Keeping Virtual Products On Track

Abstract

Product data management (PDM) has helped engineers shrink the time needed to develop a new cross-country motor coach called Renaissance. Engineers used virtual prototypes to confirm that movable parts in the motor coach would fit properly and to identify interferences before physical prototypes were built. The Renaissance uses some highly innovative technology. It is the only cross-country motor coach built in North America to feature six-wheel anti-lock disc brakes for speedy stops and a steering tag axle that greatly improves manoeuvrability. Motor Coach management believes that the use of computer design eliminated some of the costs associated with building and rebuilding portions of the prototype. It also reduced the cycle time considerably. The entire project, from concept to customer deliveries, took 39 months. The PDM system helped engineers by allowing them to see the association of their files with their designs. Solid modeling and PDM helped engineers slash the Renaissance's parts count by 60 percent, reduce suppliers from 53 to 48, and cut build hours by 45 percent.