Wellingborough company, ESTS (GB) Ltd, have announced their recent acquisition of SOLIDWORKS advanced 3D engineering design software that enables engineers to create virtual 3D models of their designs and to generate detailed manufacturing data. More than five million engineers and designers around the world use SOLIDWORKS, enabling them to quickly and more accurately design new products.
ESTS is an established manufacturer of autoclaves and sterilisers for the healthcare, biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries. In addition to their standard Logiclave™ range of autoclaves, they also have the capability to design and manufacture bespoke autoclaves ranging from between 300 to 6000 litres capacity. Each machine can be tailored to suit a wide range of applications that include multi-purpose laboratory autoclaves, porous load sterilisers, pharmaceutical sterilisers, and high security autoclaves for containment levels 3 & 4 (CL3 / CL4).
“We have been using 2D CAD systems for over 10 years,” said David Hawtin, Technical Director. “We were a little unsure about the benefits of moving to 3D CAD, but after an impressive presentation we decided to take the plunge. Initially, SOLIDWORKS was a little daunting, but on day 3 of the training it all fell into place and we were able to start using it for a real development. We can now see that SOLIDWORKS will provide us and our clients with many advantages and offers us a far more efficient and more effective way to work.”
During the adoption of the SOLIDWORKS technology ESTS worked closely with engineers from SOLIDWORKS supplier Innova Systems. Innova provided training and technical support to ensure ESTS could quickly master the many tools and facilities available within SOLIDWORKS 3D CAD software. SOLIDWORKS was then used to develop a new autoclave pressure vessel, which in itself is complex to design and requires a number of safety critical considerations.
“A modern autoclave can be a complex piece of equipment that has to work at high pressures and temperatures,” said David Hawtin . “In addition to this, each bespoke autoclave we produce is unique in design and is subjected to a number of important tests, inspections and conformities. In this respect, the design stage can be a very demanding process.
We are already finding that working in 3D is helping us reduce the risk of design errors and helps us communicate more effectively with both our clients and suppliers.” Design engineers at ESTS have been so impressed with both the SOLIDWORKS software and Innova Systems’ training and support, they have bought an additional license and have plans to greatly expand their expertise of 3D Design and to use the SOLIDWORKS in other areas of the business such as sheet metal enclosure design and for on-site installation information.
“Its exciting to see the impact that SOLIDWORKS has already had on ESTS,” said Mark Bradford, Managing Director of UK SOLIDWORKS Reseller, Innova Systems. “It’s clear that SOLIDWORKS will save them time, reduce risk and help them achieve the critical standards required. It will also provide additional flexibility, helping them to compete for business where bespoke designs are required. We are looking forward to working with them as they grow this new and exciting aspect of their business.”
