CIMdata PLM Industry Summary Online Archive
6 December 2004
Implementation Investments
World Leading Transport Designer Uses VX CAD/CAM
VX Corporation announced the exclusive use of VX CAD/CAM by Transport Design International Ltd. for designing a new and unique minitram urban transport system.
Minitrams, ultra-light, pollution free, people movers, deliver capabilities more associated with light-rail systems yet at a fraction of the cost. Minitrams can travel autonomously on roadways like buses or along dedicated alignments and through pedestrian areas. Minitrams are ideal for park and ride applications, exhibition and large shopping areas, shuttle services, town centers and historic town centers with narrow, twisting streets. In addition to being significantly cheaper, Minitrams don't require the intrusive infrastructure such as overhead wires or electrified rails typically required by conventional tram or light rail systems.
TDI has worked extensively in the field of road, rail and marine based transport. TDI is owned and managed by renowned industrial designer Martin Pemberton. As far back as the nineteenth century, Pemberton's great grandfather was designing and building innovative bicycles, a brand that became famously known as the Pemberton Arrow.
TDI is the lead partner in the development of the new Minitram Public Transport System. This unique and modular transport system is available in both electronically guided and ultra light rail modes. The project offers an environment friendly alternative to conventional solutions, and exudes innovation. There are options for zero emission drive systems, wire guided steering, electric and hydrogen fuel cell powered options, and a modular body shell that can be adapted quickly to suit specific applications. The new minitrams employ a lightweight construction consisting of an aluminum framed structure with composite aluminum panels bonded directly to the frames. Windows can be added that lay flush with the body panels. The responsibility of developing all aspects of the project was assigned to the TDI team in Britain.
VX software has been used throughout the development process, from the initial concept through to manufacturing data as 2D drawings and 3D models for CNC milling. Paul Salkeld, TDI Design Manager, commented: "The project is in the early stages but a fully approved demonstration vehicle of the electrically powered Minitram has now been completed. The VX CAD system has enabled the project to expand quickly to offer other vehicle variations. The simple process of sketching and modeling enabled us to develop a design quickly. The facility to edit history operations and detect alignment or geometry problems was also very important."
"TDI's Minitram Public Transport System is going to be in the public eye in towns and cities throughout the UK and Europe," said Ian Mason, Director of Informed Data Systems, the UK distributor for VX. "We consider it worthy that TDI chose Informed Data Systems as their vendor for their CAD/CAM needs. VX CAD/CAM was an ideal system for TDI to start with because they were able to get up and running on the project immediately. TDI was able to handle complex surfacing and assembly modeling tasks from the outset of the project whereas any other CAD/CAM system would have required a much longer ramp-up time."
Bob Fischer, VX vice president sales and marketing, said "TDI has a top class team and their projects simply ooze with smart ideas and design flair. Like many British customers, the TDI designers really enjoy using VX. The Minitram project speaks volumes about VX's performance, productivity and ease of use - all the measures that indicate outstanding value for money."
Founded in 1988, TDI is typically commissioned to undertake the feasibility, layout, styling, interior and production design of high speed trains, metros, light rail systems, monorails, people movers, buses, ferries and commercial vehicles. Expertise also extends to the development of urban realm and related infrastructure components such as ticket offices, street furniture, signage and passenger information systems as well as corporate identities and liveries. Website: http://www.tdi.uk.com
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