The importance of agile CAD/CAM and PLM solutions in streamlining workflow automation, highlighting that modern productivity is reliant on automated processes. Choosing the right software is really crucial, with considerations including user-friendly environment, customization, integration, scalability, and cost. Flexible platforms that work with existing equipment reduce manual tasks and improve workflow visibility, ultimately rendering design engineers to mitigate intensive labour and accelerate time-to-market while controlling operational risks.

Online 3D CAD Configurator for Pneumatic Actuators.

Festo’s new 3D CAD configurator is designed for pneumatic actuators and their accessories, such as fittings, tubing, and sensors. It supports common CAD formats and focuses on Festo’s in-stock and quick-ship items. By providing a single CAD file for the actuator/accessory assembly, the tool simplifies the design process by eliminating the demand for multiple individual files. Engineers can easily take the desicion for the desired actuator type and then use “hot spots” to choose compatible accessories. The configurator ensures compatibility and validates the type code, streamlining the workflow for designers.

Subscription Services for 3D Fixture Modeling Software.

FixtureBuilder 3D fixture-modeling software was launched by Renishaw via a subscription service in January 2024. The software enables rapid creation and documentation of advanced CAD-based metrology fixturing setups, providing access to the complete catalog of Renishaw metrology fixturing components for designing and documenting modular fixtures.

Not only available with the purchase of qualifying metrology fixturing products or bundles, the software also offers full CAD compatibility and includes an intuitive interface, intelligent drag-and-drop functionality, and an easy-to-use constraint mechanism. Renishaw highlighted that the standout feature is its “Build It” function, which automates the generation of work instructions and bill of materials for each fixture setup.

CAE Workflows, Efficient CAE Analysis Simulation and Results Interpretation.

A partnership between Visual Collaboration Technologies, Inc. (VCollab) and Novus Nexus empowers the design engineer and simulation specialist at every stage of the product development cycle. This collaboration has access to experience its flagship product CAENexus, which users may review and share CAE analysis results without leaving their comfort zone in the CAE environment.

Bruce Webster, CEO of Novus Nexus, and Mandava, president of VCollab, emphasising on a press the advantages of baked on VCollab’s report generation capabilities into Novus Nexus’ simulation automation strategy. This collaboration increases flexibility and effectiveness for design engineers and simulation specialists via the product development cycle. Novus Nexus efficiently works out simulations with complex CAD geometries, while VCollab provides interactive 3D reports and Rapid Results Review features, enabling thorough investigations of entire assemblies. Webster encapsulated the partnership by stating that simulation-ready CAD serves as input, CAENexus functions as the automation processor, and VCollab delivers performance visualization for dynamic design reviews and decision-making.

Cloud-based CAD-PLM Securely Shares Design Information.

To accelorate product development, many companies are attuned to cloud-native and hybrid-cloud CAD and data management platforms. For OEMs seeking smoother transitions from design to manufacturing, PTC offers the Onshape-Arena Connection, which integrates CAD, PDM, and PLM in the cloud. Traditionally, CAD-PLM integrations are complex and require PDM as an intermediary. Nevertherless, PTC Onshape includes built-in PDM capabilities, facilitating easy adaptation with Arena PLM, which helps sort out product design, engineering changes, and quality tracking throughout the product lifecycle.

During PTC’s Q4 2023 earnings call, the company mentioned its growing share in the CAD market, highlighting its latest offering, Creo 3D CAD technology, for digital design and testing. Onshape is a SaaS product development platform that combines CAD with data management and collaboration tools. Matt Shimao, PTC’s head of Investor Relations, noted that Onshape’s high NPS scores and strong retention rates present good opportunities for growth in its market segment.