Case Studies > Innovating CCR diving systems with SolidWorks Premium

Innovating CCR diving systems with SolidWorks Premium

Customer Company Size

SME

Region

America

Country

United States

Product

SolidWorks Premium
SolidWorks Simulation
SolidWorks Flow Simulation
SolidWorks eDrawings
CAMWorks

Tech Stack

SolidWorks 3D CAD
NIKA Fluid Solutions
Pro/ENGINEER CAD

Implementation Scale

Enterprise-wide Deployment

Impact Metrics

Cost Savings
Innovation Output
Productivity Improvements

Technology Category

Analytics & Modeling - Predictive Analytics
Application Infrastructure & Middleware - Data Visualization
Functional Applications - Product Lifecycle Management Systems (PLM)

Applicable Industries

Consumer Goods
Marine & Shipping

Applicable Functions

Product Research & Development
Quality Assurance

Use Cases

Digital Twin
Predictive Maintenance

Services

Software Design & Engineering Services
System Integration
Training

About The Customer

Steam Machines, Inc. (SMI) is a pioneering company in the development of closed-circuit rebreather (CCR) diving systems for the recreational market. Founded by Peter Readey, SMI has been at the forefront of making advanced diving technology more accessible and affordable. The company's innovative PRISM™ CCR system allows divers to 'rebreathe' their own air by scrubbing out carbon dioxide, significantly reducing the cost of each unit from $18,000 to $7,800. This cost reduction was achieved through breakthroughs in the use of advanced composite materials. SMI's commitment to innovation and quality has made it a leader in the recreational diving industry.

The Challenge

Steam Machines, Inc. (SMI) faced the challenge of needing advanced design analysis tools and a cost-effective design platform to streamline their product development and manufacturing process. The company initially used Pro/ENGINEER CAD software but found it lacking in computational flow dynamics (CFD) capabilities. SMI needed a solution that could support every step of their product development process, from conceptual design to manufacturing, while also reducing costs and improving efficiency. The company aimed to innovate their closed-circuit rebreather (CCR) diving systems, making them more affordable and accessible to a wider market.

The Solution

SMI selected SolidWorks Premium as their design platform due to its ease of use, compatibility with other software applications, and advanced mold development and analysis tools. The company also integrated SolidWorks Simulation for structural analysis and SolidWorks Flow Simulation for computational flow dynamics (CFD) analysis. This comprehensive suite of tools allowed SMI to support every step of their product development process, from conceptual design and simulation to validation, testing, and manufacturing. The use of SolidWorks software enabled SMI to develop sophisticated manufacturing techniques, produce limited runs of advanced diving technology components, and avoid repetitive prototyping. The integrated design analysis tools provided by SolidWorks allowed SMI to validate part and assembly performance on the computer, enabling them to go straight to production without the need for prototypes.

Operational Impact

SMI reduced its design cycles and cut development costs by implementing SolidWorks software.
The company was able to innovate continuously, creating state-of-the-art rebreather diving systems.
SMI used advanced composites in a proprietary combination of low-pressure-molded plastics and cast materials, decreasing both weight and cost.
The integrated design analysis tools allowed SMI to produce reliable, fully validated systems in a short amount of time.
SMI realized efficiencies by using one suite of tools and one common data format for every step of the development process.

Quantitative Benefit

Reduced the cost of each CCR unit from $18,000 to $7,800.
Rated stainless-steel fittings at 5,000 psi were replaced with naval brass fittings at a lower pressure.