HyperWorks Partner Alliance Adds CONVERSE Process Structure Interaction Software to Analyze Fiber-Reinforced Parts

TROY, Mich., May 23, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Altair today announced the addition of CONVERSE software from PART Engineering GmbH to the HyperWorks Partner Alliance (HWPA) to provide process structure interaction software to the array of applications available at no additional cost to HyperWorks users. CONVERSE offers engineers an easy-to-use tool that bridges the gap between injection molding simulation and mechanical simulation by importing the results from a third-party injection molding software, processing them, and then exporting the results into a third-party mechanical FEM software. Overall, this improves the quality of the subsequent simulation results.

"Using CONVERSE for our structural simulations of fiber-reinforced parts, we have the ability to model anisotropic material properties efficiently," said Michael Gabler, group leader of simulation for TRW Airbag Systems GmbH. "This capability increases the quality and the value of the simulation results significantly."

CONVERSE provides users with highly reliable results in simulating short-fiber-reinforced injection molded parts as well as realistic simulation of thermo-mechanical behavior of molds and inserts.  It enables the user to consider the anisotropic properties different properties parallel and transverse to the local fiber orientation in the part, as well as consider process loads that affect the inserts or the molds themselves.  The highly accurate software improves the overall designs of molds and parts.

"We are very pleased to join the HyperWorks Partner Alliance," said Dr. Wolfgang Korte, CEO of PART Engineering. "Now that CONVERSE is in the HyperWorks Partner Alliance, we will have an even further reach across a vast number of industries by way of Altair's unique and flexible licensing model."

Altair HyperWorks customers can use their existing HyperWorks Units to access CONVERSE through the HWPA, a suite of third-party applications from HyperWorks partners. The flexibility of HyperWorks Units empowers users to deploy the largest and most complete suite of CAE applications available at no incremental cost and with no long-term commitment.  

"CONVERSE from PART Engineering is an extremely valuable complement to the manufacturing simulation solutions currently available on the HyperWorks platform," said Antoine Poussier, Altair vice president of global partner programs.  "With this addition, Altair welcomes into the HyperWorks Partner Alliance yet another leading solution that broadens its simulation technology offering."

The HWPA strives to provide the most comprehensive offering of software applications across multiple relevant domains related to computer-aided engineering. The addition of CONVERSE reflects this effort, enhancing the flexibility of the HyperWorks Units and the overall value of Altair HyperWorks.

About PART Engineering GmbH

PART Engineering was founded in 1999 as a spin-off of the world-renowned Institute of Plastics Processing at Aachen Technical University (RWTH), Germany. Starting as a consultancy firm for product development of plastics and rubber parts, PART focused on providing CAE services in the scope of FEA. The Converse and S-Life software products evolved from the company's need to provide efficient and high-quality CAE tools and services. Today, PART Engineering's portfolio includes contract CAE simulation and staffing services, as well as CAE software sales. PART Engineering continues to maintain a strong relationship with leading research institutes to ensure that the most cutting-edge technology is considered in its services and software products.

About Altair Engineering, Inc

Altair Engineering, Inc. empowers client innovation and decision-making through technology that optimizes the analysis, management and visualization of business and engineering information. Privately held, with more than 1,500 employees, Altair has offices throughout North America, South America, Europe and Asia/Pacific. With a 26-year-plus track record for high-end software and consulting services for engineering, high-performance computing and enterprise analytics, Altair consistently delivers a competitive advantage to customers in a broad range of industries. To learn more, visit www.altair.com and www.simulatetoinnovate.com.

About the HyperWorks Partner Alliance

Altair's HyperWorks platform employs a revolutionary subscription-based licensing model where customers use floating licenses to access a broad suite of Altair-developed and third-party software applications on-demand. The HyperWorks Partner Alliance effectively extends the HyperWorks Platform from 28 internally developed solutions to more than 50 applications with the addition of new partner applications. Customers can invoke these third-party applications at no incremental cost using their existing HyperWorks licenses. Customers benefit from unmatched flexibility and access, resulting in maximum software utilization, productivity and ROI. For more information about the HyperWorks Partner Alliance, visit www.hyperworksalliance.com.

SOURCE Altair Engineering, Inc.; CONVERSE