Tractair Accelerates Brake System Development with SolidWorks
3D CAD software lets U.K. firm compete with engineering departments 50 times its size
to develop air brake systems for John Deere, Massey Ferguson, and Case
CONCORD, Mass., Aug. 27, 2007 - Tractair, Ltd. is using SolidWorks® 3D CAD software to design the air and hydraulic brakes that farmers, construction workers, and others driving heavy duty tractors and off-road vehicles rely on to stop quickly and safely. Tractair's brake systems enable customers to safely operate larger equipment carrying heavier loads at faster speeds than ever before.
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Based in Brough, U.K., Tractair has spearheaded development of air brake systems which - unlike traditional hydraulic systems - deliver finely controlled, powerful stopping capabilities for both the tractor and the trailer for the bigger loads customers pull today. The company standardized on SolidWorks software to speed up the design and development process.
"We're working with engineering departments 50 times our size," said Tractair Managing Director David Constantine. "SolidWorks levels the playing field because its table-driven format gives us repeatable designs that we can quickly modify to meet specific customer needs and design better products. That's huge when you're designing brake systems to fit on tractors for John Deere, New Holland, and Massey Ferguson."
SolidWorks allows Tractair to send customized brake system models to customers in the CAD format of their choice. That flexibility, coupled with time-saving features such as physical simulation, streamlined large assembly design, and automated bill of materials creation and updating help Constantine and his team reduce overall development cycles, costs, and time to delivery. This productivity has played a key role in the company's 75 percent growth in the past five years.
"Stopping a 40-ton load traveling 50 kilometers per hour is not a simple task," said SolidWorks Marketing Manager, Europe Simon Booker. "Tractair has an impressive list of globally recognized customers precisely because it has developed an efficient braking system capable of such demands - even as customers continue to push the limits of weight, velocity, and size."
Tractair relies on authorized SolidWorks reseller CADConnect for ongoing software training, implementation, and support.
About Tractair, Ltd.
Tractair Ltd. designs, manufactures and installs air and hydraulic brake systems for special applications.
The company is design led, and works closely with the design engineers of major international tractor manufacturers and other OEMs to ensure that the braking systems are fully integrated. The company has been closely involved in the development of air brakes for agricultural and other off-road vehicles since 1985 and continues to adapt available technologies to meet the demands of increasing loads and speeds handled by agricultural and construction vehicles both on and off the highway. For more information, visit the Web site (www.tractair.co.uk).
About CADConnect
CADConnect is a supplier of 3D design and engineering solutions based in the North of England. It provides manufacturing and design companies with 3D design automation solutions based on SolidWorks software. By providing a knowledgeable pre- and post-sales and support team, it enables customers to successfully implement SolidWorks, enhancing their ability to compete, collaborate, shorten product development cycle times, and grow their business. For more information, visit the Web site (www.CADConnect.co.uk).
About SolidWorks Corporation
SolidWorks Corporation, a Dassault Systemes S.A. (Nasdaq: DASTY, Euronext Paris: #13065, DSY.PA) company, develops and markets software for design, analysis, and product data management. It is the leading supplier of 3D CAD technology, giving teams intuitive, high-performing software that helps them design better products. For the latest news, information, or an online demonstration, visit the company's Web site (www.solidworks.com) or call 1-800-693-9000 (outside of North America, call +1-978-371-5000).
SolidWorks is a registered trademarks of SolidWorks Corporation. Other brand and product names are trademarks of their respective owners. Copyright (c) 2007 SolidWorks Corporation.
