Born To Design - SOLIDWORKS Podcast

What does it take to grow a SOLIDWORKS user group from a handful of people in a room to one of the most energetic SOLIDWORKS communities in the region? In this episode, I’m joined by Ahmed Abdelnasser & Ahmed Mohamed M. Said, the dynamic duo, the two incredible leaders of the Mansoura SOLIDWORKS User Group (SWUG). Together they’ve built something special and their recent event at Mansoura University proved it. SHOW NOTES: • Mansoura SWUGN Page: https://community.swugn.org/mansoura-solidworks-user-group • Egypt SWUG 2026 Event: https://community.swugn.org/events/details/solidworks-mansoura-solidworks-user-group-presents-egypt-swug-2026/cohost-mansoura-solidworks-user-group/ • Ahmed Abdelnaser's LinkedIn profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ahmedabdelnasersw/ • Ahmed Mohamed M. Said's LinkedIn profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ahmed-mohamed-m-saeed/ • Podcast original recording time frame: 2026-10

Johnny Harrison discusses the practical application of AI in mechanical engineering and product design. AI Integration Design Application In the context of 3D modeling, Johnny suggests that AI could eventually automate repetitive tasks like creating O-ring grooves or suggesting bolting configurations. His company is currently preparing for a major PDM upgrade and a transition to the latest version of SOLIDWORKS, with plans to investigate automating drawing workflows and templates for one-off designs. Human Expertise Design Limitations While acknowledging the efficiency of AI, Johnny emphasizes that human intuition remains essential for manufacturing feasibility. He notes that current models lack the feedback loop provided by manufacturing staff (such as welders and fitters) regarding real-world constraints, like weld bead clearance or appropriate fastener sizes for specific materials like aluminum. Community Engagement Don’t miss out on these insights that could totally change how you approach your next design project. Check out the full episode and keep an eye out for the hashtag #VerifiedBySpread in the SOLIDWORKS User Forum for exclusive models and images that we’ll feature in upcoming episodes! REAL people, REAL knowledge, REAL experiences ADDITIONAL SHOW NOTES LINKS: • The Core podcast (Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-core-podcast/id1518487724 • The Core podcast (YouTube): https://www.youtube.com/@TheCOREPodcast • Jonny's LinkedIn profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathanharrison2509/

SOLIDWORKS is Everywhere: Think SOLIDWORKS is just for big machines and airplanes? Think again! Kirby shares some cool stories about unexpected creations, from cosplay props and video game replicas to iconic items from movies - all crafted by talented SOLIDWORKS users you'll want to know about! Don’t miss out on these insights that could totally change how you approach your next design project. Check out the full episode and keep an eye out for the hashtag #VerifiedBySpread in the SOLIDWORKS User Forum for exclusive models and images that we’ll feature in upcoming episodes! REAL people, REAL knowledge, REAL experiences SOLIDWORKS Users / SWUGN Leaders / Champions SHOW NOTES: • IronSWUG: https://www.ironswug.com/ • The Core podcast (Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-core-podcast/id1518487724 • The Core podcast (YouTube): https://www.youtube.com/@TheCOREPodcast • Kirby's LinkedIn profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kirbydowney/

Tim Huntzinger, founder of XOTO (pronounced ex-OH-toe), has always been passionate about riding motorcycles. However, as anyone who has ridden on two wheels can testify, cornering on wet, sandy or unstable roads can be very challenging. Three wheeled trikes may be more stable but they are slow and stiff through corners and let’s face it, it’s way more fun when you can tear through a corner at speed! Tim decided to put his BFA and MS in Industrial Design to work. The result is a vehicle with two back wheels that lean and adjust as you turn, giving you the stability of a 3-wheeler with the performance and responsiveness of a 2-wheeler. Package this in a “front-wheel” drive electric scooter with a 45-mile range (charged via a standard 110 volt receptacle) and what do you have? XOTO! … Oh and did I mention that this thing is fast!?

There are more than 10 million street vendors in India. Many rely on a bicycle or push cart to transport their goods to market. New Born to Design podcast with Abhijit Bansod, founder of Studio ABD, a design studio dedicated to creating goods based on the concept of “Indian” design, including a Tigoona for Indian market vendors.

Interview with Ali Sabti, founder of Oto Lawn, a developer of environmentally sustainable irrigation systems. Ali’s “journey” began at a very young age. While still in grade school, the insatiably curious and clever young Ali learned to code and built his school’s first website. His entrepreneurial drive continued through high school where developed several e-commerce sites. The idea for Oto Lawn came several years later after Ali, (now a full-fledged mechanical engineer), had purchased his first home. Environmentally friendly solutions for lawn care and in particular, lawn irrigation systems were not readily accessible. Never one to back away from a challenge, Ali put his problem solving skills to work.

While we seek to forge our own paths in life, our families and upbringing, whether we are aware or not, often play a major role in the choices we make and the directions we take. Today I’m speaking with Vamsi Kotla who began his journey in pursuit of a master’s degree in Computer Science at the University of Southern California. The dot.com bust, however, presented too many challenges for him to justify continuing his studies. Vamsi left USC to become an entrepreneur and ultimately to pursue building construction, the same career as his father. This proved to be expensive, difficult and time-consuming and he was beginning to question his decisions. His defining moment came when attempting to purchase a larger home for his growing family. Significantly outbid in a highly competitive real estate market, he came to realize that his experience was one example of a much larger problem. Affordable housing.

Philipp Glonner began his education as an economics major but soon realized that his destiny was not with the study of production, distribution or the consumption of goods and services. His true calling, nurtured by time spent working on performance vehicles with his late father, was engineering. The greatest hurdle toward achieving this goal, however, was math. The courses were incredibly difficult. Despite some early setbacks and the onset of COVID, he persevered. His strong will, determination and love of all things mechanical led him to where he is today

Interview with Heath Tims, an Associate Dean for Undergraduate Studies and a Professor for Mechanical Engineering in the College of Engineering and Science at Louisiana Tech University. Heath believes in a hands-on AND in-class approach to teaching engineering students. He is also involved in a very successful Eco-Car team, which is an interdisciplinary group of students and faculty working together to design competitive, fuel-efficient cars. The team competes against national and international teams and also helps other Eco-Car teams at area schools. Heath shares stories from his 17 years teaching at LA Tech, and his philosophy for preparing these students for success.

Interview with Jose Saldana, an engineering manager by day, but in his free time he serves as a SWUGN group leader on the U.S. West coast, as well Central and South America. Jose has a passion for expanding design and innovation to South America, and helping out organizations there. Jose shares stories of the great outreach work he is doing.