Vistagy Acquisition Closes - Company now becomes part of Siemens PLM Software

On December 6, 2011, Siemens closed its acquisition of Vistagy, Inc., a leading supplier of specialized engineering software and services with emphasis on designing and manufacturing structures made of advanced composite materials. The Vistagy workforce and product line will now become a business segment within the Siemens PLM Software business unit and will continue to provide the same level of support and expertise that the customer base has come to expect.

“This is the start of an exciting new chapter for Vistagy and Siemens; one that will benefit both our customers and the global PLM industry,” said Steve Luby, president and CEO, Vistagy, Inc. “Our solutions are a perfect complement to the Siemens PLM Software product line and with the talent and resources of Siemens behind us, we look forward to further enhancing the value we have been delivering to customers for the past 20 years.”

With their unique combination of low-weight, high-strength, and remarkable durability, composite structures are already used extensively in the aerospace and wind power industries, and their use is growing rapidly in other industries such as automotive and marine. Siemens is among the technology leaders in the automation of production lines for carbon fiber components, and with the acquisition of Vistagy, becomes the world’s only company with software tools that support the whole value creation process for these components – from product definition and development to manufacturing and service.

“We welcome the Vistagy team and all Vistagy customers to the Siemens PLM Software family,” said Chuck Grindstaff, president and CEO, Siemens PLM Software. “The Vistagy product line is an excellent complement to our existing product family and includes a variety of open software solutions that operate seamlessly on a mix of IT and CAD platforms. In addition to composites engineering, the Vistagy product family includes applications for the complete development and quality planning of aerostructures, airframe design and assembly, and the design and manufacture of seating systems and interior components. We are delighted to now begin the important tasks of ensuring a smooth transition for Vistagy employees and customers into our organization, and completing the seamless integration of Vistagy software and services into our comprehensive suite of PLM offerings.”

For more information about the Vistagy acquisition and product line, please visit www.siemens.com/plm/vistagy.

Siemens Extends Industry Software Contract with Procter & Gamble Co.

Siemens today announced a contract extension with Procter & Gamble Co. (P&G) (NYSE: PG), that will give P&G global access to a wide spectrum of software from Siemens PLM Software, a business unit of the Siemens Industry Automation Division and a leading global provider of product lifecycle management (PLM) software and services, and to Comos, Siemens’ leading global plant engineering software for holistic project assets across the complete lifecycle of an industrial plant and its equipment.

P&G has used Siemens PLM Software’s technology since the 1980s and currently has thousands of users deployed across the enterprise. Comos plant engineering software has been in use at P&G since 2009 and is the premier portfolio for lifecycle engineering for complex industries.

“Innovation is our lifeblood at P&G. I believe Siemens’ robust PLM and Lifecycle Engineering software has helped us secure an engineering competitive advantage to help deliver meaningful innovation to our consumers,” said Irv Kieback, director of engineering in P&G’s Household Care Business Unit. “P&G’s purpose is to touch and improve lives, and Siemens is a key enabler in that endeavor.”

“P&G is an important, long term client for our business and we are very pleased to have the opportunity to continue to work on the next phase of our relationship,” said Andreas Geiss, vice president, Comos industry solutions, Siemens. “Siemens is committed to delivering best-in-class technology to address the growing complexity of the consumer package goods market.”

“We are very proud of our strong relationship with P&G, one of the world’s leading CPG companies,” said Paul Vogel, executive vice president, Sales, Marketing and Service Delivery, Siemens PLM Software. “P&G’s decision to continue our relationship is a testament to Siemens PLM Software’s effort to continue to provide best-in-class industry-based solutions developed using the knowledge and expertise gained from working with the world's leading CPG manufacturers to address core industry issues and to drive innovation and collaboration.”

Siemens Seeking College Students With Skills In Science, Technology, Engineering and Math to Fill Over 300 Internship Positions in US

WASHINGTON - Siemens is looking for currently enrolled college students to fill over 300 positions in its internship programs across its Energy, Industry, Healthcare and Infrastructure & Cities sectors. Each year, Siemens offers 300 student interns the opportunity to participate in Leadership and Professional Development programs or Technical Training programs. In 2011, 175 of these interns were hired full-time upon graduation.

"Siemens is able to provide a real, hands-on work experience exposing students to some of the brightest technical minds in our industries," said Mike Panigel, Senior Vice President, Human Resources at Siemens Corporation. "While the students gain invaluable experience, mentoring and expertise in high-tech fields that will help them succeed in college and beyond, Siemens gains access to fresh perspectives and a talent pool for the future."

Internship positions are available in a variety of areas, including: Engineering, Research and Development, Finance, Accounting, Marketing and Sales. Most of these positions span the summer months, but a number of internships are also available throughout the year. Siemens is specifically looking for students with education or experience in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) to match well with its portfolio of high-tech products and solutions, including green building design, renewable energy, healthcare and mobility.

Siemens is currently holding recruiting events at college and university campuses across the country. Interested candidates should visit their college or university career center to see if Siemens will be visiting their campus. Interested applicants are encouraged to find more information on internship programs and can also apply online at: http://www.usa.siemens.com/en/jobs_careers/university_recruiting.htm

Siemens Corporation is a U.S. subsidiary of Siemens AG SI -0.91% , a global powerhouse in electronics and electrical engineering, operating in the industry, energy, healthcare, and infrastructure and cities sectors. For more than 160 years, Siemens has built a reputation for leading-edge innovation and the quality of its products, services and solutions. With 360,000 employees in 190 countries, Siemens reported worldwide revenue of approximately $120 billion in fiscal 2011. Siemens in the USA reported revenue of $20 billion and employs approximately 60,000 people throughout all 50 states and Puerto Rico.

Dataquest Magazine Names Siemens PLM Software as the #1 PLM Vendor in India for 2010-2011

Siemens PLM Software today announced that the company has been recognized as the leading PLM vendor in India by Dataquest, India’s top information technology magazine. Dataquest ranked Siemens PLM Software as the leading vendor in the PLM market in India during 2010-2011 with a market share of 22 percent. These findings, based on an in-depth analysis of the PLM market, were announced by Dataquest in September 2011 and are detailed in their recent DQ Top 20 Industry Report.

According to the DQ Top 20 report, the PLM market in India registered a robust growth of 22 percent during 2010-2011, with an overall market size of Rs. 684 Crores (USD $140 Million). With Indian enterprises going global, the concept of “design anywhere-build anywhere” was found to be gaining momentum resulting in increased collaboration between design and manufacturing departments, thereby leading to increased adoption of PLM solutions across diverse industry segments. Industry segments like automotive, aerospace, heavy engineering and industrial machinery were identified as the key drivers of PLM adoption in India.

The Dataquest findings further indicate an increased interest in PLM among the top management of Indian enterprises, with PLM featuring prominently on the CIO’s agenda. This signals a growing realization among Indian enterprises of the strategic value of PLM as an innovation platform that provides a competitive edge in the market.

“We are honored to receive this recognition in the DQ Top 20 Industry Report and would like to thank Dataquest for recognizing the value of PLM as a critical vertical enterprise application domain,” said Suman Bose, Managing Director, Siemens PLM Software, India. “This ranking is a testament to the value we provide to Indian enterprises through superior PLM solutions combined with a strong network of sales, support and training partners across the country. We would like to thank all our customers in India for their faith and patronage over the years and look forward to further enhancing the business value we provide to Indian enterprises in the future.”

Siemens PLM Software Joins General Motors and the US Department of Energy to Sponsor the EcoCAR 2 Student Engineering Competition Series

New Three-Year Competition Aims at Introducing Technologies to Reduce Nation's Dependence on Foreign Oil.

Siemens PLM Software today announced that it will join General Motors (GM) and the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) in sponsoring the EcoCAR 2: Plugging In to the Future program. Managed by Argonne National Laboratory, the EcoCAR 2 program aims to introduce energy-efficient technologies to help reduce the nation’s dependence on foreign oil. EcoCAR 2 requires students to explore a variety of powertrain architectures focusing on electric drive vehicle technology.

As a sponsor, Siemens PLM Software will provide in-kind software grants with a combined value of $476.1 million to the 15 universities across North America participating in EcoCAR 2. The in-kind software grant will be made through Siemens PLM Software’s successful GO PLM™ program, which provides PLM technology to more than one million students yearly at nearly 11,200 global institutions, where it is used at every academic level – from grade schools to graduate engineering research programs.

The in-kind software grant will include NX™ software, the fully integrated computer-aided design, manufacturing and engineering analysis (CAD/CAM/CAE) solution, and Teamcenter® software, the world’s most widely used digital lifecycle management solution.

“We are delighted to have Siemens PLM Software on board as an industry sponsor for EcoCAR 2,” said Kristen De La Rosa, Director of Advanced Vehicle Technology Competitions at Argonne National Laboratory and the EcoCAR 2 program. “Their support will provide students hands-on experience with leading- technologies, and the opportunity to learn how to apply these technologies to the real-world challenge of improving energy efficiency. EcoCAR 2 provides the next generation of automotive industry leaders with the tools and experience they need to guide us to a sustainable transportation future.”

“Siemens PLM Software is proud to sponsor the EcoCAR 2 competition series as it fits perfectly in our broader effort to develop and nurture partnerships that provide significant value for academic institutions to help develop top-notch engineers and technologists,” said Bill Boswell, senior director, Partner Strategy, Siemens PLM Software. “Siemens PLM Software provides EcoCAR 2 universities with access to industry-leading PLM technology, which otherwise would be out of reach for the academic community, giving students a distinct advantage by being able to use the same PLM technology widely-used by leading multi-national manufacturing companies around the globe.”

EcoCAR 2: Plugging In to the Future

EcoCAR 2: Plugging In to the Future, is a three-year collegiate engineering competition and the only program of its kind. The competition's mission is a vital one: offer an unparalleled hands-on, real-world experience to educate the next generation of automotive engineers. The competition challenges 15 universities across North America to reduce the environmental impact of a 2013 Chevrolet Malibu, donated by GM, without compromising performance, safety and consumer acceptability.

During the three-year program EcoCAR 2 teams will follow a real-world Vehicle Development Process (VDP) modeled after GM's VDP. The VDP serves as a roadmap for the engineering process of designing, building and refining their advanced technology vehicles. Following a VDP will give the teams an opportunity to improve their vehicles efficiency while retaining consumer acceptability, performance and safety.

The first year of EcoCAR 2 will emphasize vehicle simulation, powertrain testing and engineering trade-offs that occur in the early stages of vehicle design. Competitions will be held at the end of each academic year to showcase the teams’ learning and vehicle development. Siemens PLM Software will help judge the teams’ progress in the annual competition.

Established by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and General Motors (GM), EcoCAR 2 builds upon a successful 23-year history of DOE Advanced Vehicle Technology Competitions (AVTC) that exemplify the power of public/private partnerships in providing invaluable experience and training to promising young minds entering the North American job market. EcoCAR 2 follows the widely acclaimed competition series EcoCAR: The NeXt Challenge. Additional information about EcoCAR 2: Plugging In to the Future is available on the Web at www.ecocar2.org.

Following is the list of 15 universities across North America that are participating in the EcoCAR 2 competition: California State University Los Angeles, Colorado State University, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Mississippi State University, North Carolina State University, The Ohio State University, Pennsylvania State University, Purdue University, Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, University of Victoria, University of Washington, University of Waterloo, Virginia Tech, and Wayne State University.

Introducing Solid Edge Design1 - the First Easy-to-Afford Professional CAD Software for Design and Engineering Enthusiasts

New Offering will be Available through Local Motors to Its Global Design Community for $19.95 per Month.

Siemens PLM Software today announced a new offering based on its Solid Edge® software that makes professional-level computer-aided design (CAD) available to the design enthusiast at an unprecedented value. Solid Edge Design1 will be introduced through Local Motors, a Siemens PLM Software partner, exclusively to the Local Motors global design community for a monthly subscription price of $19.95.

In conjunction with today’s announcement, Local Motors and Siemens PLM Software are making available, for a limited time, a downloadable trial of Solid Edge Design1. The trial is being made available now through the end of the year to select Local Motors community members. The entire global community will then be able to purchase Solid Edge Design1 software subscriptions starting Jan 1, 2012. Also, available immediately, Local Motors and Siemens PLM Software are providing a new, free 3D viewing experience to the Local Motors community based on Siemens PLM Software’s widely used JT™ data format. Siemens PLM Software announced its partnership last month with Local Motors, a next generation American car company that employs a unique approach to vehicle design called co-creation.

By offering professional CAD at an affordable price, Solid Edge Design1 establishes a new category of CAD software for design and engineering enthusiasts that fills the gap between free or low-cost solutions with limited functionality, and higher priced full-function commercial solutions. Solid Edge Design1 is based on the same technology found in the full function version of Solid Edge and includes capabilities such as core assembly and 3D part modeling with synchronous technology, a unique capability which combines the speed and flexibility of direct modeling with the precise control of dimension driven design.

“Solid Edge Design1 is a unique and ideal CAD solution for enthusiasts around the world who participate in the Local Motors collaborative design community,” said Karsten Newbury, senior vice president and general manager, Mainstream Engineering Software Business Segment, Siemens PLM Software. “Solid Edge was selected by Local Motors for its functionality and the benefit synchronous technology brings to their collaborative product development model, which harnesses the creativity of automotive design and engineering enthusiasts working in a variety of environments and possessing a diverse set of skills and experience. These designers want robust and very specific CAD functionality that is affordable and available on their personal computer whether on or off-line. With today’s announcement we’re investing in this promising new frontier of product design, and making it even easier for the design community to get involved by empowering them with the tools to define and improve the products they love.”
New 3D viewing experience based on proven, professional data standard

Local Motors has also adopted the JT data format as the 3D standard for viewing all uploaded CAD models throughout its design community, and is providing a no charge, browser-based, 3D viewing experience based on this popular standard. Using either a PC or Mac® computer and the most common web browsers, the Local Motors community will be able to easily view, analyze and comment on other designers’ 3D models, all from within one browser window. All CAD formats will be accepted and downloadable from the Local Motors website in their native format. Most major CAD formats will be converted into the standard IGES format and the Solid Edge format for download. Additionally, Local Motors will convert CAD models in future design projects to the JT format and display them on the Local Motors website. And since JT is one of the global manufacturing industry’s most widely used lightweight 3D data formats for visualization, collaboration and data sharing, the Local Motors community will be sharing design ideas using a proven, professional 3D format.

“The automotive design and engineering enthusiasts participating in the Local Motors community are creating game changing products and dealing with real-world challenges requiring a level of sophistication that goes beyond the limited capabilities available in free or low-cost CAD offerings,” said Jay Rogers, president, CEO and Co-Founder, Local Motors. “That is why we selected Solid Edge as the CAD tool of choice for our recently launched Open Electric Vehicle (EV) project and are recommending Solid Edge Design1 as one of the ground-breaking tools available to our worldwide community. Solid Edge Design1 has the right level of functionality at an affordable price that our community of enthusiasts has been asking for to meet the design challenges of producing a fully functional vehicle. By making it easy for them to collaborate with tools like Solid Edge Design1 and our exciting 3D viewing experience, we are changing the game for the co-creation model and revolutionizing how products are designed.”

"I'm excited about the availability of professional-grade technology like Solid Edge Design1 and JT which will have a huge impact on the Local Motors design community,” said Richard Mansell, an active member of the Local Motors community. “With Solid Edge Design1 we will be able to not only design parts and assemblies with professional accuracy in an affordable manner, but also to share and discuss these designs with others in the community in a way that was impossible before. The fact that we can now view and interact with 3D models right in our standard web browser will greatly enhance and speed up our collaboration with Local Motors and the other vehicle designers in the community."

Local Motors will offer the monthly subscription version of Solid Edge Design1 starting on January 1, 2012. In the mean time, an invitation only trial will be available to participants in the Local Motors community. Community members can contact Local Motors immediately to request a trial of Solid Edge Design1 from the Local Motors web site. For more information on Solid Edge Design1 and to request the trial, please visit www.local-motors.com/solidedgedesign1.

Siemens to Acquire U.S. Company Vistagy, Inc.

Siemens is driving forward its expansion in Industrial Software with the acquisition of Vistagy, Inc., Waltham, Massachusetts, USA, a leading supplier of specialized engineering software and services with emphasis on designing and manufacturing structures made of advanced composite materials. An agreement to this effect was signed in early November. This acquisition allows Industry Automation, a Division of the Siemens Industry Sector, to continue to enhance its position as the world’s leading supplier of industrial software. The parties agreed not to disclose the terms of the acquisition. The transaction is subject to customary approvals, and is expected to close before the end of 2011.

Companies that use composite materials like carbon fiber components in their products are faced with the task of further reducing costs and time-to-market in order to sharpen the competitive edge composites offer. With their unique combination of low weight, high strength, and durability, composite structures are already used extensively in the aerospace industry and for rotor blades of wind power turbines. Composite materials will continue to experience more widespread use – primarily in the automotive and marine industries – as the complexity and time required for developing and producing composite structures is reduced.

This is precisely the aim Siemens is pursuing by adding industry-specific engineering software to its industrial software portfolio for Product Lifecycle Management (PLM). Already today, Siemens is among the technology leaders for the automation of production lines for carbon fiber components. With the acquisition of Vistagy, Siemens will become the only company worldwide to support the whole value creation for carbon fiber components with its software tools – from product definition and development to manufacturing and service.

“Advanced software solutions tailored to specific industry requirements are vital for companies to achieve the next level of performance in their products. This type of industry focus will be the differentiating factor for success in the industry software market”, said Anton S. Huber, CEO of the Siemens Industry Automation Division. “The planned integration of our PLM Software business with Vistagy’s universally acknowledged expertise in industry-specific software, such as composites, will make us the partner of choice in this market today and well into the future.”

Vistagy, Inc., is based in Waltham, Massachusetts, USA. Around 300 customers worldwide are applying Vistagy’s software products for a variety of applications ranging from composites engineering and design and manufacture of complex assemblies and large aerostructures to design and manufacture of transportation seat systems and interior components. Siemens is planning to integrate the software supplier and its products, services and support into its PLM Software Business Unit, a part of the Siemens Industry Automation Division. Siemens PLM Software is a leading global supplier of software and services with the capability to optimize the entire lifecycle of products and radically reduce their time-to-market. The company’s well-established open business model that serves the needs of all customers regardless of their mix of IT solutions and CAD platforms will help ensure the ongoing support and satisfaction of all Vistagy customers.

“Vistagy has spent the last 20 years supporting the engineering and production work of its customers by providing robust solutions and excellent service,” said Steve Luby, Vistagy, Inc.’s President and CEO. “We have been working successfully in partnership with Siemens PLM Software for a long time. And now we are looking forward to becoming a part of Siemens’ comprehensive offerings and to significantly expand our current customer base.”

Recent years have seen a number of acquisitions by the Siemens Industry Automation Division, in each case involving leaders in their respective field of industrial software: UGS in the United States (2007), Innotec in Germany (2008), Elan Software Systems in France (2009) and Active SA in Brazil (2011).

Hyundai Heavy Industries Shipbuilding Division Presents Technology Innovation Award to Siemens PLM Software

Teamcenter and Tecnomatix Solutions Help Drive Hyundai Heavy Industries Shipbuilding Division’s PLM Innovation to Increase Productivity and Reduce Time to Market.

Siemens PLM Software today announced that Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI) Shipbuilding Division, the world’s leading shipbuilder, recognized Siemens PLM Software with a technology innovation award for helping HHI enhance cost efficiency and optimize production planning which reduces time to market. HHI hopes to achieve a significant reduction in engineering man-hours through the use of Siemens PLM Software solutions.

HHI uses Teamcenter® software, the world’s most widely used PLM system, as the product data management backbone to automate the entire design process linking CAD drawings and technical data with bill of materials to help eliminate errors resulting from isolated design changes. Tecnomatix® software, the industry’s leading solution for digital manufacturing, helps HHI boosts manufacturing productivity through optimization. The use of Teamcenter and Tecnomatix allow HHI to operate a digital shipyard which simulates a full production environment to help reduce costly errors and enhance efficiency.

“We are thrilled to receive this award and to be able to contribute to the success of HHI, one of the world’s leading shipbuilding companies,” said Kyung Ryul Kwon, vice president and managing director of Korea operations, Siemens PLM Software. “HHI is one of the world’s first shipbuilders to deploy an enterprise wide PLM system so their successful implementation and strong return on investment will have an impact not only in Korea but in the shipbuilding industry around the world. Siemens PLM Software is proud to be HHI’s PLM provider of choice and we strive to continue to provide industry leading technology that brings value to our customers.”

In addition to its Shipbuilding Division, HHI is currently uses Siemens PLM Software’s solutions at various other divisions, including Construction Equipment, Engine & Machinery, and Electro Electric Systems.

Joe Gibbs Racing and Siemens PLM Software Extend Multi-Year Technology Partnership

Announcement Made in Conjunction with NX CAE Symposium Held at Joe Gibbs Racing Facility to Highlight Impact of Engineering Simulation on Product Performance.

Siemens PLM Software and Joe Gibbs Racing®, one of the premier organizations in NASCAR, today announced the extension of their technology partnership through 2016.

The announcement was made at Siemens PLM Software’s NX CAE Symposium, hosted by Joe Gibbs Racing in Charlotte, N.C. The two-day symposium highlights the computer-aided engineering (CAE) and engineering simulation capabilities in the latest release of NX™ software and includes presentations from leading manufacturers that use NX CAE software (click here for full list of speakers: 2011 NX CAE Symposium Speakers).

“It is very appropriate that the extension of our technology partnership with Siemens PLM Software is being announced today at the NX CAE Symposium because the NX CAE tools have been so instrumental in our success on the race track,” said Nelson Cosgrove, Director of Engineering, Joe Gibbs Racing. “The structural, thermal, and CFD simulation tools in NX CAE allow us to maximize each vehicle’s structural integrity and performance while we simultaneously minimize vehicle weight. The result is fewer failures, faster lap times and more wins for our drivers.”

“We have been working with the people of Siemens PLM Software for more than 10 years and today’s announcement further strengthens our successful relationship,” said Joe Gibbs, Owner, Joe Gibbs Racing. “The company’s broad portfolio of integrated product development and data management applications enable us to operate under extremely demanding time constraints and still meet our high standards of quality and performance.”

“We are proud to extend our relationship with Joe Gibbs Racing and delighted to have them as the host for our NX CAE Symposium,” said Jim Rusk, vice president and General Manager, Product Engineering Business Segment, Siemens PLM Software. “With all the great CAE enhancements in our NX 8 release, we couldn’t ask for a better partner to highlight how NX CAE and its engineering simulation tools can help organizations make smarter decisions that result in better products.”

The contract extension being announced today covers the full suite of Siemens PLM Software products including NX, a fully integrated computer-aided design, manufacturing and engineering analysis (CAD/CAM/CAE) solution, Solid Edge® software, the most complete mainstream hybrid 2D/3D CAD system, Teamcenter® software, the world’s most widely used digital lifecycle management solution, Tecnomatix® software, the world’s leading digital manufacturing solution, and D-Cubed™ software, a set of component software solutions used by most of the world’s leading CAD/CAM/CAE applications to perform a wide variety of critical tasks.

Siemens Releases Safety on TIA Portal

Siemens Industry has released Simatic STEP 7 Safety Advanced V11 option as part of its TIA (totally integrated automation) Portal, providing end users with all configuration and programming tools required for generating a fail-safe program within Siemens TIA Portal.

Siemens TIA Portal, introduced last year, integrates product and production engineering via one interface, linking all of Siemens automation software packages and platforms.

"The introduction of our Safety Advanced program within TIA Portal strengthens Siemens ability to support our end users with safety functions that can easily be integrated into standard automation processes, as well as offering a value-added service as part of our Safety Integrated portfolio of Simatic products," says John D'Silva, marketing manager – safety, Siemens Industry, Inc.

TIA Portal framework enables all Siemens Programmable Controllers, HMI operator panels and drives to be configured in the same development environment. For example, the user simply drags and drops a tag from the programmable controller, such as the signal of an I/O (input/output) module, to the screen of an HMI device. The tag is instantly assigned within the HMI, and a controller-HMI connection is created automatically in the background with no manual configuration required.

As with the entire TIA Portal platform, this new Safety Advanced feature allows for intuitive operation and quick entry into the generation of fail-safe programs, and due to the integrated library with TUV-certified function blocks, safety functions can easily be implemented. Also, the library concept supports in-house standardization and simplifies the validation of safety-oriented applications.

The Safety Advanced feature has the same configuration of the fail-safe systems as for the standard automation system, and with the "Ready-to-Start" function, the fail-safe runtime group is set-up automatically on insertion of the fail-safe controller.

Siemens increased the ease-of-use for the Safety Advanced function by creating the program in the FBD (Function Block Diagram) or LAD (Ladder) programming languages. However, fail-safe programs can still be generated using STEP 7 and Distributed Safety, migrating these into the TIA Portal at any time.

The program's Safety Administration Editor provides central support for the administration, display and modification of safety-related parameters, while the identification of safety-related resources are standardized for simplicity.

With the Safety Advanced feature, error detection functions and safety checks when generating the safety program are also supported, as is the comparison of safety program. A standard program can also be run on the same CPU.

The One Engineering Environment and One Software functionality behind TIA Portal allows end users to develop and commission automation systems quickly and intuitively, which eliminates the traditional time consuming and costly integration of separate software packages.

Siemens PLM Software and Local Motors Form Partnership Around Solid Edge and Revolutionary Crowdsourcing Design Approach

Recognized by the President of the United States for its Fast, Adaptable and Flexible Approach to Vehicle Development, Local Motors Adopts Solid Edge and will Make it Available to its Entire Design Community.

Siemens PLM Software today announced a new partnership with Local Motors, a next generation American car company that employs a unique approach to vehicle design called co-creation, combined with a revolutionary, local assembly and retail experience. Co-creation leverages the popular crowdsourcing concept to design collaboratively and develop a vehicle by involving an open design community, in this case a community of 13,000 – including the eventual customers of the vehicle. The first effort of this collaborative process resulted in the Rally Fighter, the world’s first open source production vehicle. As part of the agreement, Local Motors has adopted Solid Edge® software as the computer-aided design (CAD) tool for its recently launched Open Electric Vehicle project and is recommending the software to its entire product design community.

“We need to work with companies and individuals who can understand and appreciate our one-of-a-kind business model, and we need a powerful CAD tool with the ease of use, flexibility and adaptability to unleash the full creativity and innovative thinking of our diverse design community,” said Jay Rogers, president, CEO and Co-Founder, Local Motors. “We looked at several different options and unanimously determined that Siemens PLM Software and their Solid Edge application were an excellent fit. Solid Edge is easy to learn and use and its unique synchronous technology feature enables our design community to more intuitively realize design intent and more seamlessly share 3D geometry data with other CAD software.”
Local Motors results receive high praise

The first manufacturer of its kind, Local Motors invites any interested individual to join its community to participate in the design and development co-creation process of a brand new automobile. The company recently produced its first vehicle using this approach, with several more vehicle designs underway. One of the first results of its partnership with Siemens PLM Software will be seen with the Local Motors’ Open Electric Vehicle project, created to design a reusable open source chassis that can be included in electric vehicle creation. Siemens PLM Software will provide design and development tools to support this effort, including its 3D CAD Software Solid Edge with synchronous technology, an exclusive capability that combines the speed and flexibility of direct modeling with the precise control of dimension driven design.

Local Motors has been recognized for its groundbreaking approach to automotive development, appearing in articles in Popular Science, Wired and Popular Mechanics magazines. And, in a speech about manufacturing delivered on June 24, 2011 at Carnegie Mellon University, United States President Barack Obama recognized Local Motors for designing and building a new combat support vehicle for the U.S. Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) in less than four months. The president credited Local Motors’ ability to collapse development time for not only delivering the vehicle “ahead of schedule”, but also for its potential to “save taxpayers billions of dollars” and possibly even “save lives” by getting necessary equipment to the battlefield faster.

Local Motors’ next project is the development of “Local Forge”, a co-creative platform for transportation design, to be made available to automotive companies including manufacturers of aftermarket parts and accessories.

“We are excited to establish this partnership with an innovative and forward thinking organization like Local Motors, and proud that they have selected Solid Edge for their Open Electric Vehicle project, and as a recommended CAD tool for their extended product design community,” said Karsten Newbury, senior vice president and general manager of Solid Edge and Velocity Series, Siemens PLM Software. “Its power to address the demanding design configurations, tight time schedules and quality standards inherent in the Local Motors approach will serve to validate and further stimulate the growing market momentum of Solid Edge with synchronous technology.”

Parasolid V24 Delivers Significant Productivity Enhancements for End Users and Application Developers

Latest Version of Siemens PLM Software's Industry-Leading 3D Modeling Kernel Further Enhances Its Unparalleled Ability to Make it Easy for End Users to Execute Extremely Complex Operations.

Siemens PLM Software today announced the latest release of Parasolid® software, its industry-leading 3D geometric modeling component for computer-aided design, manufacturing and engineering analysis (CAD/CAM/CAE) as well as architecture, engineering and construction (AEC) applications.

Parasolid version 24.0 (V24) delivers a set of enhancements with an emphasis on adding advanced and intelligent techniques to enable success when performing long sequences of complex modeling operations. These sequences are often initiated from simple end-user commands in engineering workflows. When dealing with intricate 3D models, a single command may initiate hundreds of complex blending operations and local edit operations that the end-user may not be aware of. Typical examples could include removing all blends from an engine block before CAE analysis, or adjusting draft angles on a casting to optimize manufacturing.

By successfully completing these complex sequences, Parasolid V24 can significantly increase modelling productivity by eliminating the end-user tasks associated with skilful investigation of the 3D model, manual fixing of issues and re-attempting the command. Use of Parasolid V24 by software developers also allows for greatly simplified application development, enabling increased productivity and more robust outcomes.

“The enhancements in Parasolid V24 further expand its unmatched ability to make extremely difficult tasks appear easy to the end user,” said Paul Sicking, Chief Technology Officer, Siemens PLM Software. “These powerful capabilities are achieved by building on functionality that is broad, deep and robust in a way that no other component modeler can match. Parasolid V24 reflects Siemens PLM Software’s unwavering commitment to delivering superior and open component technologies that increase productivity for both the end-user and independent software vendor (ISV) communities.”

For more detailed information about specific enhancements in Parasolid V24 please visit www.siemens.com/plm/parasolid/v24.

Latest releases of the 3D D-Cubed components

Siemens PLM Software announces the immediate availability of Version 44.0 of the 3D D-Cubed™ software components.

A highlight of this release is the addition of the spin surface type to the 3D DCM. A spin surface is generated by rotating a planar parametric curve about a spin axis. The support for this new geometry type further enhances the already sophisticated assembly and direct modeling capabilities of the 3D DCM.

Building on previous releases, there are further extensions to support for multi-processors to improve performance. We are announcing a new range of multi-processor enhancements in the CDM, and an extension to the enhancements made in the previous release of the HLM.

Further details are available below:

D-Cubed 3D Dimensional Constraint Manager (3D DCM)
http://www.plm.automation.siemens.com/en_us/products/open/d-cubed/product_news/3ddcm_version44.shtml
D-Cubed Hidden Line Manager (HLM)
http://www.plm.automation.siemens.com/en_us/products/open/d-cubed/product_news/hlm_version44.shtml
D-Cubed Collision Detection Manager (CDM)
http://www.plm.automation.siemens.com/en_us/products/open/d-cubed/product_news/cdm_version44.shtml
D-Cubed Assembly Engineering Manager (AEM)
http://www.plm.automation.siemens.com/en_us/products/open/d-cubed/product_news/aem_version44.shtml

New Solid Edge Web Portal Speeds Design by Providing Millions of Supplier Parts

Powered by CADENAS' Strategic Parts Management System, New Portal Enables Rapid Configuration of Precisely Modeled Commercial Products in Native 3D Solid Edge Format.

Siemens PLM Software today announced a new supplier parts catalog web portal for Solid Edge® software – including the latest release, Solid Edge ST4 – that provides access to a massive number of commercially available and purchasable components and assemblies, in 3D native Solid Edge format. Eliminating the time needed to manually model purchased, supplier or catalog parts, the new on-line catalog – enabled through a new partnership with CADENAS GmbH – helps Solid Edge customers significantly improve product design productivity, quality and time-to-market.

“With today’s announcement, our Solid Edge customers now have access to millions of commercial, purchasable components they can drop right into their product designs without the need for additional modeling or the time consuming effort of understanding supplier product configurations or looking up part numbers,” said John Fox, vice president of Velocity Series Marketing, Siemens PLM Software. “In addition to this clear boost in productivity and design integrity, our customers will also benefit from knowing that the supplier parts they are incorporating into their products are orderable, available and certified by the manufacturers. The result is a reduction of potential production delays, enhancing Solid Edge users’ ability to get their products to market ahead of the competition.”

Proven strategic parts management

The new web portal announced today provides individuals with access to a Solid Edge specific version of the PARTsolutions 3D catalog management system from CADENAS, a leading software manufacturer in strategic parts management and electronic product catalogs. The system enables Solid Edge users to quickly find, reuse and control commercial parts, providing several methods of searching the data base, checking if configured parts have been previously downloaded, and controlling or restricting catalog access with project specific login.

The web portal contains no actual solid models because each native 3D Solid Edge model is built to order in real time. As a result, users have access to a massive number of parts – such as valves, actuators, bearings, etc. – and the system will automatically configure only the possible product sizes, options and features that are orderable and available from the manufacturers. Over 300 catalogs are available, with any one catalog having the ability to configure millions of components. By charging a fee to the companies represented on solidedge.partcommunity.com, CADENAS is able to provide models at no charge to Solid Edge users without infringing copyrights. End users can search for catalog parts based on a unique vendor or part number, and the ability to search for parts based on geometric size – which is useful when the shape is known but not the vendor – is expected to be available before the end of the year.

After a part or assembly has been selected, a complete package of information and geometry is available for instant access via e-mail, or via download to a directory on the user’s computer or directly into Solid Edge. In addition to the accurate 3D Solid Edge model – complete with a full feature tree and all defined interfaces necessary to easily model connecting parts – the user can also chose to receive detailed electronic product sheets and 2D views of the standard parts to be used in engineering drawings. Standard components are certified by each manufacturer to be accurate in geometric configurations and part numbers, ensuring proper form, fit and function within the final Solid Edge product design. The end result is significantly reduced assembly design time along with the ability to create more realistic assemblies and accurate parts lists with no additional work.

To ensure investment protection for users working with earlier versions of Solid Edge, Siemens PLM Software and CADENAS have made sure the models created through the new web portal are accessible to customers using versions as far back as Solid Edge 17. In addition, customers upgrading to Solid Edge ST4 will benefit from having a link to the portal from the main Solid Edge startup screen.

Siemens PLM Software's NX 8 Includes Comprehensive Enhancements Throughout with Focus on CAE

New Capabilities in NX CAD and NX CAM also Continue to Build on Company’s HD-PLM Vision and Manufacturing Leadership.

Siemens PLM Software today announced the latest release of NX™ software, the company’s fully integrated computer-aided design, manufacturing and engineering analysis (CAD/CAM/CAE) solution. NX 8 includes extensive enhancements to its CAE offering – including its widely used NX Nastran® software for solving some of the world’s most challenging simulation problems. Today’s announcement further establishes NX CAE as one of the world’s leading simulation solutions for product development, while unveiling new capabilities throughout the NX design and manufacturing modules that build on Siemens PLM Software’s high-definition PLM (HD-PLM) vision and expand its digital manufacturing offerings for the machinery industry.

“NX 8 is a significant evolution of one of the world’s premier integrated digital product development systems,” said Jim Rusk, vice president, Product Engineering Software, Siemens PLM Software. “Our unsurpassed CAE solution has been further expanded to better enable users to identify and eliminate issues in the virtual world before they become problems in the real world. This ability to optimize product performance, combined with the extensive enhancements in NX design and manufacturing, will help our customers further reduce costs, shorten development time and facilitate smarter decisions that result in better products.”

World-class simulation productivity

Companies across every industry are increasingly leveraging simulation software to verify product function, manufacturability and maintainability, and to enhance quality and aesthetic appeal. For over 40 years, Siemens PLM Software solutions have been helping companies handle some of the world’s most difficult modeling and analysis challenges from, linear and nonlinear finite element analysis (FEA) of structures to thermal, motion and durability analysis and the effects of fluid and air flow on a product. Since NX CAE can operate as a standalone simulation solution or as a fully integrated component of the NX product development suite, it provides companies with significant versatility in how the solution is deployed. And in keeping with the Siemens PLM Software open business model, NX CAE works with virtually all leading FEA solvers as well as Siemens PLM Software’s own NX Nastran. NX CAE users can also import geometry from a variety of sources and easily modify it for rapid what-if analyses using synchronous technology, a Siemens PLM Software innovation that combines the speed and flexibility of direct modeling with the precise control of dimension driven design.

NX 8 for simulation offers new solutions for optimization and multi-physics analysis, along with new methods for analyzing complex assemblies. Enhancements to NX Nastran include improvements in nonlinear and dynamic analysis, as well as increases in computational performance and modeling ease-of-use. The new and existing functionality in NX CAE helps reduce the time spent preparing and solving analysis models by up to 70 percent when compared to traditional CAE tools.

Simulation environment and geometry foundation improvements reduce the time spent working with geometry and accelerate analysis modeling.
Multi-discipline simulation and optimization enhancements broaden NX CAE to include new topology optimization and multi-physics analysis solutions.
Systems-level simulation improvements streamline finite element assembly management and expand high performance computing capacity for computational fluid dynamics (CFD) analysis.
High Definition 3D (HD3D) capabilities include enhancements like new simulation “results measures”, that allow users to tie results directly to requirements so teams can make smarter decisions.

“NX CAE potentially changes the game for simulation,” says Dr. Keith Meintjes, Practice Manager for Simulation and Analysis at CIMdata. “NX CAE is a full suite of simulation tools, enabling multi-domain analysis and collaboration. In addition, NX CAE‘s built-in use of synchronous technology helps CAE specialists easily accept models from multiple CAD sources and quickly idealize, modify and create the geometry needed for their analyses. This brings geometry into the CAE iteration loop, enabling CAE to drive design rather than simply to respond to design models created by CAD specialists. Siemens PLM Software’s overall vision, investments, and resulting technology development roadmap for NX CAE is yielding a comprehensive, highly productive simulation and analysis environment even for companies that do not use NX as their CAD authoring tool.”
Comprehensive product development productivity

In addition to its simulation solutions, NX 8 delivers a wide range of enhancements and new functionality throughout its design and manufacturing offerings for comprehensive product development productivity.

Enhancements to the NX 8 manufacturing capabilities include new or extended functionality focused on both machinery and tooling design, such as optimized NC programming for machinery and heavy equipment part production, along with improvements that combine tooling design automation with CAE-based validation tools. As a result, NX 8 can help machinery and tooling companies win more high-value projects by delivering designs that are right the first time.

NX CAM enhancements for machinery and heavy equipment extends existing CAD/CAM, programming automation, and integrated machine tool simulation capabilities with new automated, context-specific functions to simplify the generation of smart tool paths for prismatic parts. With new volume-based 2.5D milling operations for faster programming, automatic tracking of uncut material across multi-stage machining processes, and programming automation for multi-part setups, NX CAM for machinery delivers a fast and highly accurate machining solution.

Enhancements to NX 8 in the area of product design include more powerful and efficient modeling, drafting and validation solutions along with expanded HD3D support for better design decisions.

New “part modules” technology simplifies modeling and editing of complex designs, allowing users to subdivide designs into functional elements that support concurrent development by multiple designers.
Expanded HD3D and design validation tools provide enhanced interaction, more powerful reporting and enriched visual presentation of PLM information from more sources. Standard HD3D features now provide a visually rich and more flexible feedback environment to help users quickly locate, diagnose and fix problems, ensuring designs comply with standards and fulfill requirements.
Synchronous technology enhancements make it simpler and easier to modify models and handle a wider range of geometric modeling problems, while new capabilities have been added for feature-based modeling, sheet metal, patterning, freeform design, routed systems, visualization and more.
Feature modeling in NX 8 has received several enhancements including more flexibility and control in creating patterns. More pattern layouts can be created including linear, polygon, along, reference and circular spiral, and users can now fill specified boundaries with a pattern feature, create symmetric patterns in linear layout and much more.

NX 8 is available immediately. For more detailed information on all the new functionality in NX 8, please visit www.siemens.com/plm/nx8.

Siemens PLM Software's Tecnomatix 10 Includes Numerous Enhancements to Power Manufacturing Productivity

Siemens PLM Software today announced the latest release of its Tecnomatix® software, the world’s leading digital manufacturing solution, with a focus on helping companies make smarter decisions that lead to the production of better products. Enhancements in Tecnomatix 10 address a wide variety of manufacturing engineering disciplines across the comprehensive software portfolio and power manufacturing productivity for companies of all sizes.

“Today’s increasingly competitive global manufacturing industry combined with the current international economic environment, has companies looking for new and innovative ways to boost productivity, cut costs and increase quality,” said Ziyon Amram, vice president, Digital Manufacturing Solutions, Siemens PLM Software. “The broad range of enhancements across the entire portfolio of Tecnomatix 10, are aimed at meeting today’s manufacturing challenges – today. We believe that digital manufacturing software has extraordinary potential to positively affect the productivity and efficiency of the global manufacturing industry, and as the leader in this field, we are proud to deliver the kind of solutions that will continue to create value for our customers while helping the global manufacturing industry to thrive.”
Proven solution for today’s challenging environment

The global market continues to demand environmentally-friendly products produced with a more sustainable production model. However, uncertainties facing manufacturing companies today create significant challenges as to how to most effectively invest their capital in order to maintain, or return to, economic growth. They know they must further optimize their existing capacity yet have the flexibility to respond and expand when market demand begins to accelerate.

Tecnomatix is a proven solution built on an open technology foundation consistent with Siemens PLM Software’s open business model. As a result, companies can leverage individual solutions that work in their existing environment, or deploy a fully integrated digital manufacturing system supporting an entire factory or enterprise. The intuitive user interface has been significantly enhanced in Tecnomatix 10, making it even easier for companies to make smarter decisions because all the pertinent information is presented in an easy to comprehend format that promotes better understanding and collaboration.
Powering manufacturing productivity

Tecnomatix 10 further builds on the product’s world-class flexibility and robust functionality. In addition to its improved user interface, Tecnomatix 10 includes a wide variety of enhancements that help companies cost-effectively power manufacturing productivity improvements in today’s challenging environment.

PLM for Manufacturing – Integration with Siemens PLM Software’s Teamcenter® software, the world’s most widely used PLM system, provides a single source of product and process information to significantly increase productivity. New Tecnomatix capabilities like a more productive user interface, 3D animated work instructions and a shop floor connection for Teamcenter that provides a seamless connection to machine controllers, create a better user experience and ensure manufacturing data is secure and the manufacturing plan-to-production process is controlled. When more of a company’s intellectual property and capital investments are available in the proper context for validation, it increases reuse and efficiency. Tecnomatix integration with Teamcenter creates a PLM for manufacturing environment that enables information to be leveraged from design through production, leading to higher quality, less scrap, lower cost and faster product launches.
Efficient Planning – Tecnomatix helps companies improve manufacturing planning productivity by up to 40 percent. Efficiency is achieved in the latest release by synchronizing product and process development stages using enhanced planning, simulation and collaboration tools. With these advanced tools, users can plan, optimize and validate manufacturing processes before the start of production, and increase productivity through reuse of previously validated manufacturing data and process knowledge.
Optimized Systems – Optimization is achieved through the virtual validation and detection of potential errors and comprehending the impact these changes will drive into the production system during startup or continuous improvement events. These iterative processes can be executed virtually through the use of comprehensive simulation, validation and analysis capabilities. Powerful new 3D visualization and simulation enhancements combined with a simplified user interface enable smarter decisions for optimized manufacturing systems. This leads to higher confidence levels when defining manufacturing operations along with lean techniques for the elimination of non-value added activity on the factory floor, and decreased time to volume of the production system.
Proven Validation – Enhanced validation enables the interaction between the virtual production model and the physical production equipment for the purposes of debugging and testing the operations to be executed and the program logic necessary to control them. Known as virtual commissioning, this allows manufacturers to ensure that the systems they have designed can be installed and implemented correctly the first time.
Lifecycle Quality – Tecnomatix 10 continues Siemens PLM Software’s strategy of integrating automated quality solutions throughout the entire product lifecycle process. From product engineering where robust designs drive more profitable manufacturing strategies to production where proper attention to critical quality measurements assures conformance to design intent. The latest quality enhancements in Tecnomatix 10 provide manufacturers with clear visibility into their quality process which can help create the type of reputation for quality that leads to long-term company growth.


Tecnomatix 10 is available immediately. For more information, please visit www.siemens.com/plm/tecnomatix10.

Majenta PLM to host the first view of NX software in the UK, following the launch, at Silverstone Grand Prix race circuit

Majenta PLM, the UK's only Platinum Business Partner of Siemens PLM Software, is to host the UK event for the first view of the latest version of NX™ software, Siemens PLM Software’s flagship solution for 3D product design, simulation and manufacturing, following the launch.

Scheduled for 20 October, 2011, this free event will be held in conjunction with Siemens PLM Software at the new Silverstone wing in the heart of the world-famous motor racing circuit, home of the British Grand Prix. Current and potential users of NX are invited to attend the event, which will include keynote presentations from major NX software user companies, live product demonstrations featuring real-world customer examples, hands-on technical sessions and overviews of the latest features and functions being introduced in the latest version of NX. In addition, there will be a range of prizes up for grabs, including two PalmerSport track days and a tour of the legendary track.

Trevor Stapleton, director, Majenta PLM, said, “As a European Platinum Partner of Siemens PLM Software, Majenta PLM is ideally placed to host the UK event for the first view of the latest NX release following the launch. We have extensive experience developing, implementing and supporting successful solutions using NX for many of the UK’s leading small-to-medium enterprises (SMEs) in the automotive, aerospace, machinery, consumer products and other product design and manufacturing industries.”

Majenta PLM will be supported at the event by technical experts and senior managers from Siemens PLM Software’s UK operations.

Further information on the free event and how to register can be found at: www.WeAreNX8.com

Siemens PLM Software - SME Education Foundation Fund Advanced Engineering at Florida High School

Siemens PLM Software and the SME Education Foundation provide $538,500 in-kind software grant to the Academy of Engineering at River Ridge High School to expand delivery of advanced engineering education.

The SME Education Foundation, recognized for its commitment to the educational needs of youth and preparing them to excel with Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education, and Siemens PLM Software, a leading global provider of product lifecycle management (PLM) software and services, today announced an in-kind software grant valued at $538,500 to the Academy of Engineering at River Ridge High School in New Port Richey, Fla.

The in-kind software grant was made through Siemens PLM Software’s successful GO PLM™ program, which supports more than one million students annually at more than 11,000 global institutions. The software grant includes free center-based training and free upgrades and tech support for 30 seats of Solid Edge® software, the most complete mainstream hybrid 2D/3D CAD system, with synchronous technology, a Siemens PLM Software innovation that combines the speed and flexibility of direct modeling with the precise control of dimension driven design.

The Academy of Engineering was established due to the demands of the workforce to develop prospective engineers. The Academy opened its doors in September 2009 due to the collaborative partnership between Pasco County’s Career and Technical Education Department, River Ridge High School, the Pasco Economic Power Development Council, Pasco Hernando Workforce Board, Business Partners, Pall Aeropower, Micron Pharma Works and Pasco Hernando Community College. Career Academies prepare students to meet the demands of a changing workforce while providing them the opportunity to remain engaged in the educational process to further their knowledge and skill sets for the 21st century.

The Academy of Engineering partners with Project Lead The Way (PLTW), a national non-profit organization that works with the academy to implement a curriculum, developed by it and imparted by teachers whom it has trained, that emphasize hands-on experience in STEM education. PLTW is recognized for its ability to respond to the needs of industry by preparing competent high-tech employees.

“Our students understand the competitive nature of today’s economy and are excited about having access to what is considered the industry standard for CAD software,” said Dave Hoffman, the lead instructor at the Academy of Engineering. “We now have the ability to align our students’ base of knowledge with the rapidly changing technologies, as they pursue apprenticeships and other school-to-work opportunities. We are most appreciative of Siemens PLM Software and the SME Education Foundation making this possible.”

“Siemens PLM Software provides the Academy of Engineering with access to PLM technology, which otherwise would be out of reach for the academic community, giving students a distinct advantage by being able to use the same PLM technology widely-used by leading multi-national manufacturing companies around the globe,” said Hulas King, director, Global Community Solutions and GO PLM Programs, Siemens PLM Software.

“The SME Education Foundation and Siemens PLM Software encourage SME Education Foundation sponsored schools to take advantage of this important opportunity to use the latest state-of-the-art PLM tools in their curriculum,” said Bart A. Aslin, chief executive officer, SME Education Foundation. “Students involved in the dual education system offered at River Ridge High School will be technically superior and more productive to companies who hire them.

Applying for a Siemens PLM Software Grant:
Siemens PLM Software Grant applications will be evaluated based on school size, academic program content, program exposure, community impact and financial need. A typical grant involves in-kind contributions of the PLM software for a set period of time along with support and upgrades covered by the grant. Extensive training materials are also available. For more information and access to the online grant application, visit http://www.smeef.org/grants/siemens_plm_software.php

River Ridge High School:
Founded in 1991 as River Ridge Middle / High School, the design of the facility, curriculum choices, and its 300-plus staff members strive to provide numerous opportunities for its students’ success on a common campus for grades 6-12. Academics are the cornerstone of its offerings, in addition to a wide-ranging extracurricular program of athletics and clubs. Visit http://rrhs.pasco.k12.fl.us/

GO PLM Program:
Siemens PLM Software’s GO PLM™ initiative leads the industry in the commercial value of the in-kind grants it provides and brings together four complementary community involvement programs focused on academic partnership, regional productivity, youth and displaced worker development and the PACE (Partners for the Advancement of Collaborative Engineering Education) program. GO PLM provides PLM technology to more than one million students yearly at nearly 11,000 global institutions, where it is used at every academic level – from grade schools to graduate engineering research programs. For more information on GO PLM and the partners and programs it supports visit www.siemens.com/partners/goplm.

Siemens PLM Software Announces Latest Release of Femap for Enhanced Simulation in Product Development

Femap 10.3 Makes Working with Complex Geometry Models Easier and "nearly 50 times Faster" while Providing Extended Support for Advanced NX Nastran Functionality.

Siemens PLM Software today announced the latest release of Femap™ software, the world’s leading pre- and post-processor for engineering finite element analysis (FEA) running on the Windows® operating system. Enhancements in Femap 10.3 make it easier and significantly faster for end users to work with complex geometry models, and a new user interface feature further extends support for advanced functionality in NX™ NASTRAN® software, the company’s comprehensive FEA application.

“The ability to accurately simulate in a virtual environment how a product will perform in the real world can have a profound impact on the cost, quality, safety and customer satisfaction associated with that product,” said Bill McClure, vice president of product development for Velocity Series, Siemens PLM Software. “With the enhancements in Femap 10.3, we are continuing to increase the effectiveness of that simulation with tools that enable engineers to perform a more thorough and complete analysis on even the most complex geometry.”
Comprehensive simulation produces better products

Femap is a cost-effective and powerful FEM application that is easy to use and works with virtually all leading CAD applications. Femap helps engineers produce a wide variety of products more efficiently, and with a high degree of confidence in their ability to perform as designed. Femap 10.3 expands on these characteristics with new functionality that improves the speed and usability of digital simulation, even in some of the world’s most challenging industries such as automotive and aerospace.

A new automatic geometry preparation feature significantly reduces the time necessary to prepare complex geometry for FEM preprocessing (meshing), with an easy to use interface and the ability to automatically clean up and heal problematic geometry such as slivers and short edges. As a result, meshed models can often be created on the first pass without any manual intervention.
An enhanced user interface feature now supports interactive model set-up for the aeroelastic analysis capability of NX Nastran. This seamless interface saves time in complex aeroelasticity modeling and analysis – such as that used to determine the effects of airflow on a structure like an airplane wing – while significantly reducing the chance for error in passing data from the FEM to the FEA application.
The Femap Postprocessing Toolbox has been extended to include the Free Body Tool, improving the ease and speed with which users can create free body diagrams and review interface loads.

“The new automatic geometry preparation feature in Femap 10.3 takes complex geometry that would have been impossible to mesh in most commercial software and meshes it with just a few clicks,” said George Laird, Principal Mechanical Engineer and Owner, Predictive Engineering. “In fact, our average speed for meshing a typical casting model is nearly 50 times faster with this latest release. Femap 10.3 is a true game changer in the world of meshing complex solid models.”

Added Eric Martin, Project Engineer, ATA Engineering, Inc. “I’ve worked with several Nastran aeroelasticity pre-processors and based on my experience, FEMAP 10.3 is clearly the best.”

Femap 10.3 is expected to be available in November.

Geometric to showcase NextGen PLM solutions at PLM Europe - Siemens PLM Connection 2011

Geometric Limited, a leader in Product Lifecycle Management (PLM), Global Engineering Services and Offshore Product Development (OPD) solutions and technologies, announced that it will exhibit its next generation PLM solutions, including global services for Teamcenter adoption at the Siemens PLM Connection 2011, the Annual User Conference of Siemens PLM, at Linz, Austria from 17-19 October, 2011. The company will also showcase two of its latest innovations - an integrated quality management solution and soon-to-be launched multiplatform 3D viewer, at the event.

“Geometric has been successfully partnering with Siemens PLM for over a decade, and has extensive experience in providing solutions on NX and Teamcenter platforms to address engineering requirements across industries. We are currently working on a number of initiatives to help our customers leverage their investments in PLM, and I believe, the next couple of years will be very promising in terms of cross functional processes on the PLM backbone” says Mr. Nitin Tappe, Vice President and Global Operation Head at Geometric.

Geometric will showcase solutions that help maximize benefits from the end-user’s investment in the Teamcenter platform, and help in user adoption by doing more. One such solution is Integrated Quality Management (IQM), which bridges the gap between NPDI and quality management processes, and enables a coherent source of truth and management of new product development as well as quality related data. The company will also showcase its solutions for Teamcenter UA adoption. The company’s methodology and tools for implementation, migration, upgrade and integration are results of focused R&D to provide benefits including upto 20% reduction in the upgrade/migration time and alignment with OOTB features.

“In an organization, the number of consumers of product design and 3D data, who are non-CAD users, is 10 times more than the CAD users, who create the 3D data. These data consumers need an intuitive visualization solution with varying and particular processing capability. Our new technology addresses this need. It is a JT based visualization solution, and we have brought in innovation through an extensible and customizable framework, to enable the consumption of 3D data in an enterprise through the PC and other devices such as tablets including an iPad”, Mr. Tappe added.