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INTRODUCING: STURDY
Enhancing Child Safety through Advanced Simulation Technology
Widom Associates is excited to announce the release of the STURDY Add-In for Autodesk Inventor. This innovative solution came about in partnership with Design Simulation Technologies - Dynamic Designer Motion (DDM) for Autodesk Inventor to:
Help furniture designers validate compliance with the Stop Tip-overs of Unstable, Risky Dressers on Youth (STURDY) Act, emphasizing the need for safer furniture in our homes.
Enhanced Child Safety
The STURDY Add-In for Autodesk Inventor enables furniture designers to determine whether their furniture designs comply with the test procedures described by the STURDY Act. Those designs that may fail the test procedure can be identified and modified straight from the CAD design before any prototypes are built and sent for third-party testing. By integrating these tests directly within Autodesk Inventor, designers can ensure furniture stability and security, significantly reducing the risk of tip-over accidents that can cause serious injuries to children. Leveraging data from the tests, manufacturers can refine furniture designs to meet the highest safety standards, providing peace of mind for parents and caregivers.
Efficient Design Process
The STURDY Add-In integrates seamlessly with existing Autodesk Inventor workflows, offering a user-friendly interface tailored for furniture designers. This integration allows for the simulation of tests required by the STURDY Act, facilitating a smooth and efficient design process.
Supported Tests:
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General Stability Test: Evaluates if the furniture will tip under existing conditions both on hard surfaces and carpeted floors.
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STURDY Act Test: Checks whether the furniture will or will not tip under the loading conditions defined in the ASTM F2057-23 standard on both hard surface and carpeted floors.
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Determine Tipping Force: Calculates the force that will cause a tip-over on both hard surfaces and carpeted floors. This provides the furniture designer with a safety factor for furniture that passes the ASTM F2057-23 tests.
User-Friendly Interface
The STURDY Add-In provides a simple and intuitive interface, making it easy for designers to gather inputs and perform necessary simulations. Clear feedback is provided on whether the furniture is stable or requires adjustments to meet safety standards.
Now that the tests specified by ASTM F2057-23 are required before certain types of furniture can be sold, it is important that furniture designers have the ability to evaluate their designs before expensive prototypes and testing are conducted. The STURDY add-in, integrated with Autodesk Inventor, provides furniture designers with the ability to perform these tests virtually without ever leaving Inventor.
HOW TO TURN STURDY ACT INTO A COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGE
A Proactive Approach to Furniture Design
For any successful product, safety isn't a suggestion – it's the cornerstone. Volvo exemplifies this philosophy, while Ikea's $46 million settlement for a tip-over death stands as a cautionary tale. Smaller companies face even steeper consequences, as seen with the Cedona dresser recall.
Reactive safety measures are expensive and avoidable. Woodworking companies can gain a competitive advantage by prioritizing proactive solutions. Thankfully, the Widom Associates and Design Simulation Technologies partnership offers a game-changer: the STURDY Add-In.
This innovative 3D modeling software add-on empowers designers to create furniture compliant with the STURDY Act directly within the design phase. By integrating safety from the very beginning, companies can:
Minimize rework and accelerate time to market: Identify and address potential tip-over risks early, eliminating costly redesigns and physical prototyping. This translates to faster product launches and increased efficiency.
Protect children and build brand trust: Demonstrate a commitment to child safety, fostering trust with customers who prioritize responsible practices.
Avoid costly law suits: Proactive safety measures minimize the risk of expensive legal battles.
The STURDY Add-In isn't just about compliance; it's about building a safer future for children and a more successful future for your business. Move safety to the top of your agenda and unlock the competitive advantage it offers.
Stay Safe With STURDY
Don’t wait until it’s too late—ensure your furniture designs are safe and compliant with the STURDY Act. Embrace innovation and equip your design team with the STURDY Add-In for Autodesk Inventor. Contact us today to learn more about how our powerful solution can enhance child safety, streamline your design process, and position your brand as a leader in responsible furniture manufacturing. Let’s work together to build a safer future for children and a more successful business for you!