Whale uses Solid Edge to optimize design and cut development time
Company Size
1,000+
Region
- America
- Europe
Country
- United Kingdom
- United States
Product
- Solid Edge
- Femap
- KeyShot
- Teamcenter
Tech Stack
- 3D Printing
- Finite Element Modeling
- 2D and 3D Design
- Simulation Capabilities
Implementation Scale
- Enterprise-wide Deployment
Impact Metrics
- Customer Satisfaction
- Innovation Output
- Productivity Improvements
Technology Category
- Analytics & Modeling - Predictive Analytics
- Application Infrastructure & Middleware - Data Visualization
- Functional Applications - Product Lifecycle Management Systems (PLM)
Applicable Industries
- Construction & Infrastructure
- Consumer Goods
- Marine & Shipping
Applicable Functions
- Business Operation
- Product Research & Development
- Quality Assurance
Use Cases
- Digital Twin
- Predictive Maintenance
- Rapid Prototyping
Services
- Software Design & Engineering Services
- System Integration
- Training
About The Customer
Whale is a renowned pump manufacturer with a rich history of innovation, dating back to the 1940s. The company specializes in designing and manufacturing freshwater, bilge, and waste pumps, as well as water and space heating systems. Whale serves a diverse range of markets, including leisure, domestic, and industrial sectors, with a particular focus on products for boats, caravans, and motorhomes. The company operates from sites in Bangor, Northern Ireland, and California, and is part of the Brunswick Corporation. Whale is known for its expertise in pump technology and continues to register worldwide design patents at an impressive rate. In addition to its core products, Whale offers design consultancy, 3D printing, and rapid prototyping services to other companies.
The Challenge
Whale, a leading pump manufacturer, faced the challenge of designing and developing complex products under strict regulatory standards. The company needed to improve its product development cycle, which ranged from nine months to three years, depending on the complexity of the product. Gas products, in particular, required longer development times due to stringent regulations. Whale also needed to ensure that its designs were optimized for performance and strength, while maintaining clear communication with customers and protecting intellectual property. Additionally, Whale aimed to grow its business by providing design and prototyping services to other companies.
The Solution
Whale implemented Solid Edge software from Siemens PLM Software to enhance its design and development processes. Solid Edge provided Whale with comprehensive tools for 2D and 3D design, enabling the company to create detailed technical drawings and individual parts with confidence. The software's surfacing tools were particularly useful for modeling complex forms, while its simulation capabilities allowed Whale to conduct stress analysis and performance testing. By integrating Solid Edge with Femap, Whale could perform advanced finite element modeling when necessary. The use of Solid Edge also facilitated clear communication with customers, partners, and suppliers, as design data could be easily shared and rendered into photorealistic images using KeyShot. This integration supported marketing efforts and protected Whale's intellectual property by allowing the company to send simplified models without revealing internal design data.
Operational Impact
Quantitative Benefit
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