Success Story: TopSolid by Rabumeca

Success Story: TopSolid by Rabumeca

20 Mar 2023 | CAD/CAM

Based in the Ain region of France, Rabumeca designs and manufactures welded assemblies in steel, stainless steel, and aluminum for various sectors. Founded in 1989, the company boasts many years of experience in its field, which earned it the “quality, cost, delivery” award from ArcelorMittal in 2013. Since 2020, Rabumeca has been integrating TopSolid’Design software into its design process—interview with Sébastien Bridet, Rabumeca’s Managing Director.

Experience, know-how, and commitment: the recipe for a successful company

Backed by over twenty years of experience, Rabumeca has gradually expanded into the food, pharmaceutical, steel, and environmental sectors. Today, it employs 20 people and expects sales of 2.7 million euros in 2021. At the heart of the company’s project is the determination to offer quality services within set deadlines and the desire to establish a relationship of trust with its customers and business partners.

Rabumeca’s deployment in various industrial sectors has enabled the company’s employees to develop a wide range of technical skills. Over the years, the company managed by Sébastien Bridet has also expanded its expertise through a policy of investment aimed at improving equipment reliability and performance. The collaboration with TOPSOLID came naturally.

Rabumeca and TOPSOLID: A Recent History

In need of new CAD software to boost productivity, Rabumeca launched a call for tenders in 2020. For the company, the choice of TOPSOLID was obvious: “We chose TopSolid because they were the only ones who understood us and listened to our needs. The people we spoke to were experts in their field, and they knew how to adapt their design software to our manufacturing process“, says Sébastien Bridet.

In application, employees use TopSolid’Design to launch manufacturing and design products for special machines. Nicolas Laibe, project manager at Rabumeca, describes the process in detail: “I use TopSolid’Design to retrieve 3D files from customers and provide the technical information required for the project. I use the sheet metal and tube recognition modules to obtain the documents required for manufacturing. In this way, the software enables him to construct “everything from laser flattening to bending sheets, assembly drawings for sub-assemblies, and assembly drawings with all the corresponding bills of materials.”

TopSolid’Design supports Rabumeca’s development.

Specialized CAD/CAM software, TopSolid’Design efficiently supports Rabumeca’s projects. An accurate productivity tool, the teams particularly appreciate its ease of use.

Support throughout the entire process

In TOPSOLID, Rabumeca found a pedagogical partner who was able to guide the company’s employees through the software: “We had a 6-day TopSolid’Design training course at TOPSOLID headquarters, and we had a specific training course on our premises, adapted to our needs“, explains Sébastien Bridget. In his opinion, the quality of the support staff made the difference: “We found people who were able to respond to our needs and questions daily and who were able to support us throughout the implementation of the software.

Ease of use

For project managers, TopSolid’Design represents an added value to design, mainly ease of use. Nicolas Laibe explains: “I find TopSolid’Design very easy to use; it helps us have the right documents. It’s logical and clear, with the right icons and functions. It’s very similar to what we use in the workshop.

Productivity gains

More generally, TopSolid’Design has given the company a real boost in productivity. With over a year’s hindsight, Rabumeca’s managing director comments: “TopSolid has enabled us to automate all the tasks we used to do manually. The working documents saved us enormous time when we launched our processes. According to him, the productivity gains achieved by the company thanks to the software are far from negligible: “We estimate that we have gained around 30% in productivity in the methods department“, he asserts.

The range of CAD, CAM, ERP and PDM TopSolid solutions

Development prospects are closely linked to TOPSOLID.

Rabumeca’s objective for the near future is to develop its functionalities to meet its customers’ needs even more effectively. Sébastien Bridget wishes to integrate TopSolid’s quotation module into his organization. By setting up facilitating systems, this module makes obtaining a result close to workshop reality possible via a 2D or 3D part drawing. Proud of their achievements, TOPSOLID will again be delighted to support them in this process!

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Success Story: TopSolid by Structa

Success Story: TopSolid by Structa

20 Mar 2023 | Wood

Structa is a 6500 square-foot workshop situated in the heart of the Drôme region, specializing in custom-made furnishings. Since 1981, the company has dedicated its expertise to designing and manufacturing furniture tailored to its customers’ needs. In 2006, they integrated TopSolid’Wood software into its design process to optimize it.

In this interview, we talk with Christian Salomon, CEO of Structa, whom TOPSOLID proudly supports in his projects.

Structa core values: collaboration, transparency, and proximity

Structa is a layout company with around forty staff members, specialized in creating bespoke furniture and fittings for offices, residences, and hotels. The company’s philosophy centers around creative teamwork to best meet customer requirements. Projects are developed collaboratively with the customer from start to finish. Their latest innovation is the design of the Blabla-Cube, a self-contained acoustic pod, designed to create an ideal environment for quiet work.

 

Structa can boast of having strong values such as networked organization, transparency at all levels, and a commitment to local projects, all underpinned by over four decades of experience. Christian Salomon explains: “We are dedicated to use locally sourced materials. This principle extends to our software choices as well. TOPSOLID is an excellent example: it’s a French software company, based in the Rhône-Alpes region, aligning perfectly with our preference for collaborating with local businesses”.

Structa and CAD/CAM

From design to installation, Structa has consistently upheld its commitment to delivering quality work, leveraging the latest technological innovations in the industry. Since the purchase of its first license in 2006, members of the project and product design departments have been working with TopSolid’Wood software to optimize furniture design and assembly. Fifteen years later, the company, still under the guidance of Christophe Cutillas, a TopSolid’Wood business engineer, has not changed its mind. Christian Salomon cheerfully remarks: “We started with them, and we’re still with them today”.

TopSolid, an added value for Structa’s business

The TopSolid’Wood solution delivers substantial benefits to various Structa departments, from design to production.

Real-time updates for the design office

The members of the design office responsible for designing, cutting, and programming the machines, use TopSolid to manage the export of their projects. The associative solution guarantees that any modification to a project item automatically updates the associated data. “The advantage of TopSolid’Wood is that when you modify something on the original 3D model, our software’s associativity enables real-time alterations and updates in the project.” explains Thomas Levignac, Structa’s design manager. This will undoubtedly enhance the company’s productivity.

Time-saving and increased autonomy in production

The benefits of TopSolid are also visible on the production side. “By using TopSolid in the Production department, we are much more autonomous, we achieve significant time savings when searching for information since the software contains almost all the necessary data” testifies Pierre Vessely, the company’s assembly coordinator. TopSolid facilitates a strong connection between the design and production departments. For example, the software enables fitters to understand in detail the design of a product so that they can assemble it faster and independently.

A major advantage for recruitment

TopSolid also has a role to play in recruitment. “At Structa, we have a lot of apprentices and work-study students” explains Christophe Salomon. “TOPSOLID provides us with temporary licenses for them and more and more newcomers already know TopSolid. It is a huge time saver.”

The range of CAD, CAM, ERP and PDM TopSolid solutions

International development possibilities

Structa has been booming for several years and plans to expand internationally. This is what its CEO hopes: “We will probably set up industrial units abroad to get closer to our foreign customers.”

Structa will logically form a partnership with TOPSOLID to deploy these new industrial units. We look forward to contributing to this exciting project!

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Métallerie Serrurerie Kopko: the customized parts expert who trust TopSolid’Steel

Métallerie Serrurerie Kopko: the customized parts expert who trust TopSolid’Steel

2 Feb 2023 | Steel

Founded in 2017 in Reims, Métallerie Serrurerie Kopko, also known as MSK, deploys its know-how and expertise in creating custom metal structures. Glass roofs, staircases, gates, metal doors and joinery, made-to-measure furniture, glass floors, and ceilings… MSK aims to enhance various spaces with distinctive elements, whether it’s an entrance hall, walkway, or contemporary furniture. From feasibility studies to 3D design and manufacturing, MSK relies on TopSolid’Steel to comprehensively fulfill its customers’ requirements. Let’s focus on this successful collaboration.

Métallerie serrurerie Kopko: exceptional craftsmanship in fine metalwork

Specializing in designing and manufacturing complex metal structures, MSK provides aesthetic and customized solutions. MSK’s core principle is to fully align with the desires of its professional and private customers, bringing their projects to life exactly as envisioned. While the company’s main products are interior and exterior glass and steel joinery, it also creates a wide range of staircases and ornamental metalwork. Passion, attention to detail, and the pursuit of perfection guide every stage of work in the workshop, where teams combine traditional craftsmanship with contemporary techniques.

Métallerie Serrurerie Kopko’s work covers the full range of metalwork. This includes ironwork for architectural embellishments like railings, grilles, art pieces, and design objects as well as locksmithing for various locking devices.

These different specialties enables the company to work on metal joinery and complex structures, often combining metal with other materials such as glass. Whether it is steel, bronze, brass, stainless steel, or other materials, MSK has developed proficiency in working with a wide range of materials, with an infinite variety of textures, patinas, and finishes, to meet our customers’ every need.

The range of CAD, CAM, ERP and PDM TopSolid solutions

Today, the company has 6 employees. MSK’s customers are 60% private individuals and 40% professionals. Often accompanied by interior designers, private customers seek unique pieces to enhance their interiors. At the same time, businesses see MSK’s work as a powerful communication tool to differentiate their offices or high-traffic areas. “Regarding professional customers, we have champagne houses and stores like Ikea and Vinci. We’ve also worked on projects abroad, notably in Barcelona and Tokyo, where we produced lanterns for a restaurant”, explains Kévin Kopko, 30 y.o., founder of MSK.

The only limit to MSK’s projects is their clients’ imagination. To answers to this wide variety of projects, MSK needed CAD software that would allow them to bring any project to life. That’s why Métallerie Serrurerie Kopko adopted TopSolid’Steel in November 2020.

How does MSK saves time with TopSolid’Steel?

“I chose TopSolid because I know that it offers limitless possibilities to create anything you want with this software” says the MSK manager. He designs staircases, skylights, glass floors, and other custom projects using the software. What does Kévin Kopko like best?

The time saved, thanks to TopSolid’Steel. He particularly likes the component library and its wide range of profiles: Jansen, for example, or everything about screws from Würth.

TopSolid’Steel has plenty of useful features: “When we design our staircases, we use family components. “We’ve created several types of steps: wood, metal, and glass. We just have to import them when we design our staircases, and they are automatically parameterized during the design phase” explains Kévin Kopko.

TopSolid’Steel’s unrivaled CAD software also provided MSK’s customers with an unmatched level of  immersion. They can enjoy realistic renderings and the ability to place 3D structures in photos. Kévin Kopko emphasizes: “The Realistic 3D rendering in TopSolid has already enabled us to close deals! This feature simplifies the presentation of projects to customers, making it much more intuitive and user-friendly”.

 

MSK and TopSolid: a continued and successful partnership

Kevin Kopko first attended a TOPSOLID training session to learn how to use the software. Then a TOPSOLID technician spent 2 days at the MSK premises. During this methodological training, he offered practical solutions to address the problems encountered by the users.

 

After 2 years using TopSolid Steel, MSK is still very satisfied. “With TopSolid’Steel, I can design a part more quickly” says Kevin Kopko. “Moreover, TopSolid’Steel is fun to use, and facilitates communication with subcontractors, such as laserists. I’m particularly satisfied with Arthur’s great availability, the TOPSOLID sales representative for our sector”.

Métallerie Serrurerie Kopko also values the availability of the hotline. The teams know that if an issue arise, they can promptly reach a qualified person on the phone and get assistance.

In the future, MSK intends to invest in new premises to accommodate the installation of new laser-cutting machines, which could be operated using TopSolid modules.

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Mechanical engineering: making a successful digital transition today to better meet tomorrow’s productivity objectives [WHITE PAPER]

Mechanical engineering: making a successful digital transition today to better meet tomorrow’s productivity objectives [WHITE PAPER]

6 Jul 2022 | CAD/CAM, ERP, PDM

Industry 4.0, through the digital transition and the adoption of new technologies, is the main challenge for mechanical industries. Robotization, implementation of management systems, simulation, digital twins, production management, workshop management, Cloud computing… In the coming decade, all companies in the sector will have to implement one or more of these technologies. However, for these technologies to be truly effective, they must communicate.

Computer-aided design and manufacturing (CAD/CAM) software, enterprise resource planning (ERP) software, manufacturing execution system (MES), product lifecycle management (PLM) software, workshop management systems, etc. Once equipped, the challenge for companies will be to make all these systems interoperable to ensure digital continuity, from design to production.

How is the digital transition changing the world of industry? What are the requirements for a communicating CAD/CAM and management software? What are the advantages of an integrated digital solution for the mechanical industry?

This white paper aims to help you adopt the right strategy for integrating CAD/CAM, ERP, MES, PLM tools, etc., to make your company’s digital transition successful. 

Follow the guide!

Making tool management simple – Is it possible?

Making tool management simple – Is it possible?

7 Apr 2022 | CAD, CAD/CAM, CAM, CAD

If producing machined parts for your manufacturing tools is a complex process, should the system that is supposed to make it more efficient be a “necessary evil”? Considering the cost of stopping production because a part is missing from the tool magazine, the necessity of a good tool management system seems obvious, but it does not have to be complicated as it should be designed to make your processes more efficient and safer. Here is how.

1) “Tool Management”: what do we mean by that?

Tool management encompasses physical tool management in a workshop as well as all the technical data attached to each tool and component used in your manufacturing process. This is usually handled by a dedicated software designed to assist machine parts manufacturing by automatically loading technical data into the CAD/CAM system as well as managing tools’ and components’ physical inventory.

Tool management becomes even more important when considering next-generation CAD/CAM software. Based on 3D modeling, machine kinematics, advanced simulation and many other tools needed to create high-precision machined parts, a lot of data is generated to ensure that the products coming off your assembly lines are of the highest quality.

This data needs to be accurate, up-to-date, available, and ready to be retrieved. This way, you avoid inaccuracies and save time and money in the overall process, which also means improving profits.

2) Challenges that come with tool management

Since tools and components for manufacturing processes are a very large and complex topic, one of the biggest challenges is the interface to get the 3D data into the CAD/CAM application. Indeed, in addition to the 3D graphic, a tool also contains many parameters and functions in space that form the basis of the toolpath algorithm in CAM. If there is a single faulty parameter, the operation in CAM is invalid and cannot be generated.

Another challenge is that most of the available solutions on the market only work by pure database application, which means that you only get a graphic view (and not a 3D visualization) of the part to be produced. This makes it confusing and complicated to use, especially for occasional users. Most of these solutions do not facilitate 3D data management or even offer a functional interface for CAM applications.

3) The benefits of a good tool management solution

If all the data for each tool and component are centrally managed, any information can be retrieved at any time and from anywhere in the company. In addition, good tool management ensures that all references and back references are stored, not only for transmission to the CAM system, but also for all existing NC programs. This allows you to better plan for new programs as well as improve change management.

A good tool management solution also provides you with a real time picture of your tool magazine on the shop floor, allowing you to directly synchronize your machine magazine with your CAM environment. Therefore, by centralizing production data, you can optimize your workshop organization and increase overall productivity by:

·       Reducing machine set-up lead time

·       Improving traceability of program modifications

·       Providing precise tool location

·       Monitoring the use and wear of tools

4) Advice for beginners

If you are thinking about implementing a tool management system, you should look for a solution that will help you to efficiently manage your tool components, your assembled tools, their life cycle, and is running on a single data source that is always easily and readily accessible. But above all, it should be adapted to your activity!

The tool management solution you consider should be able to adapt to your existing processes, workflows, and growth strategy by being completely modular and scalable. Think big in order to be able to implement additional modules in the future!

You should also be able to build on your existing NC data. As you are not starting from scratch, your tool management solution should automatically take into account your existing data in an intelligent way. Indeed, you cannot afford to stop production while you fill in and set up the database. The system must be able to connect existing data, learn and expand while using it, and integrate it step by step.

5) Why TopSolid’ShopFloor can answer your needs in terms of tool management

What makes TopSolid really unique on the market is that there is no interface between the tool management system and the CAM application. TopSolid’ShopFloor is a product that is completely based on TopSolid’PDM as are all TopSolid solutions. Thus, components and tools are controlled by revision, oriented towards properties and BOMs like a “standard” part or assembly and are fully associable with all modules available in TopSolid (CAM, Design, Draft, …).

To easily create components and assemblies, TopSolid provides libraries to create your own components from fully parameterized ISO 13399 models. Of course, you can also import and use supplier data. TopSolid’ShopFloor supports all data, even data from other tool management systems.

Searching for components and creating assemblies are simple and can be managed via TopSolid’ShopFloor Tool Manager. The fully graphical drag and drop assembly process is very user friendly and is a great help in daily activities.

In other words, a system that:

  • has no interface
  • does not translate or transform any data to create the toolpath
  • builds the data source on the TopSolid core

We can 100% guarantee that a tool defined in the TopSolid environment is functional throughout the process, from CAM to presetting and machining.

TOPSOLID is a leading CAD/CAM software company in the world. With more than 35 years of experience, we are able to offer fully integrated CAD/CAM solutions adapted to your industry, whether it is in mechanics (machines, tools, etc.), sheet metal or wood industry. Wherever a machine interacts with the material to be machined, whether to shape or produce a part, we have an adapted, innovative, and unique solution. To learn more, contact us!

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