Autodesk Inventor deployed at MagnaFlow to Improve Engine Efficiency, Reduce Emissions

SAN RAFAEL, Calif: MagnaFlow, a leading manufacturer of high-performance exhaust systems and catalytic converters, uses Autodesk Inventor software to develop automotive components that not only help engines operate more efficiently and consume less fuel, but also reduce the amount of toxic emissions that are released into the environment.

For helping reduce the overall environmental impact of automobiles, MagnaFlow is being recognized by Autodesk, Inc. (NASDAQ: ADSK) as the Autodesk Inventor of the Month for September 2009. The company's exhaust systems boost engine performance by expelling exhaust gases quicker than a standard exhaust system. This creates less workload for the engine, making it run more efficiently. The company's catalytic converters help to reduce the toxicity of exhaust emissions by converting carbon monoxide and hydrocarbons into less harmful substances, such as carbon dioxide or water.

MagnaFlow's aftermarket components go through a stringent quality control and field testing process, and their systems are custom-built to match the make, model and year of specific vehicles. Working with Inventor software helps MagnaFlow create parts that are rugged enough to survive from city streets to off-road terrain.

"We're one of the only companies to offer a lifetime warranty on our products, so they have to be built to last," said Bonn Rhee, a project engineer at MagnaFlow. "Leveraging advanced functionality in Inventor software, such as the Sheet Metal tools, lets us help optimize our designs before a single piece of metal has been cut. That way, we know in advance that they'll have the strength and performance they need."

The Inventor of the Month program recognizes the most innovative design and engineering advancements made by the extensive community using Inventor software, which takes users beyond 3D to Digital Prototyping. With Inventor, users can create a single digital model that gives them the ability to design, visualize and simulate products before they are built to reduce the necessity of constructing physical prototypes.

Working in collaboration with Autodesk reseller and training partner, U.S. CAD, MagnaFlow also uses Autodesk Showcase visualization software. Using the digital models created in Inventor software, designers can produce accurate, highly realistic product imagery for use in catalogs or sales presentations -- enabling the company to more effectively market its product innovations.

"Given MagnaFlow's standing as an ISO-9001 certified organization and a leader in its industry, it's not surprising that the company is taking advantage of a Digital Prototyping workflow to design and build better products in less time," said Robert "Buzz" Kross, senior vice president, Manufacturing Industry Group at Autodesk.