I attained Siemens PLM seminar on”What’s new in Solid Edge ST3?” on Nov 23, 2010 organized by Siemens and sponsored by 3DConnecxion at Hotel Le Meridien, Pune. It was nice to see large number of delegates present in a hall excited to know about new version; around 300+ professionals from various companies nearby Pune were present to learn more about Siemens new version of Solid Edge with lot of consumer focused enhancements. Design professionals have just heard or read about Synchronous Technology advantages, but such events gives us opportunity to see how easy and quick it is to use SE ST3.
Solid Edge with Synchronous Technology 3 software can be said as a major turning point for 3D design with new modeling paradigm that combined parametric modeling with explicit modeling. It was really amazing to see the development in Synchronous Technology since it was launched in June 2008.
The presenter from Siemens started speech with company’s vision of synchronous technology to fulfill designer’s requirements, accelerating design with overview on various enhancements. It is good to know that the latest version extends synchronous technology into assembly design, integrates ordered features with synchronous modeling and migrates manufacturing drawing dimensions to an associated 3D model.
There were many history based modeling tool users like me present for seminar, and it was nice to see the way the synchronous technology was presented with live examples. Presenter first showed using “Inter-Part Relationship command” to automatically recognized similar geometry between synchronous or imported geometry and creates relationship linking them together. He showed us an example of several holes in mounting plate that can be automatically matched to their counterparts in a bearing mount. Similarly the changes can be automated across multiple parts.
Solid Edge ST3 now provides integrated design environment that lets user add ordered features to synchronous design. Good to see that a single model can contain both ordered and synchronous features. This lets designers use existing methods while leveraging synchronous features with greater flexibility. The same was explained using complex bend part. You may not believe but, moving from ordered features to synchronous is just one click task!
Another amazing feature added to ST3 is “Migrating 2D Dimensions to 3D Models” ST3 can take manufacturing dimensions defined on a 2D drawing and transform them into editable 3D driving dimensions on associated imported 3D models. He showed us using “Create 3D Command” to transfer dimensions from drawing views to its 3D model. ST3 applies dimensions of 2D to 3D, allowing immediate 3D edits.
Another big thing we see in most new versions of MCAD software in 2010 is integrated capabilities of “Simulation”. Even, a CAD designer can now easily handle the simulation tool for simple tasks. ST3 includes additional constraints and loads to simulate more design scenarios. “Model Simplification” option can be used to synchronous designs, for faster results. The integrated simulation tool has few limitations, so serous simulation work can be done using Siemens specialized tool femap.
Everyone knows that Siemens have competent SharePoint based CAD data management system since 2001 with thousands of users worldwide. Now “Solid Edge Insight” is a totally integrated data management system offering transparent PDM capabilities using SharePoint.
There are tons of enhancements in Assembly, Part modeling and Sheet metal design. Live rules, one my favorite command, would explore it later. Sheet metal design has new “Close Corner Option” which includes U, V, Square, mitered corners support. The option lets users create any corner type easily.
One more enhancement that caught attention is “PMI Dimensions” the option helps user to directly edit the value of product manufacturing information (PMI) dimensions during placement and lock these values to speed workflow.
Siemens have worked hard to improve the usability of Solid Edge; now customizing Ribbon Bar is very easy task. The user can now define the placement of mostly used commands.
I think product have just become better with Siemens addressing thousands of customer requests, it was difficult for Siemens team to cover every enhancement in such a short seminar. But still one gets good idea about the SE ST3. Lot of discussion took place on new technology. Delegates were given good reply to every query.
After tea, audience got chance to listen to Mr. Andy Parnell Hopkinson, Sales director of 3Dconnexion a Logitech company. 3Dconnexion is world leader in providing professional 3D mouse for CAD applications. Actually it was first time I saw “3D mouse” live! I also got chance to used it to zoom, pan and rotate 3D CAD model on Andy’s notebook. It can be customized to provide instant access to 10 frequently used commands. But it takes you around two days to master each control on 3D mouse to get work done by your left hand simultaneously. I too agree with Andy that regular mouse we use are not designed for 3D work, we need something better to fulfill our needs, work faster. I think I would like to use one and become more productive.
There are various models of 3D mouse available; the cost is between Rs 6000 to 24000. The 3D mouse supports more than 130 applications, all major MCAD software are supported. It was announced that from now onwards 3Dconnexion mouse can be purchased through Siemens resellers in India. The device is really worth, just need to convince your CAD managers for spending extra bucks for gaining more productivity!
Lastly, Mr. Anil Kumar, the next presenter gave a brief overview on “CAM Express” He introduces audience to new version 7.5. The CAM Express provides advance capability needed by NC programmers to utilize advance, efficient machine tools, such as high-speed mills, multifunction mill turns and 5-Axis machining centers.
CAM Express is CAD neutral; it is designed to be used independently of any specific CAD system. He showed us importing SolidWorks part file and how it can be edited in CAD express if required without going back to CAD system. The CAM Express is available for integrated use with Siemens CAD applications (NX and SE).
The seminar concluded with thanks giving and answering queries of attendees by Siemens team.
Just take a look on few more similar events throughout India in coming days to experience Siemens PLM Solid Edge ST3 live.
Just take a look on few more similar events throughout India in coming days to experience Siemens PLM Solid Edge ST3 live.
24th November, Mumbai
Hotel Hyatt Regency
Hotel Hyatt Regency
26th November, New Delhi
Hotel Crowne Plaza Today (Okhla)
Hotel Crowne Plaza Today (Okhla)
30th November, Bengaluru
Hotel Chancery Pavilion
Hotel Chancery Pavilion
1st December, Chennai
Radisson Hotel GRT
Radisson Hotel GRT
Happy Cadding!
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