Ongoing investment in technology has helped Johannesburg precision sheetmetal manufacturer, P Beulich, double its volumes over the past five years.

Established 25 years ago, the company manufactures sheet metal casings for a multitude of applications. From security keypad holders and casings for uninterrupted power supplies to cellphone card dispensers and bank security accessories, like pay troughs, which are the small metal trays that bank tellers and clients use to pass documentation to one another under the security window.

Today, the fabricator turns over R10 million a year and employs 55 factory workers. According to P Beulich's managing director, Peter Beulich, technology has transformed his factory floor. "While NC punching machines and sophisticated bending machines have had an enormous impact on the business over the past 10 years, a new development for us is the introduction of Autodesk Inventor, the 3D model-based mechanical design technology from Autodesk." Autodesk Inventor is an advanced mechanical design software that automatically translates the 3D designs into flat 'patterns' or profiles for downloading to Beulich's NC punching machine. Once the profile has been punched and the metal cleaned, it is bent into shape with the aid of a high-tech bending machine.

Another benefit of Autodesk Inventor is the ease with which design changes are made. "We are talking about revisions being made in a few minutes, as opposed to hours, or even days," explains Beulich.

A less quantifiable benefit of the new software is the sense of security that Beulich says it gives his clients. "In our situation, the creation of a design is all about communication - interpreting and documenting a client brief.

"Because many clients find it difficult to visualise a 2D drawing, it is my experience that 2D systems create the potential for misinterpretation.

"With Autodesk Inventor, clients have a sense of confidence because they can see an on-screen 3D model of their design. They can even see the texture of the finish - it looks like a photograph. And they can see it from all angles.

"We are not talking about static model, either," explains Beulich. "We can also carry out clash detection tests. With the aid of animation, we can open and close a casing or check that a lock is operating smoothly." Beulich adds that implementation of technology has favoured his clients. "Because of the increased volumes we can move now, unit prices have in theory come down."

For more information contact Autodesk, 012 664 8115.