UGS Launches Solid Edge Version 16

"Design with Insight" vision eases the design of complex products

UGS, a leading global provider of product lifecycle management (PLM) software and services, has launched Version 16 of Solid Edge, its industry-leading, value-based 3D computer-aided design (CAD) system for the mainstream product lifecycle management (PLM) market.

UGS expects the new release to begin shipping in September.

"Solid Edge has performed admirably over the past two years during some of the most difficult economic conditions in recent history," said Tony Affuso, chairman, CEO and president of UGS.

"With the establishment of UGS as an independent company, Solid Edge will play a key role in our expansion and growth as we enhance our business in the PLM industry." Product complexity has dramatically increased over the years.

A new paper from information and communications research firm Cambashi Ltd in the United Kingdom reports that engineering departments are under constantly increasing pressure to:.

- Meet market demand for broader product lines with increased options.

- Apply new technologies before your competition can.

- Fit more and more features into less and less space.

- Satisfy customer demand for products that look good as well as work.

Those pressures occur as engineering also is required to turn over product lines faster than ever before, the paper says.

Solid Edge Version 16 continues to deliver on its Design with Insight vision by providing a new focus on helping customers to ease the design of complex products with increased insight into design intent and the industries Solid Edge serves, all under the control of the built-in Insight for design management.

Capturing and maintaining design intent throughout the process is one of the most effective ways to battle design complexity and Solid Edge has continuously enhanced its system design capabilities to take advantage of this intelligence.

New system design features for Version 16 include adjustable parts, fastener systems and dynamic families of assemblies, all of which deliver more flexibility during the design process.

Version 16 also enhances Solid Edge's capability for hybrid 2D/3D design with increased familiarity for AutoCAD users, a new capability to create 3D parts from 2D assembly layouts and new tools for hybrid 2D/3D design, including a new and unique "Zero D" capability that allows the definition of product structure before any geometry is committed to paper.

Battling design complexity means using applications that work the way designers want to work and fulfill the specific requirements of their industry.

Solid Edge provides designers with increased insight to solve design challenges unique to their industry by delivering tools and workflows for industry-specific challenges to accelerate the design process.

Version 16 rounds out its suite of consumer products applications with Virtual Studio+, an advanced photorealistic-rendering solution that includes a new artistic, sketch-based rendering capability for early stage representations and concept reviews.

For machine design, Solid Edge adds new frame design and piping capability to complement systems design and hybrid 2D/3D enhancements, which allow for an expanded focus on the process equipment industry.

Earlier this year, Version 15 introduced Solid Edge into the mold design market with a new add-on application for mold tooling to complement existing core and cavity capabilities.

With V16, Solid Edge Mold Tooling is enhanced to now automate the design of additional features such as runner bars, slides, inserts, stripper plates and water channels.

In addition, Mold Tooling now comes with standard libraries for other popular component suppliers and a new capability to define custom mold bases.

CAD Industry Analysts' Take on Solid Edge Version 16.

"In spite of a difficult global economy in 2003, Solid Edge had substantial growth, due, no doubt, to its continuing progress in delivering high quality software that its customers need," said Ray Kurland, president of TechniCom "Solid Edge Version 16 demonstrates a continuing focus on improving many of its leading edge technologies." "Solid Edge's commitment to research and development yet again delivers significant value to designers and engineers," said Monica Schnitger, Senior Vice President of Market Analysis at Daratech, a market research firm.

"In addition to a compelling number of customer-requested enhancements in Version 16, Solid Edge delivers new functionality that advances the design process for engineers typified by Zero D and the 'Evolve to 3D' migration program," said Schnitger.

"Zero D's ability to allow designers to conceptualize an assembly structure from the top down using virtual components is a true productivity gain, much like Solid Edge's 'Evolve to 3D' program, which allows users to move to 3D at their own pace, establishing their own 2D/3D workflows without experiencing the disruption of design process realignment.".

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