Altair Broadens Relationship with Siemens PLM Software to Enhance Data Exchange for its CAE Software Users

TROY, Mich., June 11, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Altair, a leading global provider of simulation technology and engineering services, broadened its relationship with Siemens PLM Software to enable closer collaboration in the exchange of data among product lifecycle management (PLM) teams who employ Altair computer-aided engineering (CAE) tools in analyzing product designs and materials.

As part of the expanded relationship Altair will now offer direct connections to Siemens' Teamcenter® portfolio, the world's most widely used digital lifecycle management software,  JT™ data format, a lightweight ISO standard data format that makes it possible to view and share digital 3D product information in real-time throughout all phases of the product's lifecycle, and Fibersim™ portfolio of software for composites engineering.

The first new development stemming from this expansion is the integration between Teamcenter and Altair's HyperWorks CAE software platform. Teamcenter brings document processes into the PLM environment, synchronizing them with product development processes and product changes. The new functionality in the HyperWorks collaboration tools allows users to either connect to Teamcenter directly from within HyperMesh and the HyperWorks Desktop user interface or work seamlessly by launching Hypermesh from within Teamcenter through the PLM XML interface.

This connection provides HyperWorks users with access to information shared via Teamcenter and enables out-of-the-box and active collaboration among teammates on CAE projects without leaving the familiar HyperWorks environment. The connection enables users to search and retrieve data directly from the Teamcenter repository. Computer-aided design (CAD) and bill of materials (BOM) files can be retrieved and loaded directly into HyperMesh and HyperWorks Desktop. This is the first such enterprise connection using the HyperWorks Collaboration Tools and its underlying connectivity technologies.

The PLM XML interface between Teamcenter and Hypermesh enables users to launch Hypermesh directly from Teamcenter with Product BOM and CAE BOM and perform a variety of preprocessing activities.

"We are pleased to expand our relationship with Altair to provide integrated solutions that improve the productivity of our mutual customers," said Bill Boswell, senior director of partner strategy, Siemens PLM Software. "Siemens PLM Software is committed to creating partnerships to help enhance the end-user experience of our customers."

The second development is a direct interface to the JT data format that is now freely available to all HyperWorks users. JT is a lightweight and powerful 3D data format that is used across many industries, including automotive and aerospace. The JT format allows engineers to work with smaller, more manageable files that can be imported rapidly and consistently into Altair's HyperMesh without the use of multiple translators. The JT interface is now offered as a standard, out-of- the-box component within HyperWorks.

"Our agreement with Siemens PLM Software represents yet another level of openness in our HyperWorks architecture," said Paolo Sansalvadore, Altair's senior vice president of modeling and visualization. "It's important for engineers using Siemens' CAD products to enjoy compatibility with our CAE tools, and we are delighted that now they can do so."

The third development is Altair's latest release of a HyperWorks interface to Fibersim. Fibersim is used in the design and manufacture of innovative, durable and lightweight composite structures. This interface provides a valuable suite of tools for design engineers to analyze and optimize such structures.  With the Fibersim interface, Altair HyperWorks users will be able to read the draping and ply data in Fibersim, apply it directly in the analysis of the composite structure and close the loop by providing feedback to the designer.

"This capability will greatly assist the composites analysis engineer, who now will be able to easily read the Fibersim data that contains information needed for an accurate composite analysis," said Robert Yancey, Altair's senior director of global aerospace and marine.  "This will be particularly important in analyzing curved composite panels, where the draping and ply angle information is critical." 

This interface paves the way toward using the draping and ply data in Altair's award-winning composite optimization process.  This capability will allow an engineer to include manufacturing constraints, provided by Fibersim, in the optimization problem set-up and add to the manufacturing constraints already provided in OptiStruct, the structural optimization software in the HyperWorks suite.

About HyperWorks
HyperWorks, a platform for innovation, is a comprehensive simulation solution for rapid design exploration and decision-making. HyperWorks provides a tightly integrated suite of best-in-class tools for all facets of the simulation process: modeling, analysis, optimization, visualization, reporting and collaborative knowledge management. Leveraging a revolutionary pay-per-usage licensing model, HyperWorks delivers maximum value and flexibility for customers worldwide. For more information, please visit: www.altairhyperworks.com.

About Altair
Altair empowers client innovation and decision-making through technology that optimizes the analysis, management and visualization of business and engineering information. Privately held, with 1,800 employees, Altair has offices throughout North America, South America, Europe and Asia/Pacific. With a 26-year track record for high-end software for engineering and computing, enterprise analytics solutions, and innovative product design and development, Altair consistently delivers a competitive advantage to customers in a broad range of industries. To learn more, please visit www.altair.com and www.simulatetoinnovate.com.

NOTE:  Fibersim, JT and Teamcenter are trademarks or registered trademarks of Siemens Product Lifecycle Management Software Inc. or its subsidiaries in the United States and in other countries.

SOURCE Altair