Creo's Unite technology to Revolutionize Multi-CAD Collaboration

For innovating and manufacturing the kind of products that differ from their competitor, companies must make use of different tools. However, using multi-CAD systems is very common. They pose a major challenge while managing and using data that has been created efficiently. Using their strengths, CAD tools such as SolidWorks, CATIA, and Siemens NX are used. Most often integrating them leads to inefficiency, errors, and added costs. Teams often waste precious time translating files, rectifying data loss, and managing delays—time that could be much better spent on innovation.

Creo Unite Technology by PTC is one that has answered the problem since its innovation eliminates all costs regarding translation and extension while maintaining collaborative functions among CAD systems without converting files, ensuring detailed design aspects are kept and project timelines. Its evolution in work streams regarding various design and engineering teams brings tremendous ease into product development processes.

What Makes Multi-CAD Collaboration So Tough?

Data Loss During File Conversions

This process typically involves translating files into neutral formats such as STEP or IGES, in order to share them. Although that seems convenient, the process frequently loses essential design details - such as parametric constraints or material properties - and data studies indicate up to 20% of file information is lost. Engineers, therefore, spend hours redoing some of that information by hand.

For instance, a vendor might deliver a STEP file for a car assembly component. When the file is converted to a STEP file, vital information could be missing, and engineers have to restore it. This does not only delay the project but also increases the likelihood of mistakes in the future.

Workflows That Are Slow and Disjointed

File management across multiple CAD systems is a drag on production. If designs are not in alignment, engineers spend their time correcting errors or waiting for updates. For example, a CATIA-based team may receive a file created with SolidWorx that contains a last-minute change in design. The conversion and validation of the file into the workflow can take days, thereby disrupting timelines and even increasing costs.

How does Creo's Unite Technology Help?

Unite Technology eliminates all these barriers by making it smooth and efficient to manage files from multiple CAD systems. Here's how it works:

Directly Open and Edit Files Without Conversion

As a result of Unite Technology, engineers can now open and edit files of tools like SolidWorks, Siemens NX, CATIA and Autodesk CAD systems right from Creo. It needs no translation, so it absolutely rules out the chance to lose precious design information.

For example, instead of importing a SolidWorks file in a neutral format like STEP, engineers can directly insert it into a Creo assembly. 

Maintain Design Intent Across Platforms

It automatically ensures that updates or any changes done on the other non-PTC Creo files are easily captured in Creo, not affecting the integrity of designs throughout the workflow. Automatically accepting changes by a supplier at the Siemens NX end prevents adjustment of changes from an associated Creo environment to minimal manual changes.

Collaboration Can Be Made Easy

With Unite Technology, teams can include parts and assemblies from other CAD systems into their Creo projects without any additional software or translators. This functionality makes it easier to collaborate with suppliers, partners, and distributed teams even if they are using different CAD platforms.

What Are the Benefits of Unite Technology?

Eliminating the Need for Third-Party Tools

Unite Technology eliminates the need for costly translators or specialized tools to make the process less costly and easier to work on.

Files from multiple CAD systems can be managed directly in Creo, creating one unified design environment.

Workflows Speed Up

The Unite Technology lets teams work directly on CAD files without the need for conversion. The reduction in delays and repetitive tasks makes it possible for engineers to focus on design and development rather than troubleshooting compatibility issues in files.

Higher Data Accuracy

Because files are not converted into neutral formats, the design data is retained. It ensures that accurate and complete information is always available for the engineering teams; hence there is less likelihood of error and better product quality.

On-Time Delivery

It is easier for teams to meet the deadlines because Unite Technology simplifies workflows and minimizes errors. Late-stage design changes can easily be implemented without causing disturbances and keep projects on track.

How 3HTi Helps Creo Customers

3HTi is a Platinum Level PTC partner that our clients rely on to help them deploy Creo and other PTC windchill software into their processes and workflows.  With broad experience in Product Development and a range of CAD tools, 3HTi enables manufacturers to innovate for New Product Development and get products to market faster!

Ongoing Support

From troubleshooting to updates, 3HTi provides ongoing support to ensure that their clients' PTC software systems run at peak performance and maximize ROI.

Conclusion

Creo's Unite Technology transforms the way teams work across multiple CAD services systems. It helps eliminate file conversions, preserves design details, and simplifies collaboration to save teams time, reduce costs, and deliver high-quality products on schedule.

For companies that frequently engage with suppliers or partners who happen to be using other types of CAD tools, a powerful solution is offered by PTC Creo in managing workflows and improving results for such operations

Want to know more? Contact 3HTi today to learn how Unite Technology can radically change your multi-CAD workflows and help your team soar.