GTN Technical Services Uses SolidWorks to Speed Design
04 April 2007
GTN Technical Services, Ltd. is using SolidWorks® 3D CAD software to design everything from tiny valves to giant superstructures that keep oil rigs around the world running smoothly. The design firm based in Aberdeen, Scotland uses SolidWorks to accelerate product development, reduce prototyping and re-work, and better communicate with its manufacturing partners.
GTN develops a variety of welded structural frameworks such as pipe, tank, and valve systems for petroleum product extraction services as well as machined down-hole tools to enhance oil production for such customers as Halliburton, Chevron-Texaco, BJ Services, and Moorfield International.
The company also develops specialty structural frames to European Standard EN-12079 and DNV 2.7-1. These frames transport a broad range of offshore equipment safely around the world aboard international shipping lines. SolidWorks software allows the company to design complex assemblies faster and with fewer errors than in 2D.
"Visualizing precise components and how they interact in 3D with SolidWorks lets us ensure our products will deliver on their promises for reliability and production," said GTN drawing office manager, Garry Nicoll. "Since we started using SolidWorks software, we’ve designed three of the most complex products we've ever attempted. Those projects would have taken much longer to design in 2D, and would have required some prototype troubleshooting, which would have further delayed delivery."
SolidWorks' part interference played a crucial role when Nicoll and his team designed a metering frame that releases chemicals to prevent pipe corrosion as well as improve petroleum product flow. The engineers were able to ensure the selected components fit properly within the metering frame without clashing.
GTN uses SolidWorks eDrawings® email-enabled design communication tool to share product information with manufacturers. The company also uses PhotoWorks™ photorealistic rendering tool to create life-like images for marketing and to share product information with clients.
"Many critical elements must work together to make an oil rig run smoothly," said SolidWorks marketing manager, Europe Simon Booker. "GTN continues to design better offshore products that help some of the world's largest petroleum and shipping companies operate more efficiently."
GTN relies on authorized SolidWorks reseller Solid Solutions Management for ongoing software training, implementation, and support.
ABOUT GTN
GTN Technical Services is an established design drafting company with a successful track record in the oil industry in Aberdeen, Scotland. Founded in 1990, GTN specializes in fast-turnaround, high-quality product design for a broad range of small to medium projects.
ABOUT SOLID SOLUTIONS MANAGEMENT
Founded in 1998, Solid Solutions focuses on providing industry-leading software and services. This philosophy has helped Solid Solutions gain respect, recognition, and awards as an established and high-capability supplier of SolidWorks software. With main offices in Warwick and Fareham, and regional training facilities throughout the UK, Solid Solutions supports thousands of customers encompassing all industry sectors and ranging in size from single-person operations to large multi-national organizations.
ABOUT SOLIDWORKS CORPORATION
SolidWorks Corporation, a Dassault Systémes SA company, develops and markets software for design, analysis, and product data management. It is the leading supplier of 3D CAD technology, giving teams intuitive, high-performing software that helps them design better products.
