Rock-Ola makes jukebox designs groove with SolidWorks
Legendary company designs new twists for classics with 3D CAD software
CONCORD, Mass., Dec. 17, 2007 ? Bright lights. Sleek design. Precision craftsmanship. Sweet tone. And the promise of listening to a song you haven?t heard in years. These are the hallmarks of the classic Rock-Ola jukebox, whose presence in restaurants, dance halls, bars, and private homes has been a welcome sight and sound for more than 70 years.
Rock-Ola Manufacturing Corp. aims to continue building on its product?s legend by creating even more innovative jukeboxes using SolidWorks® 3D CAD software. The Torrance , California company replaced 2D paper drafting with 3D modeling to push the limits of cool, hip, and classic jukebox designs. Rock-Ola standardized on SolidWorks to reduce design and prototyping cycles and streamline communication with suppliers.
?Working in SolidWorks as opposed to paper is like the difference between competing in the Indy 500 in 1930 and doing it today,? said Rock-Ola Vice President of Engineering Ross Blomgren. ?Not only does it speed design completion, it gives us the time to create multiple renderings of important design features so we can discuss the trade-offs between design innovation and manufacturing ease.?
Rock-Ola CEO Glenn Streeter knows that a jukebox?s appearance plays a crucial role in a would-be customer?s decision to insert money and choose a song. He is a stickler about jukebox and wall-mounted unit presentation, according to Blomgren. SolidWorks software?s surfacing capabilities enable designers to replicate Streeter?s vision for attractive sound systems. The software also helps designers solve the challenges that sometimes arise when artistic vision constrains internal component design and fit.
Design communication with Rock-Ola?s suppliers is easy because SolidWorks can import component design files from suppliers regardless of the CAD format. This flexibility minimizes miscommunication that can lead to errors while accelerating component design. It also ensures manufacturers capture the geometry to make a good-looking, good-sounding machine.
?It doesn?t really matter what type of music you listen to, Rock-Ola jukeboxes have a special place in Americana ,? said SolidWorks Vice President of Worldwide Marketing Rainer Gawlick. ?Their cool appearance and sound depend on constant refinement of an already successful design. Continued innovation will further cement Rock-Ola as a market leader and cultural icon.?
Rock-Ola relies on authorized SolidWorks reseller Hawk Ridge Systems for ongoing software training, implementation, and support.
About Rock-Ola
Rock-Ola Manufacturing Corporation was founded in 1927 by coin-op pioneering legend David C. Rockola. The company has been redefining coin-operated sound with innovative jukeboxes and wall-mounted units since 1935. For more information about the company, or the legendary Rock-Ola jukebox, visit the Web site (www.rock-ola.com).
About Hawk Ridge Systems
Hawk Ridge Systems is one of the largest SolidWorks VARs in the world. Founded in 1995 in the San Francisco Bay Area, HRS has 11 offices located throughout California , Nevada , Oregon , Washington , and British Columbia , Canada . Hawk Ridge has 30 Certified SolidWorks Engineers on staff and maintains a 2:1 ratio of engineers to salespeople ? more than double the industry norm. This heavy investment in customer support, plus an array of industry-leading products, including SolidWorks®, COSMOSWorks®, and PDMWorks® software, has attracted thousands of West Coast customers in industries ranging from fiber optic networking products, semiconductor equipment, medical devices, consumer products, automotive, and aerospace. For more information, visit the Web site (www.hawkridgesys.com).
About Dassault Systèmes SolidWorks Corp.
Dassault Systèmes SolidWorks Corp., a Dassault Systèmes S.A. subsidiary, is a world leader in 3D solutions that help millions of engineers and designers succeed through innovation. Our products deliver an intuitive experience in product design, simulation, publishing, data management, and environmental impact assessment. For the latest news, information, or an online demonstration, visit our Web site (www.solidworks.com) or call 1-800-693-9000 (outside of North America, call +1-978-371-5000).
About Dassault Systèmes
As a world leader in 3D and Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) solutions, Dassault Systèmes brings value to more than 100,000 customers in 80 countries. A pioneer in the 3D software market since 1981, Dassault Systèmes develops and markets PLM application software and services that support industrial processes and provide a 3D vision of the entire lifecycle of products from conception to maintenance to recycling. The Dassault Systèmes portfolio consists of CATIA for designing the virtual product – SolidWorks for 3D mechanical design – DELMIA for virtual production – SIMULIA for virtual testing – ENOVIA for global collaborative lifecycle management, and 3DVIA for online 3D lifelike experiences. Dassault Systèmes’ shares are listed on Euronext Paris (#13065, DSY.PA). For more information, visit http://www.3ds.com/.
CATIA, DELMIA, ENOVIA, SIMULIA, SolidWorks, and 3D VIA are registered trademarks of Dassault Systèmes or its subsidiaries in the US and/or other countries. Other brand and product names are trademarks of their respective owners. Copyright © 2010 Dassault Systèmes SolidWorks Corp.
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