as lower-cost PLM alternatives including some newer cloud- based systems have become available.
New Manufacturing Resource Library in Siemens PLM features ISO 13399-compliant tooling data with 3-D solid models of tools.
Traditionally, the high cost of PLM and difficulties imple- menting large-scale enterprise PLM systems were cited as major barriers to entry. But now, PLM technologies are be- coming more common at smaller to mid-size manufacturers,
PLM systems have continued to perform well, and market researcher CIMdata Inc. (Ann Arbor, MI) recently reported that the comprehensive PLM market experienced 15.2% growth in 2011 to $29.98 billion. “What we’re seeing is a shift to the democratization and the availability of simpler analysis tools that are being embedded within CAD systems as well as being separate tools, where more people are being able to use them,” said CIMdata President Peter A. Bilello. “You still have a need for experts in certain areas, but you’re able to bring in simulation earlier in the process, and do that more during the flow of the product development process itself, instead of as an adjunct. It’s allowing for more reductions to physical proto- types, and in some cases, driving design through simulation instead of driving simulation through design.” Easier-to-use simulation tools also help manufacturers
deploy PLM more effectively, according to Bilello. “The user in- terfaces are improved, and they’re more intuitive,” he noted. “The computers they’re running them on run much faster. The hardware and the software are im- proving, and people are taking advantage of improved processes as well.”
Reaching the Shop Floor Siemens PLM Software (Plano, TX)
has been making steady improvements in what the company calls the CAD/ CAM/CNC process chain, with tighter ties between the Siemens Teamcenter product data management and its NX CAM design and manufacturing solu- tions to Siemens’ Sinumerik line of CNC controls. Acquired by Siemens in 2007, Siemens PLM recently announced a key collaboration with cutting tool developer Sandvik Coromant (Fair Lawn, NJ), and at IMTS Siemens met with other cutting tool companies, including Iscar (Dallas) and Kennametal (Latrobe, PA), to enlist support for the Siemens’ Manufacturing Resource Library that will contain ISO 13399-compliant tooling data including 3-D solid models of tools.