CIMdata PLM Industry Summary Online Archive
10 October 2007
Product News
Siemens PLM Software Announces Latest Version of Solid Edge 2D Drafting
Siemens PLM Software , a division of Siemens Automation and Drives ( A&D ) announced the latest version of Solid Edge® 2D Drafting software (a $995 value).
Solid Edge is a hybrid 2D/3D design system and a core component of the UGS Velocity SeriesT portfolio. One year ago, Siemens PLM Software made a strategic move to redefine the marketplace by commoditizing 2D with an emphasis on the value of transitioning to a managed 3D model. There is still no cost to download or license the software; optional support and automatic upgrades are available for a nominal fee.
To date, more than 86,000 users have downloaded the software, nearly 70 percent of which are manufacturing customers or prospects. In addition, more than 20 percent indicated a plan to transition to 3D.
Solid Edge 2D Drafting provides a production-proven set of capabilities for creating 2D designs and documentation, including drawing layout, diagramming, annotation and dimensioning controls that automatically comply with drafting standards. In addition, it provides intuitive wizards for robust translation for smooth transition from 2D AutoCAD® and other drafting applications.
New Features
The latest release adds improved translator capabilities for AutoCAD 2D data supporting color 7, xrefs, model space and paper space drawing scales. An import wizard shows a preview with any option changes.
Also available in the release is the valuable Goal Seek functionality that helps solve complex 2D engineering scenarios with free-body diagrams. It allows users to set certain parameters, while the system varies other factors to achieve the desired target value of an engineering calculation. Results can also drive 3D geometry in a true hybrid 2D/3D design environment.
Proven Use Cases
Solid Edge 2D Drafting enables customers to save costs while complementing their 3D implementation.
"We use Solid Edge 2D in tandem with our engineering department's 3D product development," said Eric Peterson, design engineer, Nordic Tugs. "Solid Edge 2D has become an integral tool for Nordic Tugs. Our electrical department has stopped using AutoCAD for wiring schematics and uses Solid Edge 2D entirely to create customer wiring drawings. We also use Solid Edge 2D as a design review tool for view and markup, approving, purchasing and quoting drawings created by our 3D designers as well as suppliers."
In addition to complementing a 3D implementation, Solid Edge 2D allows effective and protected collaboration with customers and suppliers. Customers can send drawings and parts to vendors for quotes or manufacturing while protecting their content. Suppliers can open the files directly but changes are restricted.
Solid Edge customer ACE Controls, a world leader in deceleration technology, collaborates with its supplier Kerr Screw Products, a provider of precision CNC machining services.
"Our suppliers, such as Kerr, are a key contributor for us to deliver the right product to market at the right time," said Jim Oesch, product engineer, ACE Controls Inc. "Since using Solid Edge 2D, Kerr's ability to add notes and comments to our 2D drawing for our review provides efficient customer/supplier collaboration. An added benefit is that our drawings are protected against critical changes."
"Solid Edge 2D is extremely important for us to win business," Dave Kerr, owner, Kerr Screw Products. "Customers, such as ACE Control, provide us with the original 2D CAD file for quote purposes. The real benefit of Solid Edge 2D is the ability for us to directly read the customer's native CAD drawing files. This eliminates the need to convert and translate."
"The outstanding level of interest that we have seen in the free Solid Edge 2D Drafting download has proven that 2D is a true commodity in the market," said Dave Shirk, executive vice president, Global Marketing, Siemens PLM Software. "Thousands of organizations still designing and documenting in 2D have now benefited from this offer, while allowing many to take the first step to evolve to 3D with the mid-market PLM leader."
The software is available online ( http://www.solidedge.com/free2d ) at no cost in 10 languages. For more information, visit http://www.solidedge.com/free2d .
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