Consultant, discusses why training is important and how TriMech can help you and your business to become more efficient cost-effectively and conveniently, making sure you’re using your system to the maximum potential.

During this Invest in TriMech On-Demand Training webinar, you will learn:

• Why you should take training
• Why invest in training with TriMech
• TriMech training methods
• The value of certifications
• Our training offerings

People will often have strong opinions about whether online or in-person classes are better, or if we even need instructor-led classes.  We’ll discuss common myths surrounding our training delivery and explain why it’s so effective and how it’s recognized by industry employers. Many of our training myths stem from our own self-assessments, how we are going to compare to others in training. While some users will be concerned about disrupting training by asking questions, others will feel confident enough to try multi-tasking during training.

Join us as Robert Gemmell, a TriMech Process & Training Consultant discusses these perspectives and everything in between so you are confident and prepared for training.

During this Training On-Demand Webinar, you will learn:

• How do we accommodate individual learners
• How you can get the most out of training
• How we ensure eLearning is effective
• What you can expect in training
• How training is recognized

In 2006, Measurand released its first ShapeArray™, a measuring instrument used to monitor deformation of soil under and around critical structures.

“Ongoing training is a given when you work in tech. You have to keep on top of it. Training is always in the budget – if you don’t invest in training people, you won’t keep those people.”

— Tricia Harrison, Manager of Product Development, Measurand

Silent segments and extension tubes provide flexibility and control when placing ShapeArray™ vertically in a zone of interest.

The real-time data the ShapeArray generates allows engineers to improve safety and reduce risk; save time and money; and make fast, smart decisions. Before automation and data visualization were available, people had to rely on manual measurement. Today, using ShapeArray, real-time monitoring of soil distortion and movement reduces the risk of catastrophic failures.

Applications vary, from measuring soil movement beneath urban construction projects to monitoring geohazards, such as slope instability, in remote locations. The Canadian-made technology protects the integrity of significant infrastructure, such as mining waste containment structures, public transit tunnels, and dams.

Since pivoting from measuring the human body to measuring the Earth, Measurand has grown to more than 70 employees and is a global leader in designing and manufacturing instrumentation for geotechnical deformation monitoring.

SOLIDWORKS training to optimize product development

SOLIDWORKS, sold and supported by TriMech, has been the 3D CAD software of choice for Measurand’s engineers for about 10 years. To ensure that they were using SOLIDWORKS consistently and to its full potential, the team turned to TriMech for a professional assessment of their skills and processes.

Tricia Harrison, Measurand’s Manager of Product Development, said she wanted to identify any gaps and discover ways to improve.

“TriMech’s SOLIDWORKS Training Assessment was a key first step. TriMech’s consultants spent time listening to our people to learn how they typically work and to identify their points of frustration. We knew that each person was working slightly differently than the next. We wanted to establish a baseline, then align the team to do everything in an optimized way.”

Following the assessment, TriMech recommended SOLIDWORKS Essentials training, delivered live by TriMech instructors online, as well as its Custom Properties and Drawings Service. This training focuses on optimizing the entire process of taking drawings through to manufacturing, including using templates and revision management.

“Training is foundational for all of us,” Tricia said. “Some people are advanced users; others are new users. Everyone can benefit from continuous learning.”

Tricia’s team of nine includes mechanical and mechatronics engineers, electrical and embedded systems engineers, and software developers. Initially, SOLIDWORKS was used mainly for creating mechanical drawings and assemblies. More recently, Measurand invested in SOLIDWORKS Inspection, an automation tool that reduces the time needed to record inspection measurements and create documentation.

Valuable learnings add to users’ confidence

Tricia said that her team members are all now confident users, and they no longer spend time trying to learn the features of the software or searching for files. The team was able to standardize design procedures and workflow and reported a variety of other valuable takeaways. One mentioned learning to focus on the core design of each part before combining it into a complicated assembly, which leads to better assemblies and adaptability for future part design changes.

A member of Measurand’s technical services team

The live, online learning environment removed the need to travel and was popular with the team. One trainee said, “The SOLIDWORKS training in small groups really got me excited to have access to an expert who can deal with all of the questions I have, then demonstrate the solutions in a live learning environment.”

Measurand also takes advantage of TriMech subscription service, which includes automatic software upgrades and live technical support. “Investing in the service plan helps us support our people who use SOLIDWORKS,” Tricia said. “That layer of support is worth every penny we are paying. And the TriMech people are easy to work with, right across the board.”

Measurand will continue to seek advice and training from TriMech; in fact, TriMech’s live online SOLIDWORKS Essentials course has been incorporated into the onboarding program for the Product and Engineering teams.“ Ongoing training is a given when you work in tech. You have to keep on top of it. Training is always in the budget – if you don’t invest in training people, you won’t keep those people.”

Making a difference

Measurand continues to grow to meet the demands of short lead times, exacting quality, and continuous improvement.

In recent years, Measurand joined trusted brands RST Instruments, 3vGeomatics, and Syscom Instruments to form Terra Insights—a global platform that offers leading surface and sub-surface data solutions, using underground sensors, cloud-based data, and satellite technology. “We’re leveraging our expertise and technology to deliver not just one product, but a suite of solutions,” Tricia said.

The precise information about underground sagging, sinking, and shifting is being used to reduce uncertainty, protect structures, and reduce construction time and cost. Most importantly, as Tricia noted,

“The instruments we build are used all over the world to protect human life. We are making a difference.”

To learn more about Measurand, visit measurand.com.

From job sites to camp sites, farms to fishing holes, DECKED products allow pickup truck owners to improve storage capacity, protection from weather, organization, and ergonomics. The idea is to put more in your truck and retrieve all of it without stretching over the bed rail or crawling over everything you’re carrying.

DECKED products allow pickup truck owners to improve storage capacity, protection from weather, organization, and ergonomics

In business for about nine years, DECKED continues to operate with a dynamic team and start-up culture. In earlier years, they focused on designing and building truck bed drawer systems and accessories; today, they are expanding product offerings, such as a new toolbox that sits behind the cab and includes an integrated ladder.

DECKED has grown to a team of 70 people and is on track to sell 50,000 drawer systems this year. Design, sales, and marketing are in Ketchum, Idaho and manufacturing is in Defiance, Ohio.

Calvin Allan is Principal – Product Development for DECKED. He said a midwestern, Idaho work ethic is built into the company’s DNA.

“We’re proud of our attention to detail and we must get it absolutely right. We could stop at good enough, but we don’t. We always make it stronger and better than we have to. Our company prioritizes that.”

Solving the slowdowns

As the DECKED design team expanded, they were wasting time opening and rebuilding large assemblies. The OEMs supply massive, detailed models of their truck beds. Add that complexity to DECKED’s own complicated models, and integration and manipulation of assemblies wasn’t happening fast enough.

“Customization is our magic and the key to our profitability,” Calvin said. “Our configurable SOLIDWORKS models need to be updated quickly. I knew we needed to go deeper into how SOLIDWORKS is running and learn how to optimize accordingly.”

To investigate, TriMech did a Large Assembly Performance Audit and a PDM Health Check and Audit.

They recommended that DECKED take advantage of TriMech’s Large Assembly Productivity Service, to teach Calvin and his team how the software operates “under the hood” during opening and rebuilding phases, how to identify what causes slowdowns, and how to solve those problems. It was also important for users to learn best practices for creating fast and clean large assemblies.

“TriMech didn’t just do the work,” Calvin explained. “They taught us what levers they pull to make a difference. We learned the implications of how we were doing CAD, such as how display states and section views were affecting our work. Unused elements and suppressed components were creating errors and bloated models.”

Calvin’s team learned that when they don’t need great detail, working with resolved (unsuppressed) assembly components is unnecessary.

“When vendor models come in, there is excessive detail. Now we know that if we don’t need to see a detailed thread pattern, we get rid of it. We didn’t know we had so much control over opening individual parts.”

The team now works faster than they ever have before.

“I’m not exaggerating when I say our opening times are 10 times faster. Files that took 30 minutes to open now open in a few minutes and files that took a few minutes now open in seconds.”

Custom, relevant training

TriMech delivered team training remotely from Canada and it was recorded for anyone who couldn’t attend live (or for future new hires). Even Calvin, an advanced user, learned “golden” tips during TriMech’s training sessions.

“The training was custom to our work, geared toward what we were seeing every day. They didn’t use canned examples. You could spend years doing something one way, never knowing there’s a better way.”

Work faster and reduce errors using PDM features

Calvin also noted that TriMech’s PDM Health Check and Audit revealed areas for improvement. Again, the DECKED PDM system was organized well enough for one person but not efficient when multiple users contribute to the same files.

“TriMech didn’t come in with a prescribed recipe. They said, ‘show us what you’re doing.’ Their audit report recommended improvements, then their services team built them right in front of us.”

Overall, that meant modifying the existing workflow to suit current business processes. DECKED now has a faster, better file search function, automated processes (such as file conversion) using SOLIDWORKS PDM Tasks, and email notifications to speed up drawing review and approval.

“We were using PDM for file storage, like you would use Google Drive,” Calvin said. “We weren’t using it to manage our workflow and we had no gating. Now, our file structure is efficient. It’s fast and easy to find files, see if they are checked out, and understand what stage they’re at. We can tag files to bypass review or demand review. We can see if files have been to the vendor or parts have been released.”

With PDM use elevated, more people at DECKED are beginning to understand how it can be a meaningful tool across the company.

Devote the time to learning

DECKED started benefiting from their investment in training and services quickly, putting new methods into practice right away.

“There will always be emergencies competing for your attention,” Calvin said. “You have to devote the time to learning to be better off in the long term. And TriMech has been a well-oiled machine. They have what I need – the people and processes for deployment and follow up.”

DECKED is online at decked.com.

Greg is an instrument and toolmaker in the Design and Fabrication Services Branch of the National Research Council of Canada. He works out of NRC’s Victoria location, the site of the Dominion Astrophysical Observatory and the Canadian Astronomy Data Centre.

Greg is part of a team of advanced machinists who build components for Canadian and international scientists and astronomers. Their work involves precision machining to tolerances of three to five microns, using the kind of machine that can engrave a human hair. Finished instruments are shipped around the world to the sites of massive optical and radio telescopes, such as the twin Gemini telescopes in Chile and Hawaii or the Dominion Radio Astrophysical Observatory in Penticton, BC.

When the COVID-19 pandemic was declared in March 2020, an opportunity opened up for Greg to move professional development higher up on his priority list. With the support of his employer, Greg took the time to upgrade his skills in SOLIDWORKS 3D design tools.

Long-time user learns new tricks

Greg is far from a novice user of SOLIDWORKS – he has been using the software for 20 years. He simply knew that proper training would increase his productivity and make his life easier.

“I was self-taught,” Greg said. “I had my own ways of making drawings and parts but occasionally became frustrated with some tasks. I could put a model together using my own techniques but wasn’t necessarily comfortable handing that file off to someone else.”

During training with TriMech, Greg learned valuable tips and tricks.

“I now use tools I didn’t know existed. I used to work through several menus to get to certain functions and now I know the keyboard shortcuts that eliminate those steps.”

Greg learned how to automate repetitive tasks related to components he uses regularly. And instead of using a calculator, he now programs formulas to maintain design intent when a part is modified. He calls the tips he learned for mating assemblies and working with advanced mates “pieces of gold.”

Through training to certification

Greg participated in three of TriMech’s live online training options for SOLIDWORKS users: Essentials, Drawings, and Assembly Modeling. He then added to his list of accomplishments by successfully completing the examinations for two designations: Certified SOLIDWORKS Professional (CSWP) and Certified SOLIDWORKS Professional Advanced Drawing Tools (CSWPA-DT).

“After using SOLIDWORKS for such a long time, it was time to prove my skills,” Greg explained. “Even with years of experience, I never would have passed the certification exams without going through the training courses.”

Greg also prepared for the exams by checking out supplemental training on the SOLIDWORKS website. He picked up a few new skills while refreshing his knowledge before being tested.

Greg Nuspel from NRC with a Kern CNC mill in the shop

SOLIDWORKS online training well designed and engaging

TriMech has been delivering live online training (called JOLT) for years and Greg said that experience stood out.

“The courses are well organized, and are structured to adult learning, which is about making sure we know why the content is important. The TriMech manuals are excellent and easy to work through.”

It takes a little more effort to provide personalization and a sense of community in the online environment. Greg reported that he was a little hesitant at first asking his questions, but he and the rest of the trainees quickly became more relaxed. Eventually they were able to replicate some of the peer-to-peer exchanges that happen in a classroom.

“If we ever had a question that stumped the instructor, he said he’d get us the answer right away. By the time we had done an exercise, he was back with the answer. I’m sure that speaks to the solid support team TriMech has.”

Proof of proficiency

Because of the skills and confidence Greg has gained, he has become much more efficient in completing fixture designs. Also, the engineering team is able to offload the task of detailing drawings, freeing up their valuable time.

“The engineers know I’m certified and can manage their drawings. When we work together more efficiently, everyone saves time. Adding more of my expertise in machining and manufacturing to the design process is an added benefit. My organization’s investment in training is easily recouped in overall increased productivity.”

For now, Greg is satisfied with his two new professional designations. He may continue his learning with some advanced TriMech training in the future.

“I hope to encourage others to do training and certification and find better ways of working. People might have some time to focus on training now; once they get back to the regular grind, they might not take the time to improve their skills.”

Doran Avivi is a Staff R&D Engineer at Baylis. He said his team contributes to creating new, innovative technologies for cardiologists.

“Our devices give surgeons minimally-invasive access to the left side of the heart. When the surgeon can work more efficiently, we’re enabling them to provide better care for their patients.”

Doran and his colleagues continually improve the design and manufacturing processes for their devices, and efficiency and productivity must remain at a high level. One key way they do this is through ongoing training.

Every 3D model for every product designed by Doran’s team is created using SOLIDWORKS 3D CAD software. To build skills and knowledge in the full suite of SOLIDWORKS tools, Baylis turns to TriMech; in particular, Doran appreciates the flexibility of TriMech’s corporate training program.

Baylis Medical VersaCross® Steerable Sheath – SOLIDWORKS model

Flexible SOLIDWORKS training

TriMech’s corporate training is easy for clients because it’s one order, one purchase, yet includes 20 or more flex training days that can be used by any employee, in any location, to attend publicly offered in-person or live online courses.

Some Baylis designers take advantage of SOLIDWORKS Essentials training, to get better acquainted with the software. Others, like Doran, take advanced courses in SOLIDWORKS Simulation, SOLIDWORKS Drawings, and SOLIDWORKS Advanced Part Modeling.

“TriMech has a huge list of public courses to choose from. It just depends on who is looking for training at the time and how much experience they have.”

Doran adds that the flexibility in scheduling is helpful because they can send just one or two people, instead of managing the downtime that comes with having 40 people training at one time. He also likes the half-day online options because trainees can keep up with their regular work.

Growing in popularity

Baylis is on its third year of investing in TriMech’s corporate training days. In 2020, they chose 20 days; in 2021, they increased to 35.

As the engineers started taking courses, first discovering how easy it was for them to choose a course and get approval quickly, then experiencing the quality of instructors and course content, demand began to increase. Plus, the overall team continues to grow, with new talent arriving.

“There are many ways training makes us better,” Doran said. “Mainly it’s learning best practices to do CAD properly and getting comfortable with any new features. We always want to create 3D models quickly, iterate quickly, make a better product, and get to market faster.”

Even for an experienced user like Doran, there’s always more to learn.

“CAD is time consuming by nature. I make a note of all the shortcuts so I get more efficient. I also like practising on a real case. I’m a visual learner who learns by doing.”

Baylis came to TriMech from another provider several years ago and Doran said he enjoys SOLIDWORKS flexible training and working with the people at TriMech. “TriMech has great customer service. The instructors are friendly and knowledgeable, and they answer your questions live. They send training manuals beforehand so you can prepare or look up content afterward, and the courses are thorough and in depth.”

3D printing aids medical product development

Baylis also has four Stratasys Polyjet 3D printers, which the team uses during product development to make prototypes and test designs. It’s another reason why knowing the ins and outs of SOLIDWORKS is so important – designing properly for additive manufacturing.

Doran Avivi with their Stratasys 3D Printer – an Objet30 Pro

Baylis Medical Investing in people

Baylis is serious about investing in its people through professional development, and managers all have development plans for their team members.

“Baylis recognizes that the growth of the company depends on the growth of the employees,” Doran said.

Baylis is online at baylismedical.com.

TriMech’s public training schedule includes courses in design, simulation, data management, CAM, electrical, and communication. Learn more about our training and consulting solutions.

Feature Walters is a company within Walters Group, a network of companies that provides construction engineering, detailing, fabrication, finishing, delivery, and construction. Feature Walters specializes in the unique elements that define the best in architectural design – the most eye catching and memorable structures. Based in southern Ontario, Feature Walters takes on projects ranging from public art to floating staircases to building facades. It’s a one-stop shop, including manufacturing facilities, a large architectural detailing department, and installation services.

ICE Building Stairs

One of the lead designers is Grant Mattis. Starting with the creative vision of the architects and engineers, Grant and the other designers make sure the end-product is structurally sound and can be installed successfully, often in small pieces in already finished spaces.

Feature Walters chooses SOLIDWORKS® 3D CAD software to create 3D models and drawings of custom architectural features. Every day, the designers work with large assemblies and drawings with complex sections and intricate details. In the past, while working on these complicated designs, Grant says the team experienced slowdowns, causing frustration and gaps in productivity.

“I’d come in to work, open a model, go get a coffee, and chat with a co-worker, and by the time I got back to my desk, the model might be ready to work on.”

— Grant Mattis, Lead Designer, Feature Walters

Opening a model, maybe once or twice a day, was one challenge, usually hanging up a workstation for 10 to 15 minutes. Slowdowns also occurred when regenerating and updating files, which happened many times a day. Even clicking on a line or changing a dimension could cause a delay of a few minutes.

“I knew there must be a way to make things better,” Grant says. “We weren’t operating as efficiently as we could be, and we needed to get someone in to help us figure this out.”

Spending a day in the nitty gritty

Grant turned to TriMech, known for its expertise in SOLIDWORKS and focus on training and support. TriMech’s Alin Vargatu visited Feature Walters for a full day SOLIDWORKS Training Assessment to understand the design team’s day-to-day work and challenges.

“The consulting day clinched it,” Grant says. “Alin spent the day in the nitty gritty of what we do, how we do it, and why we do it that way. We immediately saw improvements and got a bunch of new ideas. It was good to have someone in who knows SOLIDWORKS thoroughly, including all the available improvements that have been made to the software over the years.” Recommendations from TriMech included getting Grant’s team signed up for three days of private, custom training sessions, delivered by Alin on site at Feature Walters.

Grant Mattis with a SOLIDWORKS Large Assembly

During training, Alin encouraged Grant’s team to try detached drawings. They had tried using the feature before, but didn’t find it any faster.

“Alin encouraged us to try again,” Grant says. “We learned that the trick is to close the primary model before opening the detached drawing. With that we turned a 20-minute wait into only 30 seconds. We used to click on a line in a drawing and watch the cursor spin. Today, it reacts in a fraction of a second. Those time savings add up over a day, a week, or a year.”

Creating faster

Grant’s team also learned improved methods for inserting, defining, building, and editing components in context. It means they are now creating components faster and using fewer mates and in-context relations, as well as reducing rebuild times and the need to continually update drawing views.

The biggest impact of these improvements? Grant says it’s the positive effects on people. “When we had frustrating slowdowns, we would go home feeling defeated, as if our workstations couldn’t keep up with us.”

Today, the team appreciates their company’s investment in their development, is better focused, gets projects done faster, and meets deadlines. Grant posted in the SOLIDWORKS forums to share his experience, writing “before we started using detached drawings, we would be lucky to get two single-page customer drawings complete in a day of work and it was nearly impossible to give accurate timelines to management.”

Encouraging others to find ways to improve

Grant has since been inspired to partner with Alin to study the SOLIDWORKS drawings environment and how to work efficiently with very large drawings. The two have applied to present their findings at SOLIDWORKS World 2018. Grant also has some advice for others considering getting outside help with SOLIDWORKS.

“It might take a little time to get buy-in. You have to communicate the need, show that you can do even better, and get someone skilled in to help you. Feature Walters is fantastic for investing in people and helping them excel in their role. Just show it needs to happen then make it happen.”

Feature Walters Creations

Two massive curved plates of steel finished in stunning red automotive paint, viewable from the ground or from a walkway connecting two towers in central Toronto.

Approaching Red Sculpture

Conceived by artist Maha Mustafa and executed by Feature Walters, this public art instantly became a flagship piece in the already impressive holdings of Concord CityPlace, Toronto, ON

Conrad Hotel Veil Sculpture

Part light fixture, part sculpture, the Veil installation at the Conrad Hotel in New York City wraps an incredible engineering feat in an exoskeleton of grace and beauty. Inspired by other architectural features within this luxury hotel, the upper and lower sections of the Veil are connected by 16 miles of glowing cables, creating an awe-inspiring, unforgettable visual tableau for visitors.

Louis Vuitton Florida Façade and Architectural Stairs (Miami)

A signature steel-and-wood staircase and an external facade for a flagship Louis Vuitton location, designed and constructed to look beautiful even after a hurricane.

National Music Centre – Studio Bell

Studio Bell, home of the National Music Centre (NMC), is not only unique in Canada in terms of collections and programming, but it is also Calgary’s first national cultural institution. The NMC provides the nation with another architectural landmark that will draw music lovers and design buffs from around the world. The building opened in 2016, and has been cited to be a catalyst for an urban neighbourhood that’s been rebranded as the East Village.

Check out all the fascinating Feature Walters projects online at the Walters Group website.