How ADVANCE Boosted In-House Mold Design Capacity and Cut Costs by 75% with ZW3D

Founded in 1985, ADVANCE has long been a trusted partner in Japan’s manufacturing supply chain, specializing in the production of high-precision prototype parts. Serving various industries such as automotive, aerospace, and electronics, ADVANCE plays a crucial role in bridging the gap between initial design and full-scale production. Through its comprehensive one-stop solutions, ADVANCE enables companies to swiftly and accurately test, validate, and refine product designs before mass production.

ADVANCE Corporation’s Headquarters in Niiza

By facilitating the rapid, high-quality development of prototypes, ADVANCE is not only supporting individual clients but also empowering Japan’s broader manufacturing landscape to innovate and maintain a competitive edge.

Strengthening In-House Design Capacity to Meet Rising Demand

For years, ADVANCE relied on a combination of costly CAD software and occasional outsourcing during peak periods to handle complex mold projects. When order volumes surged, external resources were needed to manage the workload, as internal capacity and efficiency weren’t always sufficient. Their existing CAD software, with its high licensing fees and cumbersome interface, further strained budgets and slowed down workflows. As expenses rose and project complexity increased, it became clear that this internal setup could no longer keep up.

ADVANCE recognized the need to boost its in-house design capacity. To bring more design work under their own roof and strengthen internal capabilities, they sought a CAD solution that could streamline workflows, reduce reliance on outsourcing during busy seasons, and stay within budget.

ZW3D: A Cost-Effective CAD Solution for Expanding In-House Expertise

With this goal in mind, ADVANCE evaluated CAD options that offered robust functionality, affordability, and ease of use. Around this time, they welcomed Ayaka Okuda, a mold designer with over a decade of experience, to the team. Having worked with ZW3D in a previous role, Okuda understood how well the software could meet ADVANCE’s needs. Known for its powerful hybrid modeling, mold-parting tools, and compatibility with formats like IGES and STEP, ZW3D provided the flexibility and control ADVANCE required—at a fraction of their previous software’s cost.

Ayaka Okuda Explores the Benefits of ZW3D for In-House Design

Okuda’s familiarity with ZW3D helped shape ADVANCE’s decision. Her insights into its intuitive interface and comprehensive features demonstrated ZW3D’s capacity to support the shift to in-house design while significantly lowering expenses. The software’s one-time purchase model was especially appealing, allowing ADVANCE to reduce CAD costs by 75%. “ZW3D allowed us to reduce our CAD costs to a quarter of what we were paying before,” says Kazuki Takano, Director and Head of Manufacturing at ADVANCE.

Accelerating Efficiency and Quality with ZW3D’s Mold Design Tools

After implementing ZW3D, ADVANCE has been experiencing a significant boost in workflow efficiency. The intuitive interface makes it easy for Okuda and her team to get up to speed, leading to faster project turnarounds and streamlining the entire design process from concept to completion.

Ayaka Okuda Using ZW3D for Mold Design

ZW3D’s specialized tools for mold design also allow ADVANCE to bring in-house more complex projects that had previously been outsourced. This transition has not only improved timelines but has also given the team greater control over product quality. “ZW3D’s interface made it easy to transition, boosting our efficiency and shortening our design cycles,” Okuda explains. With more projects handled internally, ADVANCE reduces its outsourcing needs while consistently delivering the high standards their clients rely on.

Setting a Foundation for Scalable, Sustainable Growth in Manufacturing

Through the adoption of ZW3D, ADVANCE has found more than just an effective CAD solution—it has laid the groundwork for a more sustainable and scalable approach to mold design and production. With high CAD costs and workflow disruptions now in the past, ADVANCE is free to tackle increasingly complex projects with efficiency and confidence. “With ZW3D, we’re able to take on more complex projects and achieve better efficiency without breaking our budget,” shares Takano, highlighting the newfound balance between innovation and cost control.

In this new phase, ADVANCE is better positioned to meet the growing demands of its clients and keep pace with Japan’s competitive manufacturing landscape. The company now leads with renewed agility, setting higher standards for quality and efficiency while staying true to its mission of delivering innovative, precision-crafted prototypes.