The Challenge
Firsthand Design, Ltd. (FHD) has built a 10-year record of design innovation, working with companies such as medical device supplier Summit Medical Group to develop new devices that help doctors better treat patients. One of FHD’s most recent projects for Summit Medical involved designing a special compact mixer and syringe for surgeons to use to apply bone cement to damaged spines, giving patients more support. The device was specifically designed to save surgeons time, dispensing with the need for messy instruments.

The Solution
FHD used SolidWorks’ physical simulation capabilities to ensure all parts, including the mixing device, would operate correctly without interfering with each other. SolidWorks accurately captured FHD's design and engineering intent, ultimately reducing the number of design iterations needed from the solid model to prototype and pre-production samples. With the new device, doctors in the U.K. and the U.S. can now work faster and more effectively to repair damaged spines.

Summary
SolidWorks made it easy to convert creative ideas into working models, saving time and money on expensive prototyping. The software’s flexibility gave FHD’s designers several options for editing 3D models, allowing them to quickly modify designs based on customer and manufacturer feedback. The company was able to share designs with customers and manufacturing partners using SolidWorks eDrawings™ e-mail-enabled design communication tool. It also used SolidWorks PhotoWorks™ photorealistic rendering tool to create the lifelike images it used for in-person and Web site-based marketing campaigns.

“With our size, we need to be efficient to be successful, and as a consultant my ability to hold a budget is directly linked to efficiency. SolidWorks gives us the tools to finish creative, accurate designs quickly, so we can help our customers meet their schedules.”

Louis della-Porta, managing director FHD