Isometric IronCAD rendering of a farrowing pen with metal fencing, dark partition panels, feed troughs, and various adjustable gates within a simple space with gray walls.

Rijk van Dam Barn Equipment

From 2D to a Better Overview in 3D

Rijk van Dam Barn Equipment B.V. designs and manufactures barn equipment for pigs, calves, goats, and poultry, among others. The stainless steel components are manufactured in-house in Lunteren. In addition, the company supplies drinking systems, water purification systems, animal cooling systems, and feed automation, among other products.

For its design and engineering process, Rijk van Dam made the switch from AutoCAD to IronCAD. This also marked the transition from 2D to 3D.

Exit doors, each with different dimensions

A good real-world example is the exit doors that Rijk van Dam manufactures for a client. This client has many customers abroad, including in Germany. It is important for them to be able to see clearly in advance what such a door will look like. With IronCAD, Rijk van Dam can clearly demonstrate this.

Dimensions vary by request. By modeling freely and reusing components, an existing design can easily be adapted to the correct dimensions. It also makes it easier to send the cutting and layout files to suppliers, and the drawings are clearer for the workshop.

“Free-form modeling and the reuse of parts were particularly important, because this makes it easier to redraw doors each time, but with different dimensions each time.”

From 2D to a Better Overview in 3D

Before making the switch, Rijk van Dam worked with AutoCAD. According to the company, designing in 3D makes it easier to see how parts fit together and what the final design will look like.

The decision to use IronCAD came from a colleague who had already worked with the program at a previous employer. For Rijk van Dam, the combination of faster drafting, a clearer overview, and the additional capabilities of 3D was the deciding factor.

A library of standard parts also helps to build drawings more quickly and reuse parts.

What are the benefits?

Since switching to IronCAD, Rijk van Dam has been able to design faster and implement changes more easily. Because the entire project can be viewed in 3D, it’s easier to see how parts fit together, and the company says this results in fewer errors.

The most significant concrete benefit that Rijk van Dam itself cites is time savings. By reusing parts, drawings can be developed more efficiently.

Communication with customers has also become clearer. Rijk van Dam has noticed fewer questions about what something will look like or how it will be made.

The Main Benefits



Designing faster

By reusing components in new designs.



A Better Overview

In 3D, it’s easier to see how the parts fit together within the design.



Easier to change

Dimensions and designs can be adjusted more easily.



Clearer drawings

For customers, suppliers, and workshop employees.

Support from Dynfos

Rijk van Dam reports that the support provided by Dynfos has been excellent. Whenever questions arise or support is needed, the company can rely on Dynfos’ technical expertise regarding IronCAD. The personal touch and responsiveness are also highly valued.

When they first started using IronCAD, an employee from Rijk van Dam also took a basic training course to refresh their knowledge and learn new tips and work methods. That training was found to be enjoyable and informative.

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