We recently held the “From CAD to PLM: Breaking Down Barriers to Seamless Data Flow” webinar with guest speakers from Vestas and Renault, discovering how they simplified CAD to PLM data exchange with SpinFire Convert. 

Erik Sallingboe, Product Architect, Architecture & Design, Digital Solutions at Vestas, spoke about their experience publishing CATIA V5 data, including composites, into PTC Windchill. Meanwhile, Aravindhan Baskaran, Agile Business Analyst – CAD Conversions, DMU Exchange at Renault, talked about how they seamlessly translate 3DEXPERIENCE data with PMI into Siemens Teamcenter using the lightweight JT format. 

SpinFire Convert is a quick and reliable solution for CAD data translation, allowing design data to be converted into a new format without compromising accuracy. With support for all the major CAD formats, including JT and Creo View, and the ability to integrate within PLM systems, SpinFire Convert can support downstream processes across the organization. 

The Challenges of Data Exchange 

The issues of data exchange stem from many downstream teams and supply chains requiring access to CAD data but using different CAD formats or PLM systems. There are a few ways of solving these problems, but each come with their own challenges.  

One option is to use a neutral format that can be used with any CAD system, but this could result in loss of data integrity, and without an automated translator, it requires time-consuming manual processing. Others move to a mandated, single format to keep in line with their supply chain. Although switching CAD systems simplifies sharing data with a partner, buying new CAD seats can be costly (both to purchase and maintain) and your teams will need additional training on the new software. A mandated format also won’t allow you to work with multiple partners and suppliers who all use different formats, so it may not be a flexible solution. 

A direct CAD translator like SpinFire Convert can solve the issue of data exchange while mitigating the challenges of the other solutions. A direct translator provides accurate translation from one format to another, reducing the chance of data degradation. SpinFire Convert also integrates directly with your PLM system, allowing you to streamline workflows and get data into your preferred environment. With SpinFire Convert’s automated batch processing, you can reduce delays when translating large amounts of data. The intuitive program offers those of all experience levels an easy way to work with your data with limited training time.  

How Vestas Publish CATIA V5 Data into Windchill 

Vestas is a global leader in sustainable energy solutions, and they were looking for a way to bridge two separate design ecosystems. When Vestas implemented composite modeling using CATIA V5, they had trouble bringing that data into their PLM system. They needed a way of integrating detailed and accurate CATIA V5 data into Windchill, and they chose SpinFire Convert as their solution.  

“[Dassault and PTC] are two really separate ecosystems... we definitely were in need of something that could bridge these two systems together” 

With SpinFire Convert they were able to get instant and accurate visualization of their data within Windchill. They also utilize this design data in their MBD workflows with the SpinFire Convert MBD addon, ensuring detailed manufacturing information was brought into Windchill with the CAD model. 

Alongside the out-the-box features of SpinFire Convert and the MBD addon, Vestas and Tech Soft 3D also worked together to create customized outputs. Vestas needed a Bill of Materials (BOM) that could support detailed composite design management, so we developed a solution that created this BOM in Windchill with all the information they required. 

How Renault Translate 3DEXPERIENCE Data into Teamcenter 

Renault is a French automaker with a global outreach, and they need to collaborate closely with many partners like Nissan, Daimler, Mitsubishi, Geely and Horse Powertrain. Renault needed to be able to share data with these partners, as well as distribute it internally with teams using other downstream applications. They began using the JT format to collaborate with everyone they were working with. 

“So, with multiple OEM partners and multiple environments, we often work with teams using different PLM systems; using different design tools. So, the need is to have a common CAD format that can be shared to them.” 

Though the JT format could be used to share their 3DEXPERIENCE data, they had no way of reliably and efficiently converting it. They needed an automated solution that could preserve geometry, PMI, and assembly hierarchy when translating. SpinFire Convert provided that solution, minimizing manual processing and reducing the risk of data loss. 

Renault uses multiple PLM systems throughout the business, including Teamcenter, which is also used by one of their close partners. With SpinFire Convert, both they and their partners are able to import Renault’s design data into their PLM system automatically. 

Why Should You Use SpinFire Convert for CAD to PLM Data Exchange? 

With SpinFire Convert, you can seamlessly translate data between CAD formats and lightweight 3D formats. Built on strategic relationships with major CAD vendors including Dassault Systèmes, Siemens and PTC, SpinFire Convert uses the CAD libraries and APIs. This results in fast and accurate 3D data translation that always supports the latest CAD versions. 

SpinFire Convert can also integrate into your PLM system, supporting existing workflows and simplifying your data exchange processes. With automated batch processing, it also reduces delays and saves time spent on manual processing. 

Final Thoughts  

Our recent webinar provided an opportunity for two of our customers, Vestas and Renault, to showcase how they streamlined CAD-to-PLM data exchange using SpinFire Convert. By providing fast and reliable translations with PLM integration and automated batch processing, SpinFire Convert helps these organizations eliminate manual processing, reduce data-loss, and ensure efficient data exchange. 

If you’d like to hear from Erik Sallingboe from Vestas and Aravindhan Baskaran from Renault about how they utilize SpinFire Convert in their businesses, be sure to check out the Webinar recording.