Innovating CCR diving systems with SolidWorks Premium
Customer Company Size
SME
Region
- America
Country
- United States
Product
- SolidWorks Premium
- SolidWorks Simulation
- SolidWorks Flow Simulation
- SolidWorks eDrawings
- CAMWorks
Tech Stack
- SolidWorks 3D CAD
- NIKA Fluid Solutions
- Pro/ENGINEER CAD
Implementation Scale
- Enterprise-wide Deployment
Impact Metrics
- Cost Savings
- Innovation Output
- Productivity Improvements
Technology Category
- Analytics & Modeling - Predictive Analytics
- Application Infrastructure & Middleware - Data Visualization
- Functional Applications - Product Lifecycle Management Systems (PLM)
Applicable Industries
- Consumer Goods
- Marine & Shipping
Applicable Functions
- Product Research & Development
- Quality Assurance
Use Cases
- Digital Twin
- Predictive Maintenance
Services
- Software Design & Engineering Services
- System Integration
- Training
About The Customer
Steam Machines, Inc. (SMI) is a pioneering company in the development of closed-circuit rebreather (CCR) diving systems for the recreational market. Founded by Peter Readey, SMI has been at the forefront of making advanced diving technology more accessible and affordable. The company's innovative PRISM™ CCR system allows divers to 'rebreathe' their own air by scrubbing out carbon dioxide, significantly reducing the cost of each unit from $18,000 to $7,800. This cost reduction was achieved through breakthroughs in the use of advanced composite materials. SMI's commitment to innovation and quality has made it a leader in the recreational diving industry.
The Challenge
Steam Machines, Inc. (SMI) faced the challenge of needing advanced design analysis tools and a cost-effective design platform to streamline their product development and manufacturing process. The company initially used Pro/ENGINEER CAD software but found it lacking in computational flow dynamics (CFD) capabilities. SMI needed a solution that could support every step of their product development process, from conceptual design to manufacturing, while also reducing costs and improving efficiency. The company aimed to innovate their closed-circuit rebreather (CCR) diving systems, making them more affordable and accessible to a wider market.
The Solution
SMI selected SolidWorks Premium as their design platform due to its ease of use, compatibility with other software applications, and advanced mold development and analysis tools. The company also integrated SolidWorks Simulation for structural analysis and SolidWorks Flow Simulation for computational flow dynamics (CFD) analysis. This comprehensive suite of tools allowed SMI to support every step of their product development process, from conceptual design and simulation to validation, testing, and manufacturing. The use of SolidWorks software enabled SMI to develop sophisticated manufacturing techniques, produce limited runs of advanced diving technology components, and avoid repetitive prototyping. The integrated design analysis tools provided by SolidWorks allowed SMI to validate part and assembly performance on the computer, enabling them to go straight to production without the need for prototypes.
Operational Impact
Quantitative Benefit
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