Preciosa is Autodesk Inventor of the Month for May

The “Masters of Crystal” Create Cut Crystal Chandeliers and Light Fixtures in Half the Time, with 70 Percent Fewer Errors Using Autodesk Software.

SAN RAFAEL, Calif - Autodesk, Inc named Preciosa, a producer of cut crystal chandeliers and lighting fixtures, as the Autodesk Inventor of the Month for May.

The Czech-based company uses Autodesk Inventor software, in conjunction with AutoCAD Mechanical and Autodesk Vault Professional software, to design, visualize and simulate its products in 3D and easily share digital prototypes with customers—helping them design their dazzling wares in half the time and with 70 percent fewer mistakes.

Preciosa creates custom fixtures for hotels, palaces, music halls and cathedrals in Europe, Asia, the Americas and the Middle East. Since these chandeliers can contain extremely intricate design elements—such as hundreds of triangular glass parts arranged in a spiral— using a 3D model to validate designs is critical to avoiding production mistakes.

To better accomplish this goal, Preciosa worked with Autodesk Authorized Reseller Dagis to deploy Autodesk Inventor software, which takes manufacturers beyond 3D to Digital Prototyping. Creating 3D models in Inventor enables Preciosa to create compelling imagery for customers to review and approve before the products are manufactured.

Digital Workflow Improves Design Processes

“We share the Inventor model with our customers, and they have the immediate opportunity to provide us with feedback,” said Almir Ibisevic, head of engineering at Preciosa. “With Inventor software, we are able to detect risks early while we are first processing concepts. This gives us time to point out potential risks to customers and work with them to eliminate the risks by coming up with effective solutions.”

AutoCAD Mechanical enables Preciosa to access 2D digital design and documentation tools as needed, while Vault Professional software provides a centralized location for managing both 2D and 3D engineering data.

Having this digital workflow in place has enabled Preciosa to significantly reduce adverse factors in the manufacturing process, which can be challenging to prevent without 3D models. Additionally, the company has reduced the number of physical prototypes needed before the completion of a design. Preciosa now finds complex chandeliers that once took a month to design can be completed in two weeks or less.

“Digital Prototyping is helping Preciosa accelerate its design process and win new business,” said Robert “Buzz” Kross, senior vice president, Manufacturing Industry Group at Autodesk. “Its successful application of Inventor is a model for effectively catering to a discerning customer base while saving time and money.”

About the Autodesk Inventor of the Month Program

Each month, Autodesk selects an Inventor of the Month from the users of Autodesk Inventor software. Winners are chosen for engineering excellence and groundbreaking innovation.