engatech

TULSA, Okla.  (date, 2008) – When McElroy Manufacturing Inc., (MMI) encountered difficulties modeling curved, ergonomic enclosures with their current CAD system; they knew it was time to move forward to SolidWorks 3D CAD software.

Respected worldwide for their polyethylene fusion equipment and fintube machinery, MMI chose EngATech, award-winning 3D product design experts, to upgrade their department to SolidWorks 3D CAD software, and reduce their time to market.

"In McElroy's business, time to market is critical," said Clay Slaton, General Manager at EngATech. "They needed to move an idea from design to manufacturing, as quickly as possible. With EngATech’s local training, support and consulting services, we are able to continually decrease this time."

EngATech demonstrated SolidWorks 3D CAD software techniques to model a fiberglass enclosure for McElroy. "He did a wonderful job," said Tim Thoman, project engineer and CAD manager for McElroy. "We bought one seat (of SolidWorks) just to do curvy fiberglass housings and injection molded electronics enclosures.

"It went so well that the other engineers liked it and wanted to try it. So we got SolidWorks training for all the engineers and bought them all seats."

After the engineers had been trained in the use of SolidWorks, McElroy had EngATech come back out to conduct customized training for the draftsmen.  EngATech continually stepped them up through more and more efficient product development techniques.

"It grew from one seat to where our entire department uses SolidWorks now,” said Thoman.

"The engineers really like it. It's a good modeling tool. And we really like the SolidWorks eDrawings for sharing the design externally with people – SolidWorks eDrawings is a very powerful tool where people can view the design on their computer even if they don't have SolidWorks."

To help ease the learning curve for their SolidWorks 3D CAD software, McElroy utilized EngATech's support services via phone, email, and remote viewing.  EngATech support can solve problems quickly via remote viewing.

"Engatech's always helpful," said Thoman. "They show us how to use it (SolidWorks) ‘properly’."

In addition to on-site installation updates, EngATech hosts local events that showcase the latest SolidWorks 3D CAD software enhancements every year in both Tulsa and Oklahoma City.

"I like that they have the yearly rollout to show us the new software for the year," said Thoman.

EngATech's dedication and SolidWorks 3D CAD software knowledge impressed Thoman. "They're very enthusiastic and knowledgeable. They're a great asset," he said.

About the Company
Engatech was founded as one of the first SolidWorks providers in the Mid South Region, and has become the Select Value Added Provider for a number of solutions and services for the design, manufacturing and educational industries