| Because of its integrated design-through-manufacturing solution and hybrid modeler with advanced surfacing, VX has been adopted asthe solution of choice by Fritschi to produce high-tech productsthat provide a full range of functionality and featuresdemanded by high-impact skiers. New product development and enhancements at Fritschi begin by defining the scope of the specific function of the product, such asthe quick-release system, which Jordi believes is what gives his products their competitive edge. Then, preliminary wireframe geometry is constructed by Fritchi's builders group. At this point VX is used to develop the 3D desgn by first sketching part geometry to unite the function and the design. Jordi says VX's superior freeform surfacing and filleting give Fritschi the ability to design an attractive, stylish product while VX's integrated CAM accelerates the process from design through manufacturing. All detailed 2D technical drawings are also produced with VX. For its high-performance bindings, Fritschi uses leading-edge synthetics, nylons and acetalpolymer in its products. " In fact, the biggest challenge we encounter in the entire design and manufacturing processistranslating our designsinto a manufacturable binding with durable, real-world performance based on the actual mechanical propertiesof the high-tech materialswe use," said Jordi. In contrast to even the most meticulously defined design geometry, the real-world mechanical parts in ski bindings succumb to different rules In practice, it's difficult to calculate the effects of the various mechanical forces on different parts of the bindings individually and together. |