INTERVIEW WITH ANTONIO SÁNCHEZ, CEO OF ASORCAD

Let's talk a little about the trajectory of AsorCAD
AsorCAD was born out of a personal concern while working for the company DeltaCAD in which we provided engineering services to companies with special needs and highly complex projects. In order to provide the best service to our clients, we had to search and investigate new technologies and in that search we discovered 3d technology, three-dimensional scanners, software and the first 3d printers that were beginning to be seen. A short time later, we were able to take the leap and create AsorCAD as a service company specialized in 3d scanning and its different applications such as reverse engineering, metrology and 3d printing. Subsequently, we obtained the exclusive distribution for Spain of the same technology that we use to carry out the work, so that our clients could implement it in their own production processes. Thanks to this global offer of specialized services and products, we have been constantly growing and innovating.

What is the main technology with which we could recognize AsorCAD as a benchmark?
I think we have always made a difference fundamentally in 3d scanning and its applications. The deep knowledge we have of this technique and the solutions we provide to companies thanks to 3d scanning. It is a technology that allows companies to save many costs, in design, quality control and other activities within the production process.

How can reverse engineering help business productivity?
Reverse engineering is essential in the entire design part, subsequent redesign, product customizations, repair or adaptation of parts, etc. In fact, we have been experts in reverse engineering for more than 30 years and there are already many companies that use our services or have incorporated a 3d scanner to do reverse engineering in their company on a daily basis. What surprises me is that it is still necessary to explain what it is, what it is for and how it is applied, but we see that every day we have more clients and the concept is more and more assimilated.

Is there any success story that AsorCAD feels especially proud of as a company after all these years and that represents a milestone in differential innovation?
I would highlight two projects, the first, our intervention in the ITER project. It is about the construction of a nuclear fusion reactor in Cadarache, France to get a large amount of clean energy throughout Europe. Our contribution to this international project is 3d scanning to measure the welding lips of the construction that must house the moving atom, called tokamak. Verification of this weld is done using our highest-end and most accurate 3d scanner and we apply reverse engineering and metrology. The great challenge consisted of scanning the pieces under very demanding conditions, such as the impossibility of having physical contact with the piece, not being able to use targets attached to the piece, or gloss toning sprays, or anything else. Having to use scaffolding and cranes given the dimensions of the pieces, among other challenges that we were able to overcome thanks, on the one hand, to the technology we use and, on the other, to the fact that our technicians are very versatile and have extensive experience.
The other project that we are especially proud of is the one that we were able to develop during the pandemic. We were collaborating with the Parc Taulí Hospital, which challenged us to recover the obsolete respirators that were in the hospitals by making adapters so that they could be used. We scan respirator outlet valves to reverse engineer adaptable valves. Once we had the design done, it was made available to the maker community, so any person or company that had a 3d printer could make the valves. In less than 48 hours, the valves could be distributed to the hospitals and the respirators could be used. It was a perfect organization and we did our bit so that something so important could be carried out.

Do you think that the involvement of your entire team and customization in each project is the main characteristic of AsorCAD?
Yes, I believe that our differential lies in the knowledge and involvement of our technical team. I always say that our best asset is the technical knowledge of our staff and that we are constantly incorporating the best technology that exists. We never stop innovating and our technicians never stop learning. We win projects because we find the solution by studying how to apply technology to the problem that arises in each challenge.

How important is training in the new 3D technologies that are coming in industry 4.0? AsorCAD offers training courses tailored to its products, right?

It is essential that both VT schools and engineering schools or even orthopedic schools know that there are 3D solutions for each sector and that it is explained that this technology is useful and its different ways of applying it. We believe that training is necessary to ensure maximum profitability in the processes, which is why, together with the sale of our scanners and software, we provide training to our clients, so that their work is profitable from the first moment. We also have special programs for educational centers with significant discounts and free software licenses, so that they can easily incorporate technology into their training plans. Today's students are tomorrow's professionals, professionals who will know the applications of 3D technology in their jobs.

AsorCAD has an office in the business hub for the promotion and development of industry 4.0 known as DFactory, in the Barcelona Free Zone. What motivated you to be part of this business community and what does AsorCAD bring to the hub?

When we found out about the DFactory project, we who have been developing the term coopetir (cooperate to compete) from the beginning, we thought it was an excellent idea because in this way we could be part of a nucleus of innovative companies that allowed us to share projects where we could contribute our technology. and incorporate new ones and together be able to raise projects of greater interest and impact. What we contribute is obviously our know how in 3d scanning, reverse engineering meteorology. We already have several projects underway in collaboration with other hub companies.

You are currently the president of Secpho, what is the purpose of this Cluster?
Secpho is a cluster that was born from the photonics industry and has evolved to become an innovation cluster specialized in high tech technologies.
What we usually do at Secpho is solve challenges. We find companies that pose certain challenges to us, the cluster makes those challenges known to the partners so that those with the technology and knowledge necessary to solve the challenge can launch their resolution proposals. Many projects are resolved thanks to the collaboration of several companies in the cluster. Sometimes it is the solution to a specific problem and other times it even leads to a solution that is launched on the market and from which other companies benefit. Again in our line of collaboration. I believe that this is the true company of the future: the company that is capable of contributing the best it knows how to do to other companies, and at the same time taking advantage of the best that others do.