For a specialised machine manufacturer like Metal Packaging Technologies, the risk of developing capital- intensive, one-off machines is reduced to commercially acceptable levels by employing the full potential of modern 3D model-based design technology.

The Durban company, which started as an outsourcing facility within the metal packaging industry, today it boasts a top class workshop. It recently undertook an expansion programme into the specialised turnkey machinery sector of the market.

Colin Tyrrell, the engineer who founded the company, sources project work among Durban companies - car, paper, packaging and white goods manufacturers. Sections of the work are sub-contracted to the trade with Metal Packaging Technologies focusing on detailed design and project management of innovative electro mechanical solutions.

The company's in-house teams undertake all final assembly, in-house commissioning and site assembly, ensuring close quality control. "Our strength," says Tyrrell, "is bringing together independent cross-functional teams under one roof."

Emphasising its value, the engineer describes the company's drawing and design office as the engine room of the business. "It is where the success or failure of a project is determined. Because, if you want to get a complex machine right first time," explains Tyrrell, "you have to get 'inside' it at the design stage and actually simulate how various mechanisms will work."

To achieve this, Metal Packaging Technologies has implemented mechanical design software, Autodesk Inventor. KwaZulu-Natal's sole Autodesk software reseller, AfricaBlue, provides support for the installation. Managing director of AfricaBlue, Marcia McMillan, says the clash detection feature in Autodesk Inventor enables the specialised machine manufacturer to simulate operation of complex machines, giving it the opportunity to identify design errors early in the development process and reducing risk.

In addition, Autodesk Inventor handles the large assemblies created by Metal Packaging Technologies effortlessly. McMillan says Metal Packaging Technologies makes excellent use of the functionality of the software, obtaining maximum value from its software investment.

For more information contact Autodesk (Africa) 012 664 8115.