Case Study: ACO Technologies achieves dramatic reductions in prototyping time and cost with SolidWorks

SolidWorks software and smarts solve challenges on the road

ACO Technologies faced the challenge of redesigning highway curbs to integrate durable, safe drainage while reducing weight, installation risk, and costly, time-consuming physical prototyping. To develop the KerbDrain—a resin concrete curb-drain that is strong yet much lighter than standard units—ACO used SolidWorks, specifically SolidWorks Premium and SolidWorks Simulation, to tackle complex load, impact, and installation requirements for a new market and production process.

Using SolidWorks Premium and SolidWorks Simulation, ACO created detailed 3D models and ran finite-element analyses to locate failure points, test “what if” scenarios, and optimize the design and installation details. SolidWorks enabled ACO to cut prototypes from two or three to one, reduce prototype testing from eight weeks to one day, and realize estimated tooling savings of over $45,000 (with ongoing annual savings reported), while delivering a successful, award-winning KerbDrain product.

ACO Technologies