FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Nov. 10, 2003
Contact: Bradley A. Cleveland
The Protomold Company Inc.
(763) 479 - 3680
bradc@protomold.com
The Protomold Company Aligns with SolidWorks' New Print3D Feature
New software capability expedites Protomold's rapid injection molding technology to design engineers
MAPLE PLAIN, Minn. - Nov. 10 - The Protomold Company Inc. today announced that SolidWorks Corporation (Concord, Mass.) has included direct access to Protomold's interactive Web-based rapid injection molding quoting tool in its SolidWorks® 2004 software. With the new addition, design engineers using the Print3D feature within SolidWorks 2004 will have the immediate ability to request a Protomold ProtoQuote™ - the most effective and informative injection molding quotation tool available in the industry.
With a click of the mouse, SolidWorks' Print3D capability provides Protomold with the designer's 3D computer aided design (CAD) part model and other supporting information. Protomold software then automatically processes the part model, estimates manufacturing costs and analyzes the design for manufacturability. Typically within one business day, Protomold provides the designer with a Web-based, interactive ProtoQuote that includes graphically illustrated suggestions for improving the moldability of part designs. The ProtoQuote interface includes drop-down menus that can be used to select material type, surface finish and delivery requirements. As users select new options, ProtoQuote automatically updates the order price. Once an order is placed, Protomold can quickly create and ship prototype or low-volume injection molded parts, in as little as five business days.
"ProtoQuote is a perfect fit for Print3D because it further expedites common design tasks and helps designers avoid the time-consuming processes normally involved in obtaining quotations and ordering injection molded parts," said Brad Cleveland, president and CEO, The Protomold Company.
"Protomold and the new Print3D service are a perfect match," commented Robert McGill, director, SolidWorks Business Alliances. "Protomold offers an ideal solution to the SolidWorks customer looking to test plastic part designs in the actual material selected for the finished part, In about the same time that it takes for traditional rapid prototyping methods, Protomold can deliver a short run of injection molded parts exhibiting the same engineering characteristics as the final production parts."
About The Protomold Company
The Protomold Company has radically changed the economics and lead times associated with prototype and low-volume production of injection molded parts. Its defined market segment, rapid injection molding, is positioned between rapid prototyping and traditional high-volume injection molding. Protomold is privately held and headquartered in Maple Plain, Minn., USA. Further information can be found at www.protomold.com.
About SolidWorks
SolidWorks Corporation, a Dassault Systemes S.A. (Nasdaq: DASTY, Euronext Paris: #13065, DSY.PA) company, develops and markets software for mechanical design, analysis, and product data management. Founded in 1993, SolidWorks' mission is to unleash the power of 3D for everyone in product development and foster a collaborative user community. In seven years of delivering product, SolidWorks has shipped more than 285,000 total seats of software worldwide. SolidWorks has offices around the globe and sells, distributes, and supports its products through a worldwide reseller network. For the latest news, information, or a live online demonstration, visit the company's Web site: www.solidworks.com.
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Protomold and ProtoQuote are registered trademarks of The Protomold Company Inc. SolidWorks is a registered trademark of SolidWorks Corporation. Other brand and product names are trademarks of their respective owners. Copyright (c) 2003 The Protomold Company Inc.