Siemens PLM Assists U of Michigan Solar Car Team to Win World Solar Challenge

University of Michigans' Solar Car team has taken Siemens PLM technology to assist in it's efforts to regain the World Solar Challenge title in Australia.  The Wolverines have already won the American challenge 7 times, and second runner-up four times.  Comprised of college students only, U of M's organization has determined that they would like to utilize a more complex product development software so they can compete at an accelerated level.  This has allowed them to use 100% mechanical components and aerobody designed by Siemens NX software.

“Our teams have a rich tradition of excellence and a great track record of success,” said Pavan Naik, Senior Business Development Manager, University of Michigan Solar Car Team. “But as we began to prepare to compete with the best teams in the world in 2013, we knew we needed more comprehensive PLM software technology. The breadth of functionality for design, simulation and aerodynamic surface modeling in NX are far beyond anything we have used in the past. Siemens’ PLM software helped us with the rapid decision making needed in solar car development and should help maximize our chance to cross the finish line first in Australia. We are proud to leverage the same product development technology used by so many leading automotive companies.”

“As a strong supporter of science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) education, Siemens is proud to be associated with the highly successful University of Michigan Solar Car Team,” said Dave Taylor, vice president of Global Marketing, Siemens PLM Software. “We are pleased that they have decided to adopt our advanced PLM technology to elevate their performance to the next level. Over the long run, we are confident it will help them continue to make smarter decisions that advance alternate energy technology and ultimately lead to better products. We wish the team the best of luck in Australia.”

Solid Edge ST6 - Maintenance Pack 1 - MP1 - Now Available For Download

Solid Edge ST6 - Maintenance Pack 1 Announcement:  

The latest Solid Edge ST6 Maintenance Pack (MP1) is now available for download.
You can download the Maintenance Pack at: https://download.industrysoftware.automation.siemens.com/solid_edge/ST6/SolidEdge/
Then choose service/maintenance pack and either 64/32 bit.  

A valid WebKey account is needed to access Maintenance Pack downloads.  To create a WebKey you need your Customer Sold-To ID and your WebKey Access Code, both found under Solid Edge Help, About.  You can create your WebKey account here:https://plmapps.industrysoftware.automation.siemens.com/webkey/

Installing Maintenance Packs is quick and easy. Some known security issues arise with installing any software on Windows 7 OS regarding User Access Control (UAC); these same issues exist when installing MPs.  Windows UAC should be turned off and after unbundling the download run the .exe as administrator by right mouse clicking on the file and selecting Run as Administrator from the quick menu. Most UAC security issues can be avoided by installing Solid Edge to a location on the client machine anywhere other than the default “Program Files” folder.  As long as the user has full write permission to a folder location such as C:\SolidEdge\ these issues should not arise.

Ally PLM encourages all of our customers to stay current with released Maintenance Packs.  Maintenance Packs deliver the most current updates and resolution of PRs to your software platform.  You can find detailed information regarding the PRs that a Maintenance Pack addresses in the “readme” .txt file found with the MP download.

The Ally PLM Technical Support Team is available to answer any questions and provide support for all of your needs; including Maintenance packs.  You can contact the Ally PLM Technical Support Team via email at technical.support@allyplm.com or via phone at (513) 984-0480 Option: 4

Matt Johnson

Application Engineer

Ally PLM Solutions

Download the Solid Edge ST5 - Maintenance Pack 8 Now

Solid Edge ST5 - Maintenance Pack 8 Announcement:

The latest Maintenance Pack (MP8) for Solid Edge ST5 is now available for download.
You can download the Maintenance Pack here: https://download.industrysoftware.automation.siemens.com/solid_edge/ST5/SolidEdge/

A valid WebKey account is needed to access Maintenance Pack downloads.  To create a WebKey you need your Customer Sold-To ID and your WebKey Access Code, both found under Solid Edge Help, About.  You can create your WebKey account here: https://plmapps.industrysoftware.automation.siemens.com/webkey/

Installing Maintenance Packs is quick and easy. Some known security issues arise with installing any software on Windows 7 OS regarding User Access Control (UAC); these same issues exist when installing MPs.  Windows UAC should be turned off and after unbundling the download run the .exe as administrator by right mouse clicking on the file and selecting Run as Administrator from the quick menu. Most UAC security issues can be avoided by installing Solid Edge to a location on the client machine anywhere other than the default “Program Files” folder.  As long as the user has full write permission to a folder location such as C:\SolidEdge\ these issues should not arise.

Ally PLM encourages all of our customers to stay current with released Maintenance Packs.  Maintenance Packs deliver the most current updates and resolution of PRs to your software platform.  You can find detailed information regarding the PRs that a Maintenance Pack addresses in the “readme” .txt file found with the MP download.

The Ally PLM Technical Support Team is available to answer any questions and provide support for all of your needs; including Maintenance packs.  You can contact the Ally PLM Technical Support Team via email at technical.support@allyplm.com or via phone at (513) 984-0480 Option: 4

Matt Johnson
Application Engineer
Ally PLM Solutions

Siemens Provides Largest Software Grant Ever to University of Maryland

Siemens Corporation and the University of Maryland (UMD) announced the largest in-kind software grant from Siemens PLM Software at a value of over $750 million. Siemens' product lifecycle management (PLM) software provides Maryland students and researchers valued design and simulation tools for course work, projects, competitions and research.

“As product complexity continues to grow, students with PLM software experience are expected to be highly recruited. Global manufacturers need highly trained graduates to help them make smarter decisions that result in better products. This software grant enables UMD to integrate world-class PLM technology into its curriculum. The result enables students to be better prepared graduates to work in science, technology, engineering or math fields,” said Chuck Grindstaff, president and CEO, Siemens PLM Software.



Companies around the world use the same technology daily to develop and manufacture innovative products in industries such as biotechnology, high-tech electronics, machinery, shipbuilding, aerospace and automotive. The students of UMD will use the software in courses and research in relation to robotics design, systems life cycle analysis, space systems, bioengineering, and manufacturing.

“Our students will benefit tremendously from using Siemens PLM software for course work, special projects, and international competitions, and their experience with the software will help them succeed in the workplace as graduates,” said Dean of UMD’s A. James Clark School of Engineering and Farvardin Professor of Aerospace Engineering Darryll Pines.

Groups in the college will participate in groups and competitions with this new software like:
- Terps Racing Formula SAE
- Baja
- NASA's X-Hab
- Lunar Wheel Design

"A modern economy requires modern investments. In Maryland, we’ve made the better choices to invest in a highly skilled workforce, world-class research facilities, high tech industries, innovative ideas and a growing community of entrepreneurs,” said Maryland Governor Martin O’Malley. “This partnership between Siemens and the state’s flagship university highlights our continued goal to equip our students of today for our jobs of tomorrow."

The University of Maryland and Siemens partnership will combine:
- Student recruitment
- Collaborative activities in:
    - energy

    - transportation
    - neuroimaging
    - biomedical devices
    - fire safety

“Maryland is improving the climate for advanced manufacturing, as seen in the uptick in Maryland manufacturing jobs,” said Maryland Secretary of Business and Economic Development Dominick Murray. “This partnership between a major corporation and the state’s flagship university bodes well for continued job growth and advances in research.”

“At Siemens, we believe our success is determined by our ability to anticipate and engineer the future,” said Eric Spiegel, president and CEO, Siemens Corp. “This partnership provides us access to the next generation of innovators and inventors and establishes a framework for the mutually beneficial exchange of technologies, research and ideas.”

Ducati recognizes measurable benefits with an NX and Teamcenter solution

                Ducati motorcycles are regarded as some of the most attractive and powerful in the world. Their intricate Italian design and high performance standards sets them apart from all other machines. They produce approximately 40,000 bikes each year, which are sold in more than 60 countries. Of the 90 engineers that are employed by Ducati, 60 are dedicated solely to design. 

Take a tour of the Virtual Ducati Museum.

Ducati Streetfighter

Ducati chose a PLM suite from Siemens PLM which included NX (Unigraphics) for design and Teamcenter for their data management. Since implementing this combination, they have reported a reduced development time by more than a year, reporting a reduced design and development cycle time from between 36 to 40 months to just 24 months.

NX has provided a great degree of flexibility for Ducati designers. Synchronous Technology from NX creates a hybrid approach, giving the user full range on deciding how to achieve the final result and providing flexibility in generating 3D models with different methods. Seamless sharing of data throughout the entire cycle supports an integrated approach throughout all processes, which significantly reduces cost and error.

Teamcenter has also provided several benefits which support significantly reduced cycle times. As the need to share model data is increasing, Ducati has experienced even closer collaboration with both the internal development team as well as with external suppliers. Teamcenter allows designers to work in parallel with these external suppliers, eliminating lag time in the cycle. “We couldn't imagine working without Teamcenter,” commented Piero Gusti, IT Manager for R&D at DucatiMotor Holding.

Ducati uses more that 50+ NX workstations and 250 Teamcenter workstations

Ease of adoption, a short learning curve, seamless data sharing, and a high degree of data security were some of the other benefits reported by Ducati, in addition to a shorter cycle time. Gusti continued, “In the past, it used to take 6 to 12 months before accessories were marketed. Now they are ready together with the bike, generating significant sales synergies.”

To learn more about how Ducati leveraged a custom NX (Unigraphics) and Teamcenter solution from Siemens PLM, click here. You can learn more about solutions from NX and Teamcenter by clicking the links below.

Learn more about NX (Unigraphics)

Learn more about Teamcenter

Bridget Hatfield

Ally PLM Solutions

Solid Edge Productivity Tip - Drag models into shape without any commands

You can create 3D models from sketches, or you can modify 3D parts or assemblies quickly with the steering wheel. This high-performance handle is an integral component of synchronous technology and it's easy to use. 

Here's how to get started.

Let's start by turning 2D sketches into 3D models. Use the sketching tools to draw a closed region (a circle or square). Then, select the 2D region and a "steering wheel" handle will display. Grab either arrow and drag it to form a 3D model.

To create a revolved feature from a sketch, drag the sphere on the steering wheel to any linear element, and then drag its torus to create a revolved part. 

This same method can be used to convert imported 2D sketches into 3D models. You also can extrude or revolve multiple regions with a fence select, Shift+click or Ctrl+click.

You can modify native or imported 3D parts with the steering wheel. Open a part ("Frame3.par" located in your Solid Edge ST4\Training folder is a good example) and select a face; the steering wheel will display. Drag the arrow to move the face, or enter a dimensional value.

Faces can also be rotated by dragging the steering wheel sphere to a linear element. The steering wheel will change to display a rotation wheel; drag it to change the angle of the face. 

Move or rotate multiple faces with a fence select, Shift+click or Ctrl+click, or duplicate 3D geometry by pressing the Ctrl key before you select the steering wheel axis.

The steering wheel can also be used to manipulate parts in an assembly. While in an assembly, simply select a component and the steering wheel will display handles for moving or rotating components. Remember, you can press the Ctrl key before clicking the axis to duplicate parts.


With synchronous technology, you can make fast, flexible edits without knowing how a model was constructed. Next time I'll give you a few pointers on making precise changes with 3D driving dimensions.

Ally PLM Free Ticket Giveaway - Kentucky 300

The NASCAR Nationwide Series will appear at Kentucky Speedway for the 15th time this Saturday, September 21st.  How would you like to go for FREE?

Simply:

and subscribe to Ally PLM's blog over on the right hand side for an entry to win!*

Every Share on Facebook and ReTweet on Twitter will count as an entry as well.

Contest ends at the close of business on Thursday, September 19th.

Here is a schedule of the day:

9 a.m.	Parking Lots / KYS Admin Building Ticket Office and Gift Shop Open
Noon	All Kentucky Speedway Ticket Booths Open
1 p.m.	All Kentucky Speedway Gates and Fan Zone Open
2:30 p.m.	NASCAR Nationwide Series Fan Zone Autograph Session
	Kyle Larson, Regan Smith, Michael Annett and Brad Sweet are early confirmations.
4:35 p.m.	NASCAR Nationwide Series Kentucky 300 Qualifying
5:30 p.m.	Prerace Concert - The Truth - Display Stage
7 p.m.	NASCAR Nationwide Series Kentucky 300 Prerace Ceremonies
7:30 p.m.	NASCAR Nationwide Series Kentucky 300 (300 Miles / 200 Laps)

*Local pick up only from Ally PLM Solutions in Mason, OH on Friday during business hours. Winners will be announced via Twitter @AllyPLM, on Ally PLM's Facebook page and our blog on Thursday.  Tickets are Sec D Row 30 Seat 7 & 8.

Former SolidWorks user wins competition with NX

Christer Oldeide uses NX, wins student design competition

Winning Image Designed In NX

Congratulations to Christer Oldeide, a winner of Siemens PLM Software Student Design Contest.  Christer used NX™ software to design his winning idea.

Christer Oldeide is currently studying Mechanical Engineering, Product Development and Manufacturing at the Norwegian University of Science & Technology. Students were assigned a project to make an electric screwdriver that was inexpensive and suitable for putting together flat pack furniture. Christer came up with the idea of combining a screwdriver and hammer as one. His aim was to make it small and compact and very easy to use.

Christer chose to use NX software to design his winning idea. Previously Christer was a SolidWorks user. His university has various CAD packages including NX which is part of the Siemens PLM Software academic program. He decided to use NX for this project. After taking a little time to get used to the software, his only real challenge was learning how to use surface modulation. Christer used NX fairly comprehensively on the assignment, including the various features and functions that are part of the NX academic bundle such as extrude, revolve, emboss, through curve mesh, scale and edge blend. His favorite aspect of NX was unite/subtract and trim body. He said that NX is a quality software tool –”and it never crashed!”.

Christer was impressed with NX and said that he would recommend it to other students. “NX is amazing. After I learned how to use the function, expressions, the program is even better. When I graduate I hope that I can continue to use NX.”

Read a case study to learn more about his school, the university’s engineering programs and the other Siemens software they are using.

See more winning images and information on how students can participate on our Student Design Contest Winners webpage.  For more information on NX, visit here, or a free trial, visit here

Solid Edge Simplified Assemblies - How to Create External Surfaces

Method 1:

1.       Open the assembly you want to create the external surface for.

2.       Under the Tools tab, click simplify.

3.       Next, click the Visible Faces button shown below.

4.       Click the process button.

5.       Next it asks you to Modify Results. You can exclude certain parts of you don’t want them to be included. Otherwise, just hit the Preview button. Then hit Finish.

6.       In the Pathfinder, right click on the Simplified Assembly and click Save As. This can be saved either as a part file or a parasolid.

7.       If you saved it as a parasolid, to open it go to the Application button, select Open, and browse to the file. When you click to open it you will have to decide how you want to open it. Open it in a part file and it will be an external surface then.

Method 2:

1.       Open up a new part file.

2.       Click part copy as shown below.

3.       Browse to where the assembly is located and click open.

4.       On the Part Copy Parameters screen click Copy as Construction Body.

5.       Click apply, and ok.  In your Pathfinder it should show that it is a part copy. You can now save this part file.