#USA #Boston #PTC #Cloud-Native #Onshape

PTC's Groundbreaking Onshape Updates for CAD

In a significant development for the manufacturing sector, PTC has unveiled its fully cloud-native Model-Based Definition (MBD) capabilities, now integrated within its Onshape platform. This cutting-edge feature aims to enhance the design process, enabling engineers to embed manufacturing information directly into 3D models from the onset, thereby improving collaboration and minimizing errors throughout the entire design cycle.

Radical Change in Design Processes

Traditionally, many engineering teams relied on file-based CAD and Product Data Management (PDM) systems, where manufacturing data is fragmented across various documents and files. This disjointed approach often leads to inaccuracies and outdated information, hampering the design and production efficiency. However, the integration of cloud-native MBD with Onshape addresses these issues by creating a cohesive and consistently updated product definition. Equipped with the capabilities of Amazon Web Services (AWS), the Onshape platform ensures that all team members work from a singular, reliable source of truth, streamlining workflows and reducing the likelihood of miscommunication.

PTC states that this innovation not only accelerates design-to-production cycles, but also enhances quality assurance. As noted by Marc Germain, Chief Digital Officer at Aura Aero, one of the early adopters of this technology, incorporating certification and manufacturing requirements directly in the models rather than distributing them across numerous files has significantly reduced rework and review cycles.

Features of the New MBD System

The well-rounded features offered by the new MBD capabilities include:

• - Integrated 3D Annotations: Engineers can incorporate Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GDT) directly into 3D models, facilitating clear communication of design intent without reliance on separate 2D documents.
• - Smart Inspection Panel: All product manufacturing information (PMI) is neatly organized into a filterable list that instantly highlights related geometry in the model, making inspections more intuitive and efficient.
• - Shareable MBD Views: Teams can effortlessly share PMI-rich models via simple URLs while maintaining all annotations, allowing for browser-based access without the need for exports or additional plugins.
• - Feature Tree Awareness: MBD annotations are intuitively linked to their corresponding feature trees, ensuring that specifications continuously align with the evolving designs.
• - Downstream-Ready Data: Models can be easily prepared for compliance and inspection workflows, supporting industry-standard formats like STEP AP242 and handy integration with tools such as PC-DMIS and AS9102.

The Future of Product Lifecycle Management

David Katzman, PTC's EVP and General Manager, believes that the introduction of cloud-native MBD is pivotal for customers looking to foster intelligent, fully digital product lifecycles. Transitioning product definitions to the cloud not only eliminates silos between design and manufacturing but also enhances the entire enterprise’s capability to adapt swiftly to changes.

This shift, facilitated by AWS scalable infrastructures and AI-driven functionalities, paves the way for businesses to manage product complexities better, adhere to regulatory standards, and ultimately, deliver higher quality products to market quicker. PTC's vision for an Intelligent Product Lifecycle continues to unfold as it champions a foundation of product data that empowers manufacturers to capitalize on every advantage for success.

For further information regarding the Model-Based Definition capabilities in Onshape, visit Model-Based Definition in 3D CAD.

About PTC

PTC (NASDAQ: PTC), headquartered in Boston, Massachusetts, is a leader in software solutions that empower manufacturers and product developers to revolutionize their design, production, and service processes. With a workforce of over 7,000 and a global client base exceeding 30,000, PTC is committed to driving digital transformation across industries. For more details, visit PTC's official website.