MET S.p.a. (MET) based in Talamona, Italy, is a global leader in the manufacture of bicycle helmets for professional and avid cyclists. In a bid to approximately halve the development cycle from the first sketch through prototype production to the reference model, which used to take up to 14 months, MET took the decision to use virtual 3D models and NX software from the PLM (Product Lifecycle Management) specialist Siemens PLM Software. This allowed 3D models to be produced directly from the designer sketches and used as the basis for the complex surface modeling process. The software also simplifies cooperation with the manufacturers of the tools used for helmet production.