If you work with architects, then you know that interpreting architectural drawings and specifications can be a challenge.
It takes persistence and the right tools to be able to properly communicate the fine details that are often overlooked.
Recently, Novalab, a New Zealand-based manufacturer specializing in laboratory furniture, introduced Microvellum’s cabinet design software to its design and manufacturing process. According to owner, Gordon Harkness, and lead-designer/engineer, Peter Chudzik, their new software is the ideal CAD/CAM program for dealing with unique and complex work.
A little over a year ago, Novalab set out on a journey to find a new suitable software to help them improve their business. Their focus was targeted on a solution to help them connect their client’s architectural drawings and specifications to their own design and production processes.
Most of their research was done online, through various software forums and blogs before selecting Microvellum as the best fit for their specific needs.
When asked what his initial impressions were of the software, Chudzik responded, “Anyone, who has a reasonable amount of computer literacy will be able to get up to speed quickly."
“Microvellum has helped us reduce the time it takes to create architectural drawings, sketches, and construction plans for architect for approval. Since Microvellum’s products are parametric in nature, we can address changes requested by architects very quickly, before sending projects to production. If additional adjustments are needed after field measurements are taken, we can easily go back to the drawing and update it. This flexibility has allowed us to drastically reduce installation times.” Chudzik continued.
“Combining the shop drawing process with the production process has been a huge benefit for us. Not only has it removed our redundant processes, it has enabled us to effectively move our whole process into the office. This shift in responsibilities takes pressure off our machine operators and allows for ultimate flexibility when compared to writing programs at the CNC machine.”
For Novalab, projects can be massive. Organizations such as universities, hospitals and laboratories can require up to 2,000 or more cabinets and tops.
“Microvellum tracks the entire job very well and has enabled us to see what is in progress and what has been completed. I used to keep track of these details in my head,” said Chudzik.
“Much of our work involves using compound laminates to meet laboratory standards. It’s more expensive than normal material, so minimizing waste is very important us. The combination of using a beam saw and Microvellum’s sawing optimizer, has helped us reduced our waste percentages considerably.”
“Our work is a little different than most. Setting up our library and aligning it to our production systems did require some help. The personal and online assistance from Microvellum has been good. They go the distance, often spending several hours via online screen sharing tools, helping us organizing things just the way we want," added Chudzik.
“We are an extremely well-established company that is passionate about providing quality. Our focus is on the future and being at the forefront of the scientific, educational and medical furniture manufacturing and installation market. Microvellum is a key element in helping us reach our goals. It has proved to be a very good investment and I would recommend the program to anyone doing similar custom work," concluded Gordon.
About Novalab
Novalab is New Zealand’s premier designer, manufacturer and installer of scientific and laboratory furniture.
Learn more about Novalab.
