Baker SPD Standardizes On SolidWorks Software to Speed Design and Enhance Customer Communication of Its Oil Well Drilling Parts.

Business/Technology Editors

CONCORD, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--April 29, 2002

Oil flow control manufacturer migrates from static 2D drawings to SolidWorks software to gain 3D design and large assembly capabilities

SolidWorks Corporation announced today that Baker SPD, a leading manufacturer of quality oil field drilling and production products, is using SolidWorks(R) three-dimensional computer-aided design (3D CAD) software to speed design and enhance customer communication for its oil production and drilling products. As its new standard for 3D CAD tools, SolidWorks is paving the way for Baker SPD to migrate from static two-dimensional (2D) drawings to 3D solid models to streamline design and more easily communicate designs to customers.

Baker SPD is a division of Baker Oil Tools, which is owned by leading oilfield services provider Baker Hughes Inc. (NYSE: BHI), also a SolidWorks customer with more than 60 seats of the software. Baker SPD uses SolidWorks to design and develop flow control products used in the creation, maintenance, and production of oil and natural gas wells. Baker SPD previously used 2D design software to create its production and drilling products. However, designing oil rig drilling equipment in 2D was complicated and time consuming, and could potentially result in errors. The 2D drawings were often too confusing for customers to understand. Designers now use SolidWorks' eDrawings to communicate their designs to customers electronically, expediting the design review process and reducing costly manufacturing errors.

"We chose SolidWorks for its stability, superior technical support, and its visualization capabilities that allow everyone, not just mechanical engineers, to clearly see a product and understand how it works," said Robert Nowlin, senior drafter at Baker SPD. "The actual design process is incredibly fast using SolidWorks. There is no faster way to design."

Nowlin cites an example where he designed on his first try a flapper for a drill pipe float valve, which assures continuous control of fluid flow during drilling. Designing the same flapper using 2D software required four rounds of revisions and three weeks, and the component still didn't fit exactly right. The cost to create this still-flawed flapper in 2D exceeded the cost of the company's investment in SolidWorks, according to Nowlin.

Baker SPD uses both SolidWorks' PhotoWorks(TM) and Immersive Design's IPA Publish3D for SolidWorks to create presentations, demonstrations, and training videos. The resulting animated product renderings bring the design to life, making it easier for customers to comprehend. Many third-party vendors like Immersive Design have developed SolidWorks add-ons through the company's Solution Partner Program. This program is the most extensive in the industry, with more than 400 participating partner companies. These partners' products integrate with SolidWorks flagship software, SolidWorks 2001Plus, to give engineers specialized tools for designing everything from plastic caps to electric submarine vehicles.

"SolidWorks makes it easy for designers and customers to visualize complex designs - even the most non-technical person can `see' the design and understand immediately how it will work," said John McEleney, CEO of SolidWorks. "Long-established companies like Baker SPD are finding new ways of doing many different jobs better and faster with SolidWorks."

Baker SPD is working with SolidWorks' reseller, Texas Engineering Systems, for ongoing software implementation, training, and support.

About Baker SPD

Baker SPD, a division of Baker Oil Tools, which is owned by leading oilfield services provider Baker Hughes Inc. (NYSE: BHI), is a leader in providing dependable quality products to drilling and production customers around the world. Baker SPD is the market leader in drill pipe float valves and offers a full line of triplex and duplex mud pump fluid end parts and gate valves for the drilling industry. Baker SPD production gate valves and chokes offer fluid control solutions to customers operating in such difficult conditions as EOR and CO2 injection.

About Texas Engineering Systems

Texas Engineering Systems, L.L.C. is a leading SolidWorks value added reseller with a strong engineering focus. TES offers the best in design and analysis software, and unmatched service and support. TES' goal is to help its customers improve their bottom line, while maintaining their competitive edge. The company's mission is to, "Exceed Customers' Expectations." TES has offices in Dallas and Houston, Texas serving the engineering communities in Texas, Oklahoma, and Arkansas. For further information, visit the company's Web site: http://www.texaseng.com or call (877-395-2100).

About SolidWorks Corporation

SolidWorks Corporation, a Dassault Systemes S.A. (Nasdaq: DASTY, Euronext Paris: #13065, DSY.PA) company, develops and markets mechanical design software solutions. Founded in 1993, SolidWorks' mission is to unleash the power of 3D for everyone in product development. In six years of shipping product, SolidWorks has shipped more than 188,000 total seats of software worldwide. SolidWorks has offices around the globe and sells, distributes, and supports its products through a worldwide network of resellers. For the latest news, information, or a live online demonstration, visit the company's Web site (www.solidworks.com) or call 1-800-693-9000 (outside of North America, call [phone]).

SolidWorks is a registered trademark of SolidWorks Corporation. Other brand and product names are trademarks of their respective owners. Copyright (c) 2002 SolidWorks Corporation.