Digital technology, as showcased by Rapierstar, has revolutionised the production of metal screws, enhancing the manufacturing process for window and door fabricators. This advancement allows for the creation of higher quality products in a fraction of the time, ensuring efficiency and safety in construction.

Homeowners benefit from this technological leap with windows and doors that offer increased durability, security, and safety. Rapierstar's digital innovations exemplify the transformative impact of digital tools on traditional manufacturing, promising long-lasting and reliable products for consumers.

The fenestration industry is witnessing a transformative era in product development, particularly in the design and engineering of window and door fasteners. At the forefront of this revolution is Rapierstar and their use of Dassault Systems SolidWorks, a leading 3D modelling computer-aided design (CAD) and computer-aided engineering (CAE) application. This powerful tool is not just enhancing the way we develop fasteners; it's redefining the possibilities of design efficiency and product performance.

"For those in the fenestration industry, embracing SolidWorks for screw design is not just about keeping pace with technological advancements; it's about leading the charge towards a more innovative, efficient, and cost-effective future."

SolidWorks has become an indispensable asset in our new product development (NPD) processes, enabling us to undertake virtual prototyping with unprecedented precision. The ability to iteratively adjust and test every minute detail of screw designs in a digital environment allows for a level of optimization that was previously unattainable. This process significantly reduces the need for physical prototyping, saving time and resources while accelerating the path from concept to production.

The journey from a virtual prototype to a tangible product is now more seamless than ever. Once a design is validated within SolidWorks for effectiveness, we can quickly transition the design model to computer simulation of stresses – calculating forces acting in a real-world scenario. This step is crucial for assessing and refining the proposed design with high accuracy before manufacturing metal samples for further testing.

Improving fastener performance

The primary objective of any NPD program is to surpass the performance of existing products. SolidWorks empowers us to achieve this by facilitating the modelling of minor adjustments that can lead to significant enhancements in real-world applications. Whether it's optimizing thread forms, head designs, or screw tips, SolidWorks provides the insights needed to develop fasteners that enhance the efficiency and safety of window and door manufacturing.

Beyond the standard fastener range, SolidWorks facilitates the development of bespoke fasteners tailored for specific applications. This capability ensures that even the most unique requirements can be met, providing fabricators with precise solutions to deliver superior finished products.

Time and money savings

The integration of Dassault Systems SolidWorks into the fenestration industry's NPD processes marks a significant leap forward in the design and production of screws. By harnessing the power of this advanced CAD/CAE tool, we are streamlining the development process and setting new standards in product performance and efficiency. As we continue to explore the vast potentials of SolidWorks, the future of fenestration fastener design looks brighter than ever, promising innovations that will continue to push the boundaries of what is possible.

The development of window screws has been revolutionized by digital technology, significantly reducing the new product development (NPD) process from years to as little as a few months. Using virtual design and computer simulation, Rapierstar can now efficiently produce both standard and bespoke fasteners, meeting the diverse needs of fabricators, systems companies, and hardware manufacturers. The standard Rapierstar range, such as StarPVCU and StarTurn, caters to most assembly requirements, but for unique applications, custom-made fasteners are also viable, depending on order volumes.

This technological advancement saves time and reduces costs by minimizing the need for traditionally expensive prototype samples. As a result, Rapierstar can offer new screws at competitive prices, a crucial factor for price-sensitive window manufacturers. Whether it's a bespoke fastener or a standard product, Rapierstar's solutions support fabricators in delivering superior products. The key lies in selecting the suitable screws by size and metal type to maximize performance benefits.