Training tomorrow’s technicians to use today’s tools

Training tomorrow’s technicians to use today’s tools

19 May 2026 | CAD, CAD/CAM, General, Steel

At TOPSOLID, our commitment to the education sector goes beyond simply providing software licenses. It is a deeply held belief: A French industrial software company has a responsibility to support those who are training the technicians and engineers of tomorrow.

To better understand this philosophy and learn how it plays out in practice, we spoke with Vincent Vogel, TOPSOLID’s Sales Manager for Education, who has been working for several years to build lasting relationships between the software company and educational institutions.

An educational commitment rooted in the company’s history

For a long time, the relationship between TOPSOLID and the education sector was based more on individual initiative than on a structured strategy. It was in the 2000s that a position dedicated to education was created within the company—a strong signal from a software publisher that viewed training as a strategic priority in its own right.

The reasons are both pragmatic and philosophical. Pragmatic, because learners who have been trained to use a particular tool naturally tend to stick with it when they enter the workforce. Philosophical, because TOPSOLID is one of the few software companies CAD/CAM to develop all of its solutions in France.

“We are a French publisher, developed in France, with a very French approach,” explains Vincent Vogel. “We have a real responsibility to be present in schools and to support both teachers and students.”

Today, more than 500 institutions in France are part of the TOPSOLID network, covering a wide range of educational needs—from vocational high schools to university technology institutes (IUTs), including HND programs and engineering schools.

See also – Recruitment in Industry: Attracting Young Talent Through Innovative Production Tools

The Driving Simulator: When an Educational Project Becomes a Collective Adventure

Every year, TOPSOLID strives to produce a feature highlighting a project created by students using its software. Following a prosthetic hand and a wooden guitar exhibited at Eurobois, this year’s project is a dynamic driving simulator that was selected for this new edition… and the project far exceeded initial expectations.

The Beginning: A Meeting, a Vision

It all began with a visit to Monge High School in Chambéry, a comprehensive high school that offers a sheet metal and boilermaking program. Vincent Vogel, a TOPSOLID field representative, met with the teaching staff there and established a connection with Édouard Vaillant High School in Limoges, which had already built its first driving simulator.

The idea then became clear: Why not bring the two schools together for a much more ambitious inter-high-school project and design a new version of the simulator featuring TOPSOLID’s branding?

TOPSOLID from A to Z: From Design to Manufacturing

What makes this project particularly remarkable is that the entire TOPSOLID digital chain was brought into play:

  • Using 3D CAD design, we were able to model every part of the simulator, make corrections to its base, and optimize the assemblies before any physical manufacturing took place.
  • The FAO then took over responsibility for controlling the machine tools and manufacturing the parts.
  • The entire project was centralized and managed through PDM (Product Data Management), ensuring data consistency between the two facilities.

In other words, the students worked exactly like industrial design engineers, with the same constraints, the same tools, and the same level of precision.

A Project That Brings People Together

After months of working in parallel at each high school, a gathering was held on March 18 to assemble the entire simulator for the first time. It was a memorable moment, later capped off by a group painting session that gave the simulator its final look.

The centerpiece was then displayed at the Global Industrie trade show, where it generated remarkable enthusiasm. “We received a lot of feedback from people all over France, not just from the high schools involved,” notes the Education Manager. “Visitors were blown away by the quality of the work.” A designer had offered some aesthetic advice beforehand. The result? The simulator stole the show.

See also – TopSolid’Wood in Education

What the project Really Taught Them

Beyond technical skills, this project gave the students something that traditional education cannot always provide: the pride of working on a real project intended to be showcased to the general public. “The students were excited about the opportunity to work on a real-world project with TOPSOLID that would be showcased at a trade show,” says the Head of Education.

The teachers, too, gave it their all. Motivated by the Global Industrie deadline, they worked twice as hard to stay on schedule—without anyone imposing any deadlines on them. One of them even organized a week-long ski trip… strategically timed just before the visit to Lycée Monge. This friendly balance says a lot about the overall atmosphere of the project.

TopSolid’Academy: A Community for Educators

In addition to its field projects, TOPSOLID launched TopSolid’Academy last September, a platform dedicated exclusively to teachers. The goal: to provide them with a space for educational resources and peer-to-peer exchange.

Specifically, the platform offers:

  • TOPSOLID resources and content available for free (tutorials, course materials, software news),
  • a community for educational exchange where members can share assignments, lesson plans, and feedback.

The numbers speak for themselves: in just a few months, more than 300 teachers have signed up, and the platform has already been downloaded more than 4,000 times. This launch confirms the genuine need for such a space within the teaching community.

A National Competition for IUTs: The Finals in Bordeaux

Another flagship initiative: an internal competition for IUT students in the Mechanical Engineering and Manufacturing Technology (GMP) program, with a focus on CNC machining. More than 70 candidates from across France took part in the selection process for this inaugural edition, and the final will be held on May 21 at the IUT in Bordeaux. A great opportunity for students to test their proficiency with TOPSOLID in a competitive and rewarding setting.

A simple philosophy: the tool should take a back seat to the craft

Ultimately, what guides TOPSOLID’s entire educational approach can be summed up in a statement by its Head of Education: “When we train students for a profession, we aren’t training them to use software.”

Ideally, the tool should be the one that will actually be used in the workplace, and it must be intuitive enough to allow the teacher to remain a professional trainer—not a software trainer. This is precisely the stated intention of TopSolid V7: user-friendly, affordable, widely used in industry, and well-suited for educational purposes.

To address the budgetary constraints faced by educational institutions, TOPSOLID has also established a clear principle: no educational project should be held up by cost considerations.

TOPSOLID Education offers competitive pricing and adapts to the specific needs of each institution to provide tailored solutions while maintaining the necessary support and follow-up, just as it does for industrial clients.

Conclusion: Investing in training means investing in French industry

TOPSOLID’s commitment to education is not just a public relations ploy. It reflects a corporate and social conviction: French software that trains today’s technicians directly contributes to tomorrow’s industrial sovereignty.

The driving simulator developed by Lycée Monge and Édouard Vaillant is the most concrete example of this. When high school students spend months designing, building, and assembling an ambitious project using the same tools as professionals—and capture the imagination of visitors at a major industrial trade show—it makes the entire field more appealing.

“When I talk to young people who tell me they love TOPSOLID, it really makes me happy,” the Education Manager says simply. That one sentence speaks volumes about what truly drives this long-term commitment.

Are you a teacher or an educational administrator looking to equip your school or join TopSolid’Academy? Contact our education team! No project should be held up by budget issues.

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Mecachrome Streamlines Its Shop Floor Workflows with TopSolid’ShopFloor

Mecachrome Streamlines Its Shop Floor Workflows with TopSolid’ShopFloor

25 Aug 2025 | CAM, General, Steel

©Mecachrome

With over 80 years’ experience in high-precision manufacturing, the Mecachrome group has taken its digital transformation to the next level. At its Montauban site in southwest France, integrating TopSolid’ShopFloor has secured NC transfers and significantly improved the traceability of operations. We take a look back at a high added-value project.

A challenging industrial context

The Mecachrome site in Montauban, which specialises in complex turning, is a key player for customers including Airbus, Safran and Thales. Working in build-to-print mode, it combines technical expertise and extremely demanding quality requirements. However, despite the site’s top-level functional expertise, the NC program transfer methods had some weak spots.

Before the project, files were sent via a wifi network, and signal losses, incomplete transfers and doubts about which version was being used were commonplace. Those contingencies had become unacceptable in such a critical environment.

A targeted solution with TopSolid’ShopFloor

As part of its policy of structuring workshop flows, Mecachrome opted for the TopSolid’ShopFloor solution, and more specifically, the Program Manager module. The aim was to secure NC transfers, improve traceability and centralise file management.

“We were looking for a simple, secure solution that would fit seamlessly into our TopSolid environment.”
— Thibaud Luvisutto, Industrialisation Manager

The group selected a tool native to the TopSolid’Cam environment, capable of managing machine-specific access rights, time-stamping every action and tracking all users.

A speedy roll-out, a cultural shift

From a technical standpoint, the project was rolled out in record time: software installation, wiring of the machines, entering of the profile settings, training and so on. It only took a few days to get the system up and running.

However, in terms of use and practices, the change was more significant. For operators, it meant switching from an informal software program to a structured process involving validations and checks. They needed time to get used to the new framework. However, the benefits quickly became apparent.

“It’s a more rigid process, but it’s easy to see the benefits in terms of traceability.”
— Sébastien, NC programmer

Concrete results day after day

NC programs are now centralised and secured, and every transfer is clearly identified. As a result, there are fewer errors, teams are reassured, and it is much easier to analyse incidents and learn from them.

“We now have a real overview of the files sent. We can identify the origin of any anomaly.” — Sébastien, NC programmer

This first step paves the way for more far-reaching digitisation. Mecachrome already plans to explore other modules, such as tool supervision and workshop management.

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

Making the shift to a smart workshop

The Montauban site has achieved a strategic milestone by adopting TopSolid’ShopFloor. This project embodies a modern vision of the workshop: smarter, more structured, yet fully geared to operational performance.

“We can clearly see the potential to go further, without creating any extra work for our teams.” — Thibaud Luvisutto, Industrialisation Manager

You may also enjoy: Discover the new features in the 2025 version of TopSolid’ShopFloor

Want to know more about TopSolid’ShopFloor and its workshop applications?
Try out the free version and/or request a demo now.

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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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TopSolid’Design at the service of Métallerie Letourneau

TopSolid’Design at the service of Métallerie Letourneau

6 May 2019 | CAD, Steel

Métallerie Letourneau company manufactures metalworking for individuals and industries. Equipped with TopSolid’Design since 2015, the company designs all of its productions using the CAD software from the French editor. A software that is perfectly adapted to the needs of the company since it allows it to meet the specific expectations and requirements of each of its customers.

Do you specialize in the construction of metal structures? Are you looking for a software that is both simple and efficient, allowing you to manage numerous projects?

Find out why Métallerie Letourneau chose TopSolid and how it perfectly meets the company’s quality requirements.

 

Métallerie Letourneau, an expert in the manufacture of metal structures

 

Specialized in the production of metal structures, from computer-aided design to installation, Métallerie Letourneau offers customized solutions to manufacturers, architects as well as individuals and communities. The company designs various and varied equipment for the interior design of traditional homes, architects’ houses, industrial premises and local authority buildings.

Founded in 2010 by Simon Letourneau, its current manager, and now made up of a dozen people, the company located in the Burgundy region, manages all types of metalwork manufacturing projects, from the simplest to the most complex.

 

Variety of services offered by Métallerie Letourneau

 

The SME offers a wide range of services, constantly adapted to each of its customers; it builds and installs metal structures intended for the development of their interior and exterior spaces: staircases, gates, doors, railings, pergolas, awnings, glass partitions, etc.

Surrounded by a team of seasoned experts, the young manager in his thirties, creates unique, tailor-made and personalized equipment, integrating various materials (steel, aluminum, stainless steel, etc.). And to provide a turnkey solution and impeccable quality to its customers, the company frequently collaborates with all areas of the building industry. The manager models the different parts in the design department and creates the assemblies, all using the latest version of TopSolid’Design.

Even if the “functional” aspect of their equipment is essential, it undoubtedly has a decorative purpose; as a result, Métallerie Letourneau makes it a point of designing resolutely aesthetic works that will blend in perfectly with their customers’ interior designs and the architecture of the building.

Providing a wide range of services is an asset for the company, but it also represents a real challenge: the engineers must be able to bring to life all the equipment previously imagined for their customers.

 

TopSolid’Design: the ideal software to design large-scale metal structures 

To date, the company uses TopSolid’Design CAD software to design all their parts and assemblies; this software solution allows them to manage all types of projects, from the most classic to the most ambitious; thanks in particular to the large assembly management feature, the company can manage the modeling of very large assemblies.

Before making his choice, the head of the metalworking company analyzed the CAD software market at length. What he was looking for above all, was a simple to use, intuitive software that would allow him to manage all his customers’ projects. He also needed a robust solution with extensive and powerful design along with simulation capabilities.

TopSolid’Design is both simple and very powerful. Its intuitive interface guarantees its users a quick start and easy and optimal use, without unnecessary waste of time. This tool includes an infinite number of features that allow it to manage complex projects.

This solution has the advantage of being very ergonomic: thanks to its dashboard listing the latest documents and current projects, you have an overview of your current projects at a glance. Moreover, to design your sheet metal parts and assemblies, you will appreciate its sparse, very functional and customizable interface which is adapted to your needs; you can easily add or remove some features, as you wish, to lighten the interface.

Securing your designs was an asset that seduced the Burgundy company. The design of your parts is fully secured thanks to the integrated PDM (Product Data Management) which will ensure the complete management of all your data. You do not lose any information, all data is saved, no matter how it is manipulated or modified.

This application manages all files, links between parts and assemblies as well as all the changes made to the project: if you move a file, rename the documents, everything is saved automatically.

TopSolid’s integrated PDM allows you to manage large-scale projects with complete peace of mind. Let’s say you want to go back to the original project for some reason. With TopSolid’s integrated PDM solution, you are protected against data loss: you can restore an earlier version or recover the original version. You can easily reuse elements from other designs to re-inject them into other projects, which guarantees exceptional productivity benefits.

For Métallerie Letourneau, this integrated solution was a decisive factor in the final choice: convinced of the importance of data security, the company was immediately reassured.

 

Conclusion 

It is a great satisfaction for TOPSOLID to see that the software allows Métallerie Letourneau to access various and varied markets, and to be able to respond to the demands and quality requirements of major customers such as SNCF.

Do you want to acquire a simple, intuitive and efficient CAD software?

Do not hesitate to ask for a demonstration of the software: you will see for yourself that this software is ideal for designing and producing any type of work.

 

TopSolid CAD/CAM Product Range

TOPSOLID is to date the only publisher to offer this innovative integrated solution. TopSolid products are essential for saving time, reducing the margin of error, securing and improving processes. They provide a significant competitive advantage. Discover now the software adapted to your business.