In Miven’s 20+-year history as a provider of CNC machines, customers’ demands have forced the company to develop its machines within shorter and shorter timeframes. It was the need to work faster while maintaining its reputation for quality that led Miven to upgrade its design process. The company had been using 2D AutoCAD, and had nearly 15 years worth of legacy AutoCAD data it didn’t want to lose, so that was a consideration in choosing the new software. Also, designers were comfortable with the 2D process, so ease of use was another important requirement.

After evaluating the options, Miven chose the Solid Edge® design solution from Siemens PLM Software. Along with the purchase of the software, the company undertook a phased implementation process that included upgrades to existing PCs, training for the design team, converting the 2D AutoCAD drawings to 3D solid models and integrating Solid Edge with the company’s ERP system. Miven enlisted the services of the local Siemens reseller, DeSys, for technical support, software and hardware upgrades. This support has been excellent.

Following the implementation phase, which was completed in three months, all new designs have been generated as 3D solid models in Solid Edge. Designers adapted easily to the new process. In fact, the company has found that Solid Edge’s ease of use stimulates their creativity. Also, they can now simulate product performance early in the design phase by performing finite element analysis and motion analysis on Solid Edge models. This helps them optimize their designs. In addition, rapid prototypes created from Solid Edge models save time and money downstream by eliminating rejection and rework.

New designs can be visualized much better now, using exploded views, section views, transparent views, shaded views and so on. This has been extremely helpful in avoiding interferences and establishing accurate dimensions (including tolerances). Another benefit is that drawings and bills of material created from solid models are highly accurate. It is also easier to create maintenance manuals now that exploded views and section views are available from the Solid Edge virtual assemblies.

The more advanced, Solid Edge-based design process benefits Miven in a number of ways.“Solid Edge has totally changed our design vision and transformed our design methodology,” says A.R. Menon, the company’s executive director. “It has reduced the time to develop a quality machine considerably. We are now very confident of delivering quality products at competitive prices.” With Solid Edge, Miven has seen time savings in the areas of design, procurement and manufacturing. As the company’s managing director, Vikram Sirur, concludes,“Solid Edge is helping us meet customers’ requirements in terms of quality, delivery and product performance.”