8 September 2010
The achievement of sequential data use from design to manufacturing was a critical factor in the choice of TopSolid.
| Name | Matsudadenki Co., Ltd |
| Address | KODAMA Corporation Ltd. |
| Phone | 045-949-1331 |
| Web Site | |
| TopSolid seats | 6 TopSolid’Design 2 TopSolid’Mold 1 TopSolid’Cam 1 TopSolid’Wire |
Sequential use of data changed Matsudadenki’s manufacturing process
Founded in 1946, Matsudadenki began press work in 1948 for automobile switch parts as an outsourcing plant for Tokai Rika Co., Ltd. “We will lead the way in the global market with our quality” is Matsudadenki’s slogan, and accordingly they provide quality assured products supported by its worldly renowned quality management system and product engineering skills for clients worldwide. Company headquarters are located in the Aichi Prefecture of Japan. Employing 330 employees; the company recorded sales figures of 15.18 billion yen(in the first quarter of 2004)
The TopSolid CAD/CAM integrated series is used in the in-house production of dies
Matsudadenki produces various types of switches for automobiles such as hazard lamps and audio devices. The Japanese company does everything from mold design to quality assurance of the final product (Including such processes as two color formation, hoop formation, tampo (pad) printing and pressed parts.) It offers a complete production system starting from mold design to the manufacture of finished products. Matsudadenki ensures that each department of the company, from the operation design to product delivery, works very closely together to ensure smooth production and shortened lead times. In 1989 Matsudadenki set up a mold unit to start in house production of molds, which they had been outsourcing until then. Today, Matsudadenki creates 2 molds per month, which weigh from 20 to 100 tons, and constantly reworks existing molds and fixtures. TopSolid is fully operational in the design and production of these molds and jigs.
The achievement of sequential data use from design to manufacturing was a critical factor in the choice of TopSolid
Before installing the TopSolid series, Matsudadenki used 3 seats of 2D CAD for design and 1 high end 3D CAD/CAM for creating ISO data (manufacturing). The 3D CAD/CAM functionalities were, however, very poor, and did not satisfy Matsudadenki’s requirements. Furthermore, the cost of using 2 software systems (maintenance for 2 software packages notably) encouraged the Japanese company to look for a new software.
Matsudadenki began to review several new 3D CAD systems including TopSolid. “I called several CAD vendors in an effort to move our designing operations to 3D. KODAMA Corporation responded very promptly to us with a very interesting software package,” recalls Mr. Hayashi, manager for the mold section in the Engineering Department.
The main reason Matsudadenki decided to opt for the TopSolid series was its sequential use of data from design to manufacturing, a unique characteristic of a fully integrated CAD/CAM software. This means that while making a product model, the company can quickly generate the machining and assembly drawings from the 3D mold design. Furthermore, by passing this data on to the machining division the ISO code can very easily be generated for machining.
“TopSolid was able to meet our high expectations which stem from our goal to reduce lead times and increase efficiency through 3D design,” says Mr. Hayashi.
Today, TopSolid is installed not only in the designing division, but also in the machining sites as well. Matsudadenki has built up a system in which the designing data created by the designing division is used as it is and is automatically transformed into ISO code to machine products.
The link between the 3D model and 2D drawings enables easy creation of drawings and BOMs
One of the characteristics of the TopSolid integrated CAD/CAM series is the link between 3D models and 2D drawings. For Matsudadenki this was a key factor in the choice of TopSolid. “From a created 3D mold model, you can easily create drawings and BOMs needed for machining and preparations,” recounts Mr. Ito from the designing section of the Engineering Department. Matsudadenki is equipped with 6 TopSolid’Design, 2 TopSolid’Mold, 1 TopSolid’Cam and 1 TopSolid’Wire.
Need more information
