Flexible and easy to use, TopSolid’Design helps this SME specialized in the manufacturing of stainless steel tanks to better communicate with its customers. They can therefore analyze their projects from every angle before installation. A heck of a time saver!

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Located in Gensac-la-Pallue, near Cognac in France, Michel Vautier company surprises many visitors who come to the region to buy their favorite bottle of cognac in more than one way. In the middle of a rural landscape, they will discover a specialist in the design and manufacturing of stainless steel tanks, extremely technical products that leave no room for improvisation. Indeed, this small family business of about twenty employees specialized in the art of precision stainless steel metalworking, masters the tailor-made manufacturing of its installations. From a 2 or 8mm thick stainless steel sheet, they are capable of meeting the most complex specifications. With a complete follow-up of a project, to the installation of the tank on the customer's site. “The company was created 45 years ago and it started out by delivering wine tanks," explains Florine Longeon, head of the design office. "Today, this activity still represents 80% of our production, but our tanks are proving their worth in many other fields, such as the food industry, the chemical industry, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, perfumery, etc." Products whose design and manufacturing must be flawless. “Meticulous, finishing operations are essential to the successful implementation of a solution adapted to the customer's needs," adds Gilbert Longeon, manufacturing manager.

Efficient 3D modeling

An approach in which design obviously plays an essential role. "The complexity of the projects and the constant concern to improve the service provided to our customers encouraged us to move from 2D to 3D CAD (computer aided design)", says Florine Longeon, who was able to assess the quality of TopSolid'Design during her studies. So the choice to use TopSolid software was quickly made. For more than a year now, this powerful modeling tool has been helping the company to better collaborate with its customers, improve their projects and implement the accessories intended for each tank. "We can quickly provide 3D modeling for projects, no matter how complex," says the specialist. "Flexible and intuitive, the software facilitates the use of specific commands and is an effective tool to visualize where the tank will be installed in the customer’s building before its actual installation," says Gilbert Longeon. Therefore, the 3D modeling and the powerful parameter features of the software have changed the life of the Cognac company. And that of its customers. "This design approach enables them to analyze future installations from every angle. An essential safety feature, especially for SMEs. The solutions are then sent to the workshop, which handles delicate operations, such as CNC cutting and TIG welding, which must not fail at all. The slightest manufacturing difficulties are therefore quickly detected and TopSolid'Design adapts the tank modeling to the production requirements. This represents a significant time saving. Will the NC cutting be also programmed with a TopSolid tool, in this case TopSolid’Sheetmetal? This is a development that the company is currently considering.

TopSolid'Design: key points

• Powerful 3D modeling allows customers to finely analyze their project
• The software ensures a flexible and intuitive design
• Parameter features improve reactivity and productivity

Florine Longeon's opinion: "Each tank project requires an adapted design and TopSolid'Design helps us to better manage specific commands. Not to mention the possibility for the customer to visualize where the tank will be installed in their building before its actual installation.”

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