THORNCREEK ENGINEERING, LLC
Industry Segment:  Engineering Services

Thorncreek Engineering, LLC, a Columbia, Indiana-based consultancy, takes advantage of KeyCreator software for the design of everything from door handles to food mixers. When Thorncreek was contacted by long-time customer Mr. Gasket®, a leading manufacturer of automotive aftermarket parts and accessories, the design project was a new line of stylized High Energy (HEI) distributors, and cosmetic replacement distributors, for small and large block Ford® and Chevrolet® vehicles.

Thorncreek’s success with Mr. Gasket relies heavily on the design flexibility available in KeyCreator.  The software’s real geometry approach gives designers an ability to rapidly create and generate design concepts and precision models for collaboration with customers. In the HEI project, fifteen different distributor models were being designed for Mr. Gasket.  Each model involved dozens of different design layouts, as well as mold and tooling schematics. 

“KeyCreator allowed us to easily create multiple variations on the basic distributor design concept,” said Don Bedwell of Thorncreek Engineering LLC. “The Mr. Gasket project was a complex project that encompassed both the mechanical and electrical design structure of the distributors. With the number of the pieces being designed and the need for tolerances to be extremely precise, we needed to be sure we had the ability to accurately design both the electrical and mechanical aspects of the pieces. KeyCreator delivered this capability with the level of precision we needed.”

Thorncreek took advantage of KeyCreator beyond the electrical and mechanical design.  The company was able to share multiple versions of the distributors with Mr. Gasket’s manufacturing team.  The collaboration enabled both companies to deliver an advanced line of HEI distributors and smooth downstream manufacturing for a win-win automotive solution.