A day with Innovation: Our Visit to Fortvale Engineering
April started off with the PLM Central team’s special visit to Fortvale Engineering Ltd., where we had the opportunity to witness the impressive use of Creo and Windchill in their day-to-day production activities. Fortvale’s adoption of Creo parametric modelling software enables precision, accuracy in product specification, and, most importantly, oversight over every aspect of the design process. We had the pleasure of meeting David Bailey, the Design Director at Fortvale Engineering who gave us a remarkable tour of the facility.
Exploring the powerful tools and various product parts in large quantities,put us in a creative moment where we individually experienced innovation at its finest.
12th April 2024
Tolulope Favour Kolawole
What’s New in Creo 10: Trilogy Webinar series
- Discover the latest tools to enhance your CAD design experience in Creo 10.
- Improve your design team’s efficiency with Creo productivity tools.
As a result of the current challenges posed by the rising cost of living and energy prices, we have made the decision to implement a 10% increase in our consultation fee. This adjustment will come into effect starting on March 31, 2024. It is important for us to ensure that we can continue to provide high-quality services to our clients while also addressing the financial pressures that have arisen due to external factors beyond our control.
It is worth noting that this is the first time in the past year that we have had to make such an adjustment to our consultation fee. We understand that any increase in costs can impact our clients, and we want to assure you that we have carefully considered this decision in order to strike a balance between maintaining our service standards and managing our operational expenses. We appreciate your understanding and continued support as we navigate these challenging economic circumstances together.
8th March 2024
Tolulope Favour Kolawole
Snap-on, founded in 1920, has since become a global leader in providing high-quality tools and equipment. Recognised for its durability and commitment to innovation, Snap-on has been has been setting industry standards for over 100 years. Snap-on services industry professionals in the United Kingdom through a network of franchisees.
Snap-on UK Partners with PLM Central
SolidWorks is getting phased out in favour of PTC Creo and Windchill. This marks a significant shift towards new age manufacturing innovation. It gives us nothing but great joy at PLM Central to kick-start the successful implementation of PTC Creo and Windchill in elevating their processes in 2024 and beyond.
PLM Central plays a pivotal role by supporting Snap-on with:
- Implementing PTC Creo, our market-leading product design and modelling software, will further amplify Snap-on Tools’ innovation capabilities. Design engineers at Snap-on UK now have access to advanced Creo tools, simulations, and analysis features, empowering them to create intricate and effective tooling designs. Ensuring that Snap-on maintains premium quality standards and processes.
- By implementing PTC Windchill, Snap-on can effectively manage their product lifecycle data in a centralised manner. With features such as real-time visibility, data collaboration, and comprehensive change management. PTC Windchill will transform their data management processes with a streamlined approach that will enable teams to make faster and more informed decisions, reducing time-to-market and enhancing overall operational efficiency.
Snap-on’s collaboration with PLM Central and their adoption of PTC Creo and Windchill will drive innovation in the tooling industry. This successful partnership offers a glimpse into the future of product lifecycle management and computer-aided design for the tooling industry.
13th February 2024
Tolulope Favour Kolawole
Businesses from all sectors benefit from digital transformation in today’s interconnected world in order to boost productivity, simplify operations, and drive innovation. When it comes to Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) software, PTC Windchill rises above the competition, establishing itself as the undisputed choice for both SMEs and large-scale enterprises. With its comprehensive suite of features, industry accolades, and tailored industry solutions available at PLM Central, PTC Windchill remains the go-to PLM software to optimise operations and achieve success.
PTC Windchill as a Frontrunner in the PLM market
An important indication of PTC Windchill’s superiority is the high recognition from Quadrant Knowledge Solution’s 2023 Spark Matrix analysis of the global Product Lifecycle Management market. This is proof of PTC Windchill’s extraordinary abilities and dedication to satisfying the changing demands of contemporary enterprises.
PTC Windchill excels by streamlining digital transitions throughout the product lifecycle, enhancing management efficiency. With real-time visibility and centralised data, it fosters collaboration, communication, and swift decision-making across multifunctional teams, elevating product management effectiveness.
Benefits for the Manufacturing Industry
PTC Windchill enables manufacturers like Crossland Tankers, a leading tanker manufacturer in the United Kingdom, to enhance collaboration, streamline change management, and effectively manage their product data. The adoption of PTC Windchill has ensured their products meet strict industry regulations and standards, enabling accelerated time-to-market and improved operational efficiencies. See Industry solutions.
Benefits for the Medical Devices and healthcare industry
In an industry where safety and compliance are of the utmost importance, PTC Windchill ensures traceability and regulatory compliance throughout the product lifecycle, with robust features for managing complex product portfolios, centralizing data, and enabling seamless collaboration across geographically dispersed teams.
Flexicare Group Ltd., a global medical device manufacturer, relies on PTC Windchill to manage their products effectively. By fully adopting PTC Windchill, Flexicare has not only improved operational efficiency but also ensured global patient safety and regulatory compliance. See industry solutions
Benefits for the Green-tech industry
In the green-tech industry, PTC Windchill enables green-tech companies to drive sustainability and address the pressing environmental challenges of our time. By leveraging PTC Windchill, organisations like Carnot Ltd. have enhanced the development and manufacturing process of their fuel-agnostic hydrogen power trains while minimizing their environmental footprint. See industry solutions
2nd February 2024
Tolulope Favour Kolawole
What’s New in Creo 10: Trilogy Webinar series.
During the course of the webinar, Felician discussed the concept of composite design from the design stage to the manufacturing stage and how the new Manikin feature in Creo 10 enhances product usability across relevant industries such as the automotive industry, marine, transport, consumer goods, and other related industries that use composite materials for their products.
Here are the major key terms used within the webinar and what they mean.
Composite Design entails merging several components or materials to form a cohesive structure or product with improved qualities. This approach is applied in a variety of domains, including engineering and software design. In structural engineering, it is common to combine a matrix and reinforcing materials to increase overall performance. Overall, composite design seeks to maximise quality by combining the strengths of several elements.
Design Ergonomics, often known as ergonomic design or human factors engineering, is the science of optimising humans’ interactions with the goods, systems, or surroundings they use. It focuses on producing user-friendly and efficient designs that take into account users’ physical, cognitive, and sensory capacities, with the goal of increasing comfort, safety, and general well-being. The goal is to alleviate discomfort, reduce the risk of damage, and improve the overall user experience in domains including product design, workplace design, and interface design.
Watch live webinar here
Watch out for series 3!
Retrieving PTC Creo and Mathcad floating licences involves following specific steps based on your licencing setup. Here is a step-by-step guide that shows the exact steps to guarantee seamless retrieval of your renewed floating licence with clear instructions and best practices, no matter your level of experience.
Here is a simple guide to help you retrieve your renewed PTC Mathcad and Creo floating licences in nine easy steps!
Step 1: Access the PTC main website by opening this link: https://www.ptc.com/en/support
Step 2: On the top left, click on the green grids on a white background.
Select “Manage and monitor software” and click on “Licence Management.”
Step 3: Scroll to “Advanced Search.”
Step 4: In the window that appears, enter your SON (sales order Number) and click “Lookup”,
Select and click “Search.”
Step 5: On the list below, select the licence you need and “Tick.”
You use the (+) sign to extend the list further, with the extensions included.
Next, you need to click “Retrieve Licence” in the right box.
Step 6: On the list below, select the licence you need and “Tick.”
In the next step, choose the format you prefer: “text” or “zip file.”
Step 7: After this step, you will receive an email with a licence file (a zip or text file).
You need to download it to unzip it. There are two files; use the one without “Standard” and
rename to licence.dat.
Step 8: Next, you need to go to the location where your licence server is installed.
Either on your local computer or on the server.
Find this location: C:\Program Files\PTC\FLEXnet Admin License Server\bin and reconfigure your licence by running Reconfigure.exe (right-click and run as administrator.)
Step 9: In the source field, remove the old license file (use the “-” sign), then place your new licence; the
file, which you have received, by dragging it in or using the (+) ‘plus sign’ to browse the file.
At the end, click “Finish” to complete your installation.
3rd January 2024
Tolulope Favour Kolawole
Webinar Series 1: Model-Based Definition and the Digital Thread.
Welcome to the first installment of our trio webinar series, “What’s New in Creo 10.” Throughout this series, our goal is to showcase the impactful capabilities within Creo 10, emphasizing its role in advancing product manufacturing through digital transformation.
Dealing with the complexities and limitations of 2D drawings can be exhausting. Witness how Model-Based Definition seamlessly integrates into the product lifecycle, influencing stakeholder interactions and shaping the journey from design to manufacturing and machining.
In our first webinar, “Model-Based Definition and the Digital Thread,” we explored the following aspects:
- What is Model-Based Definition?
- The main components of Model-Based Definition (MBD) and the attached PMI (Product Manufacturing Information)
- Model-Based Definition in the product lifecycle and stakeholder interaction.
- 3D CAD model annotation and combination stage
- From design to manufacturing and machining
- The Digital Thread
- Creo tools.
Let us look at the two major concepts we explored during the webinar.
In Model-Based Definition, the 3D model serves as the designated reference for both geometric data and Product Manufacturing Information, aiming to establish a “single source of truth.”
By relying on the 3D model as the central point of information, MBD seeks to enhance efficiency, accuracy, and consistency throughout the product lifecycle and manufacturing processes.
Learn more about “model-based product development.”
On the other hand, the Digital Thread is a connected bridge between the digital world (e.g., computer designs) and the physical world (products). This is a breakthrough in how things are produced, built, serviced, and eventually recycled. The Digital Thread simplifies and improves everything by ensuring all the steps in a product’s journey are intelligently in sync and efficient.
Watch the live Webinar event here!
Stay tuned for webinar Series 2!
PTC Windchill remains a top PLM software for robust product data and process management in the ever-changing industry. With each new release, PTC continues to push the boundaries of what’s possible in Product Lifecycle Management(PLM).
Let us look into the new features and improvements, listing how these improvements can benefit businesses across industries.
Latest in Windchill 13
- Enhanced User Experience: One of the standout features of PTC Windchill 13 is its focus on user experience. The user interface has undergone a significant overhaul. It aims to provide enhanced navigation options and improved search functionality, making it easier for users to access and manage product data as an Advanced Database Management System.
- Enhanced Visualisation: Windchill 13 introduces substantial enhancements to 3D visualization, significantly improving performance and scalability, particularly when handling extensive and complex product structures. With the introduction of QuickView, the visualization experience becomes more straightforward, understandable, and faster to navigate. This novel feature plays a pivotal role for Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) and suppliers. It facilitates efficient collaboration, resulting in reduced engineering cycle times and, consequently, an elevation in overall product quality. QuickView is CAD-agnostic, providing support for thumbnails, and seamlessly integrates into various browser environments, including the product structure browser, CAD Structure, and BOM Transformer.
- Smart Platforms: With the Windchill Smart Platforms dynamic positioning capability, designers have the power to craft a platform architecture that precisely outlines interfaces across a product structure. This is accomplished by employing positioning logic to construct and visualise novel product variations. Directly, eliminating the need for the creation of multiple CAD copies to manage positional variations. This approach enables the direct capture of design intent through the innovative positioning architecture, alongside the utilisation of rules to govern assembly logic and positioning. The direct exposure of positional intent from CAD construction geometry, combined with the capability to dynamically position modules, ultimately leads to the creation of a configured 3D digital mockup. This empowers customers to execute a modular product configuration strategy, considerably reducing design time.
- Improved Digital Thread: PTC Windchill 13 places a significant emphasis on enhancing the Digital Thread. Windchill 13 connects product data, processes, IoT, and digital twins, enabling a comprehensive, intelligent Digital Thread for businesses. This leads to improved product quality, faster time-to-market, and enhanced collaboration across teams.
- Windchill 13 integrates IoT via ThingWorx for real-time data collection, enhancing product development through seamless IoT device connectivity and analysis.
- PTC’s AR solutions, like Vuforia, seamlessly integrate with Windchill 13, facilitating efficient data exchange and enhanced user experiences. This integration allows users to view and interact with 3D product models in real-world settings, aiding design assessment and inspections.
- Cloud-Based Deployment Options: Recognizing the growing trend towards cloud-based solutions, PLM Central offers flexible deployment options for Windchill 13. Businesses can host Windchill on-premises, in PLMc cloud, or on public cloud platforms like AWS or Azure for flexible deployment. Now, consider how this integration aligns your organisation’s PLM strategy with its broader IT infrastructure.
PTC Windchill 13 represents a significant leap forward in the world of PLM software. Its focus on UX, better visualization, IoT, AR, and flexible deployment makes it ideal for efficient product development in businesses.
PTC leads in tech innovation, ensuring Windchill meets global industry needs amid advancing technology. Are you in manufacturing, medical devices, green technology, or any other field that relies on effective product lifecycle management? PTC Windchill 13 is worthy of being your PLM solution of choice.
29th September 2023
Stefan Dornescu
As someone who consults daily with the design, engineering, or production departments in manufacturing companies, you understand how important it is to have the right tools to streamline your processes, reduce costs, and stay ahead of the competition. That’s why I wanted to reach out and tell you about the powerful suite of tools offered by PTC Software and why it is a smart investment for your business.
With PTC Software, you can streamline your design, engineering, and production processes, making them more efficient and effective. Our suite of tools is designed to help you create and manipulate 3D models with ease, analyse designs to identify potential issues, and automate many of the steps in the production process. This helps to reduce errors, speed up the design process, and ensure that the final product meets all necessary safety and quality standards.
In addition to our traditional software offerings, we also offer a software-as-a-service (SAAS)-based model that provides several advantages over on-premise software installations. Our SAAS platform is accessible from anywhere in the world, provided you have an internet connection. This means that your teams can work together on the same projects, no matter where they are located. Our SAAS platform is also highly scalable, which means that it can grow with your business. As your business expands, you can add more users and features to your SAAS platform without the need for additional hardware or software. See Creo+
We understand that security is a top concern for manufacturers, and we take that responsibility seriously. Our SAAS platform includes full security features to protect your data and ensure that your business remains secure. We also understand the importance of collaboration.
Single Digital Thread
PTC Software enables a “single digital thread,” which means that all data related to a product, from design to production to service, is stored in one location. This allows for greater visibility into the product’s lifecycle, making it easier to identify areas for improvement and streamline processes. It also makes it easier to share data downstream to teams in different locations globally.
I find the following is important for manufacturing departments to have:
- Customisable Solutions
PTC Software offers customisable solutions that can be tailored to meet the unique needs of your business. Our software can be configured to work with a variety of hardware and software platforms, making it a flexible and adaptable solution.
- Advanced Analytics
PTC Software includes advanced analytics capabilities that can help you identify patterns and trends in your data. This can be used to improve processes, reduce costs, and optimize your business operations.
- Improved Time-to-Market
With PTC Software, you can reduce the time it takes to bring a product to market. Our software includes tools for rapid prototyping and simulation, which can help you identify and address issues early in the design process. This can help you get your products to market faster, giving you a competitive edge.
- Industry-Leading Support.
Finally, PTC Software is backed by industry-leading support. Our team of experts is available to help you with any questions or issues you may have, ensuring that you get the most out of our software. This is why PTC Software is a Smart Investment for Your Business
3rd May 2023
Mits Riyat
Looking for ways to streamline your design workflows, reduce errors, and save time?
PTC software has revolutionised the way we help design, engineering and production teams work by giving them the ability to streamline our customers productivity and enhance time management. In today’s fast-paced business environment, it’s essential to use software tools that can help maximize productivity, reduce errors, and save time.
Here are five ways PTC software can help you achieve this:
- Streamlining Design Processes: PTC software offers a wide range of features that can help streamline design processes, making it easier to design, modify, and manage complex product designs. With this software, you can automate repetitive tasks, reducing errors and increasing efficiency.
- Efficient Change Management: Managing change can be a daunting task, but PTC software can help simplify this process. The software’s advanced change management features enable you to track changes made to the design, minimizing the risk of errors and delays by building the most important part of business model, your DIGITAL THREAD
- Collaborative Design: PTC software facilitates collaborative design, enabling designers and engineers to work together in real-time. This feature ensures that the product design is up-to-date and that everyone is on the same page. The simple capabilities to have your data flow upstream and downstream.
- Accurate Bill of Materials: PTC software can help you manage your bill of materials (BOM) efficiently. With its advanced BOM management features, you can easily track changes and keep the BOM up-to-date, reducing the risk of errors and saving time.
- Enhancing Productivity with Automation: PTC software comes with a range of automation features that can help increase productivity. These features automate repetitive tasks, freeing up time for designers and engineers to focus on more critical tasks.
PTC software can help you maximise productivity, save time, and streamline your design processes. With its advanced features for change management, collaborative design, bill of materials management, and automation, this software can enhance your productivity and streamline your workflows. Embracing PTC software is the perfect way to take your productivity and time management to the next level. Discover here the range of PTC sofrware we are offering.
12th April 2023
Mits Riyat
You Should Use PTC Creo
In today’s competitive business landscape, innovation and efficiency are critical to success. Manufacturing companies that can design and develop products quickly and accurately have a significant advantage over their competitors. One software tool that has been gaining popularity among manufacturing companies is PTC Creo. PTC Creo is a 3D CAD software suite that provides powerful tools for product design and development. In this blog article, we’ll explore 10 reasons why choosing PTC Creo is a smart choice for manufacturing companies looking to improve their product design and development processes. From its robust feature set to its ease of use, there are numerous benefits to using PTC Creo. Let’s dive in and explore what makes this software tool so valuable.
- Flexibility: Creo offers a wide range of design and engineering capabilities, including solid modeling, surfacing, sheet metal design, and simulation. This makes it a versatile tool that can be used for a wide range of applications.
- Ease of use: Creo has a user-friendly interface and includes many helpful tools and features that make it easy to use, even for those who are new to CAD.
- Performance: Creo is known for its fast performance and ability to handle large, complex models without slowing down.
- Collaboration: Creo includes tools for collaboration and data management, making it easier for teams to work together on projects.
- Customization: Creo can be customised to meet the specific needs of individual users or organisations.
- AR Design Share: In creo, you can use the “AR Design Share” feature to share your 3D models with others in augmented reality (AR). This allows you to view your models in a real-world environment, making it easier to visualise and interact with the design.
- MBD: In Creo, you can use MBD to create 3D annotations, GD&T (geometric dimensioning and tolerancing), and PMI (product and manufacturing information) directly on the 3D model. This information is then used to automatically generate 2D drawings and other documentation, such as BOMs (bill of materials) and inspection reports. You can also use Creo to export MBD data in various formats, such as the 3D PDF and STEP AP242, to share with other teams and stakeholders. This allows them to view and interact with the 3D model and associated MBD information, even if they don’t have access to Creo. MBD can help improve the accuracy and efficiency of product development by reducing the need for manual data entry and minimising the potential for errors. It can also help improve communication and collaboration between teams by making it easier to share and access design information. It also makes possible to build digital twin of product as well which leads to better product management and digital transformation.
- Generative Design: Creo has a Generative Design Extension that enables the user to apply Generative Design to their parts and assemblies. This extension allows you to input design goals, such as weight or strength, and constraints, such as materials or manufacturing methods. The software will then generate a range of design options for you to evaluate and choose from. You can use Creo’s Generative Design Extension to:
- Optimize parts or assemblies based on weight, strength, or other design goals.
- Explore different materials and manufacturing methods.
- Optimize for cost, performance, or other factors.
- Optimize for manufacturability and assembly.
- Explore complex geometry and topologies.
- Comprehensive Package : Creo package provides a wide range of tools and features for creating, editing, and analyzing 3D models of parts and assemblies, whish includes the following modules:
- Creo Parametric: This is the core module of the Creo suite, providing the basic functionality for creating and editing 3D models. It includes tools for sketching, modeling, assemblies, and 2D drawing creation.
- Creo Simulate: This module provides advanced simulation capabilities, allowing you to analyse the performance of your models in a virtual environment. You can run simulations to test for strength, vibration, thermal, and other types of performance.
- Creo Schematics: This module helps in creating 2D schematics and circuit diagrams that can be used for electrical and piping design.
- Creo Layout: This module allows you to create 2D drawings from 3D models and generate a layout of an assembly.
- Creo Advanced Surface Design: this module allows you to create complex shapes and surfaces using a variety of tools and techniques.
- Creo Optimize: This module allows you to apply generative design techniques to optimise parts and assemblies for weight, strength, cost, and other factors.-
- Creo View: This module provides the ability to view, markup, and share 3D models and drawings.
In addition to these modules, Creo also offers additional add-ons and specialised modules for specific industries such as aerospace, automotive, and medical device manufacturing, which are developed to cater to the specific needs of these industries.
- Strong Data Management Capabilities with Windchill PLM software : Creo allow you to manage and share your product data more effectively with any PLM software. For example, Windchill enables you to store, organise, and track your Creo models and other design data in a centralized location, making it easy to share and access the data across different teams and stakeholders.
- When you use Creo with Windchill , you can:
- Store your Creo models and other design data in a central location, making it easy to share and access the data
- Track versions and revisions of your models, so you can see who made changes and when
- Control access to your data, so that only authorised users can view or make changes.
- Collaborate on designs with team members, even if they are working remotely.
- Easily search for and locate specific design data.
- Automatically generate and update 2D drawings and other documentation based on the 3D models.
- When you use Windchill in conjunction with Creo, it can help to improve the accuracy, efficiency, and collaboration of your product development process. It can also help to ensure that everyone is working with the most up-to-date data, minimising the risk of errors and delays.
- When you use Creo with Windchill , you can:
Are you looking for a powerful and versatile CAD software to take your designs to the next level? Look no further than PTC Creo! With its advanced modeling capabilities, intuitive interface, and wide range of industry-specific tools, it’s no wonder that PTC Creo is considered one of the best CAD software options on the market. Whether you’re working in mechanical engineering, aerospace, or any other field, PTC Creo has the tools you need to bring your ideas to life. Try it out for yourself and see the difference it can make in your work.
Arbortext IsoDraw 7.4 has Released!
PLM Central are a PTC Reseller & Partner, helping Digital Transformation with CAD Creo, PLM Windchill, IoT Thingworx, AR Vuforia and OnShape.
Key Highlights
- Arbortext IsoDraw 7.4 has Released!
- Arbortext IsoDraw 7.4 is a native 64bit application.
- Ships with Creo View Adapters to import VRML and IGES files.
- Support for Windows 11.
Documentation
Download
Known limitations
- Being a native 64bit application, IsoDraw 7.4 can no longer load legacy 32bit IsoDraw API based plugins.
- IsoDraw 7.4 can no longer load legacy files that were saved by IsoDraw 4 or older.
- Due to Microsoft ending availability of Internet Explorer, there are no planned future releases of Arbortext IsoView.
Product lifecycle management PLM is the set of processes, technologies, software and methods put in place to properly manage the lifecycle of a product.
This cycle is defined by 4 main stages:
Design, Development, Production and manufacturing, and Services (use(s) and end of life & Recycling). The main objective of life cycle management methods is to simplify the complex management of the life cycle of a product and to control the changes undergone by a product, from its design to its final retirement.
Today, any product development team uses the principles of Product Lifecycle Management, even if it is not formalised in a single software solution. Indeed, many departments are involved (Marketing, R&D, Quality, Manufacturing etc.) to which are added suppliers and service providers (communication agencies for example). Each actor works on their own models and software (emails, local database, excel spreadsheet, etc.), resulting in the loss of crucial data and the siloing of information.
The PLM solution centralises the data and the documents relating to the product on a virtual space(Local Server / Cloud) to which all the stakeholders in the design of the product are interconnected. This Digital information is a critical bit of information (Digital Thread) for the business which can be shared around the organisation in a secure way instead of duplicating. It allows you to keep track of each modification and evolution of the product.
Why is PLM used?
A PLM solution makes it possible to centralise, share and secure information, automate processes, standardise methods – in particular product development, reduce development time, improve communication within the company or between partners, capitalise information and skills. Its role is to organise documents and project information, which can be modified as necessary to meet the needs of the project team.
PLM covers all departments of the company involved so there are different visions of the product distributed along the chain. Thanks to PLM, each department can visualise the product according to its own framework and access the information that is useful to it in a timely manner. Once downloaded, the data can be processed from the desired point of view and dashboards dedicated to each business profile can be set up. These profiles make it possible to structure the information based on different criteria to make it more understandable. PLM Solutions usually could integrate upstream and downstream systems like CRM & ERP/MRP systems to harness the full benefits of true Digital Transformation.
As part of PTC’s Partner Network, at PLM Central we have more than 20 years experience in various verticals ! To know more about our PLM Software, click here.
17th November 2022
Tolulope Favour Kolawole
What is Product Lifecycle Management PLM?
Do you know that historically, PLM solutions come from the need to manage many resources in the automotive and aerospace industries?!! Nowadays, PLM is no longer limited to specific products and is aimed at any company developing products and facing market pressures such as lower costs, demand for higher quality products, or accelerating time to market.
Communication difficulties? Projects gone wrong? Regulatory requirements that have not been met? Then PLM solutions are for you! We acknowledge that each company has different needs depending on the size, the sector and the level of digitalization.
In order to ensure that the solution meets your individual specificities , PLM must be adapted to the targeted sector. This is why PLM Central, from its experience, advises you and provides a solution adapted to your industry requirements and expectations. To learn more about our Industry solutions, visit our website page : https://plmcentral.co.uk/plm/#INDS
As part of PTC’s Partner Network, at PLM Central we have more than 20 years experience in various verticals ! click here or contact us on : info@plmcentral.co.uk
27th October 2022
Tolulope Favour Kolawole
Managing Solidworks data using Enterprise Windchill
Are you a #Solidworks user ?
Is #ePDM or #Solidworks#PDM limiting in what it can offer?
Did you know #Windchill manages #Solidworks Data?
In this #webinar, our expert shares with you the benefit of using Windchill to manage #Solidworks data !
𝐅𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞𝐬:
- Stretch your #digitalthread from Sales to #Manufacturing.
- Enjoy features like Requirements, EBOM/MBOM, Product Configuration, #project , and Quality Management without the need for any integration
- Truly Enterprise class #PLM which direct integration with your ERP/MRP
- No need to Upgrade
- Direct connection to Solidworks
19th October 2022
Tolulope Favour Kolawole
Windows 11 is the latest major release of Microsoft’s Windows NT operating system, released in October 2021.
PTC Creo Parametric compatibility with Windows 11:
- Creo 6 or below is not supported on Windows 11.
- Creo 7.0.7.0 or above is supported on Windows 11 (Version 21H2).
- Creo 8.0.3.0 or above is supported on Windows 11 (Version 21H2).
- Creo 9.0.0.0 or above is supported on Windows 11 (Version 21H2).
If you do have any queries regarding the Windows update, feel free to contact support@plmcentral.co.uk
Or by calling us on : 01923 586270
18th October 2022
Tolulope Favour Kolawole
Are you looking to pursue a career in industrial design or related field , and you need to choose between PTC CREO and Solidworks, but you’re still unsure and ambiguous.
PLM Central offers you a brief comparison of “PTC Creo Vs SolidWorks “ !
Conceptual Design
With Creo Parametric users have access to numerous and flexible tools to quickly turn Ideas into concepts and models into detailed designs. Creo Parametric Freestyle allows users to quickly and easily create 2D conceptual geometry, generate variations of proposed concepts and best of all the ability to easy work with other subdivisional modelling tools that have been integrated very well into Creo, such as: Simulation live which allows the use of simulation early in the design phase to shape initial surfacing. Generative Design, AR Design Share and Additive manufacturing are among other tools that allow the user to bring their conceptual Ideas to reality with ease and effectiveness.
SolidWorks has its vulnerabilities when it comes to conceptual design modelling, particularly in the areas of quick creation of multiple complex proposal models and complex concept ID models. With basic surfacing and freeform tools – PTC Creo have a plethora of tools to DO IT BETTER!
Large Assemblies
Creo is the recognised leader in Large Assembly Management and Top-Down Design. Creo has the capability for multiple people working with large assemblies which allows for efficiency and productivity, the usability and performance scales as assembly size grows, any significant changes to assemblies have a predicted outcome and can be resolved with ease. All in all, Creo has the strongest performance in loading and working with large assemblies, some of the tools that allow for this performance and concurrent engineering are: Creo Advanced Assembly, Simplified Representations, Shrink-wraps and substitution models.
For many industries performance is key for working with Large Assemblies, SolidWorks has performance constraints when loading large assemblies, meaning constraints on stability and poor responsiveness of a full assembly when changes are made. There is no functionality or limited capability for Top-Down Design and concurrent Engineering.
Robust Modelling Functions
Creo offers a single, comprehensive suite of integral solutions supporting CAD/CAM/ and CAE, users can design without compromising on their ideas and worry not – about complexity. The world-class tools available in Creo include Advanced Surfacing, Multibody Design, Piping & Cabling and 3D Direct & Parametric Modelling.
The SolidWorks solution lacks robust capabilities for Sheet Metal, Direct Modelling, Multibody, Top-down Design and complex surfacing. Scalability is important for businesses as changes occur over time to create more innovative and complex products.
Late-Stage Design Changes
Only in Creo is there a solution that allows users the ability to make latestage changes comfortably & conveniently to their designs. Creo’s Flexible Modelling introduces powerful capabilities for latestage design changes. This means users can Move complex geometry including adjacent surfaces, the flexible modelling tool intelligently adapts based on the given use case. When data is imported from other CAD formats: flexible modelling allows the user to edit rounds direct copy and paste of geometry and a flexible pattern tool.
SolidWorks does not provide the framework for late-stage design changes to complex geometry. In addition, late-stage design changes often mean rework and fixing geometry, all features of the of the model will be affected negatively impacting performance and productivity. Often Moving surfaces and various parts of the model may require a complete rebuild or importing/exporting external CAD Data, this makes changes to dimensions, geometry surfaces and patter features very difficult reasonably achieve.
Emerging Technologies
PTC are unmatched when it comes to emerging technologies shaping the next evolution of product development, these new technologies are deeply integrated into Creo negating the need for multiple CAD/CAM & CAE solutions, all the tools you would need are in one place – Generative Design, Simulation Driven Design, Model Based Definition MBD, Augmented Reality, IOT, and Additive Manufacturing.
Creo provides a truly complete Generative Design solution that automates the design of products based on the users’ functional objectives, constraints loads and manufacturing processes. Not only that! Generative Design is fully integrated into Creo which allows for creation of multiple conditions per model. You can create unique conditions that define specific loads and constraints or create design criteria specifying unique optimization goals, manufacturing constraints and material properties.
Also embedded deeply within Creo is the Ansys Technology – accessible directly into the modelling environment to provide real-time feedback on design decisions while the user creates and modifies the 3D Geometry. This enables any designer to use real-time simulation to iterate faster, improve product safety and quality, leveraging the power of simulation to eliminate problems early, validate design integrity, function and performance, allowing you to design with greater confidence.
SolidWorks lack a dedicated, fully integrated solution for generative design, optimisation is limited to a single part within larger assemblies, this presents challenges with generating optimal designs for different manufacturing processes.
Design Engineers using SolidWorks will also struggle to find robust simulation and analysis tools and find that it is also limited in scope and functionality. The CAD System is simply lacking the necessary tools for verification and validation of design ideas.
Key Takeaways
Overall Creo is an easy-to-learn 3D CAD solution that has the capabilities and more to “accelerate product design to manufacturing and beyond”. It leads the field in new and emerging technologies, encompasses proven technology and combines the power to iterate faster, reduce costs and improve product quality.
“Design and Innovate Better with Creo”
Come and Join the new CAD Digital transformation Revolution, get a CREO Quotation HERE
16th August 2022
Stefan Dornescu
Crossland Tankers and PLMCentral have been working on a Digital Transformation Road map for the last 5 years. Our Engineering and Manufacturing Industry Solutions, based on #PTC #Windchill Technology, have been the cornerstone of this road map.
We are excited to announce that the next phase of the development has been identified and signed off. Crossland Tankers are planning to use M-BOM tools to manage their Manufacturing Bill of Materials, Process Plan, and Operation information and will integrate with their ERP system. The enterprise change process will be integral for the integration to work.
The rich manufacturing information will be accessed using a handle device from the shop floor. The automated work instruction will be embedded with Vuforia (Mixed Reality) information as a next step in the digital thread. The integration between the 2 systems will be driven by our PLMc ERP Connector App. Click here
This was signed off by Operation Director, Mr. Pearse McKeefry from Crossland Tankers & Mr. Niketh Shetty, our Director.
This is a real showcase of how Digital Thread can be used right from a Product Enquiry Stage to all the way to manufacturing and truly a great tribute to British & North Ireland Manufacturing Business.
PLM Central is ready to guide its clients at all times to “Create Innovation”
Digital Innovation
12th July 2022
Tolulope Favour Kolawole
Digital Marketing Executive
PLM Central LTD
Product Lifecycle Management: An Overview
Product lifecycle management (PLM) software enables geographically dispersed, multi-disciplinary teams to strategically collaborate with partners and customers using trusted, up-to-date product information. It’s the process of managing the entire lifecycle of data from its origins, through to the end of usage and application. PLM integrates people, data, processes and business systems and provides a rich, single point of an information tool for businesses and their extended enterprise, utilising the PTC Windchill platform.
PTC Windchill is a family of Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) software products that are offered by PTC (A global technology company with a turnover of $1bn). PTC’s Windchill PLM system provides comprehensive out-of-the-box functionality which is highly configurable, with the role and task-based apps. This Software also allows for companies to share ‘self-service’ product data with non-experts who don’t typically use PLM, without added customisation or complexities. PTC Windchill is used by more than 1.5 million users around the world to manage and optimize their product development and lifecycle processes. Windchill is named a leader in PLM Software by Quadrant Knowledge Solutions.
Find out how these products can help you, by clicking the below button.
11th July 2022
Stefan Dornescu
System Engineer
PLM Central Ltd
Download bellow the Manual to configure your Mathcad Floating Licence !
Since 1986, PTC Mathcad® has been the industry standard for mathematical calculation, and more than 2 million engineers and 2000 universities worldwide use it.
The most important feature of the software is that it is an engineering math programme that enables users to do, analyse, and even more, share, the most essential calculations in a single document. Engineers and design teams can record and express their essential design and technical information thanks to its live mathematical notation, units intelligence, and strong calculation capabilities.
With PTC Mathcad, the tasks of performing, documenting, and sharing calculations are integrated into one seamless process, substantially increasing your productivity.
Download Your Mathcad floating licence Tutorial Now!!
21st June 2022
Stefan Dornescu
Computer-Aided Design: An Overview
Computer-Aided Design (CAD) is a way to digitally create 2D drawings and 3D models of real-world products – before a prototype has even been manufactured. With 3D CAD, you can simulate, modify, share and review, designs easily. This will open doors to innovation and create competitive products that get to the market fast.
In 1985 Dr. Samuel Geisberg formed Parametric Technology Corporation (PTC) and defined a radically new approach for CAD software. This innovation produced the first parametric and feature-based solid modelling CAD software in the market, which today is known as Creo, the industry standard for product design and development software.
We at PLM Central’s offer the world-class PTC Creo suite to meet your Computer-Aided Design specifications – it’s the design software with solutions to meet a variety of customer needs. Click the button below, to see how we can help you.
12th October 2021
Stefan Dornescu
Wow! What a year this has been for PLM Central – from the stress and limitations faced because of the Coronavirus pandemic to an exciting and extraordinary uplift, once the world started to open up again. A huge thank you and congratulations goes out to our entire PLM Central team – despite the challenges of the pandemic, we’ve managed to achieve a record-breaking year.
We would also love to shout out our amazing customers, who have been fantastic throughout. And to celebrate, we’re excited to announce ‘Customer Day’, which will be an on-site event in early spring-summer 2022. More information will follow in due course.
The past year, we managed to more than twice our target, as well as welcome some great new customers, both small and big. We also conducted and completed an intense two-week training course for Lockheed Martin.
After this year’s wonderful results, I believe it’s fair to say that PLM Central has firmly established itself as a serious contender in UK & Ireland’s Digital Transformation sector. I would also like to thanks the entire PTC team who help and supported us reach this very important milestone.
We would also love to introduce you to some of our fantastic new clients:
2. Jamvan Conversions Ltd.
We’re extremely excited for the year to come, looking forward to serving our existing customers as well as welcome new customers on board. We are looking forward to 2022 with a new sense of anticipation and are ready for the challenge.
12th October 2021
Niketh Shetty
PLM Central have just completed yet another exciting quarter, and we are so pleased to announce that we’ve smashed our targeted revenue by 150% for PTC.
This has been somewhat of a recovery quarter post-Covid, and we are pleased we are now seeing some green shoots of recovery with our performance also reflecting that.
We’re thrilled to announce that one of our major Engineering customers “Ansaldo Nuclear” renewed their long term contract with us last month – their confidence in us speaks volumes and we are genuinely pleased to continue to support them.
We’ve also started recruiting with hopes to expand our expertise, with even more capable, knowledgeable team members.
Getting through the difficult Covid period, we’re starting, surely but steadily, to consolidate our position as a major force in PLM Consultancy in both the UK & Ireland. We are extremely confident that we will be engaging more and more with complex, larger customer requirements to deliver services at the highest level.
We are moving on to the last quarter of the PTC calendar year with renewed confidence and a very upbeat mood. At this point, I would like to thank all our customers for their continued and welcomed support!
As always, we are here for support and consultation, so please do get in touch today here.
6th July 2021
Niketh Shetty
Creo 8 is now available!
PTC have announced the release of PTC Creo 8 which is full of user-focused productivity enhancements and new capabilities for companies committed to innovation.
Do not worry! As with every Creo release, you can expect dozens of improvements to core design capabilities that make it easier for you to get things done.
• Usability and productivity improvements to core functions you will use every day
• Improvements to detailing and MBD (Model-Based Definition) to enhance quality and communication of design intent
• And improvements to simulation, generative design, and CAM to help take your design process to the next level
Best of all, you can see it all in just a few minutes. In fact, there’s no faster way to catch up with what’s new in Creo software. Watch our webinar to see the new enhancements in action.
If you want to read more see our dedicated page here.
For those who missed out on this webinar a video has been made, if you have any queries please do not hesitate to contact us.
And you, what is your experience with PTC CREO 8, share your thoughts with us on our Social Media !
Discouver Now the New CREO 9!
26th May 2021
Niketh Shetty
With 2020 changing how the world operates, the need for Digital transformation has not been more apparent. This is most certainly the case with our latest recruit, Edale. They have signed up for a long-term contract with PLM Central to fully utilise the huge range of capabilities our PTC solutions offers. PTC offer Digital Transformation solutions to a wide variety of industries, and PLM Central are a PTC Partner and Reseller.
Edale are engineers of world-class tailor-made flexographic printing and converting solutions for the packaging industry, based in Whiteley in the UK. Whilst they have been working with PTC technology for almost 15 years, they have never really utilised the full extent of the products. With diminishing ROI, lower value for money and inefficiencies, they were close to moving away from PTC. However, after discovering PLM Central, speaking to our expert teams, and applying the Engineering and Manufacturing solutions to their problems, Edale’s faith and excitement for PTC products were renewed.
Glen Whittington, Edale Design Office Manager, said
“Speaking to PLM Central was a breath of fresh air. They quickly and efficiently identified cost-effective gains and brought back efficiency to my whole team. We have signed a long-term deal with them, so they can guide us through our new ‘Digital Transformations Vision 2025’ initiative over a three-staged period.”
Niketh Shetty, PLM Central’s Director also had a few great words to say,
“After speaking to Glen, listening to all his fears and doubts regarding PTC products, I delved deep into both the needs of the company and the capabilities/functionalities of our amazing PTC products. Glen Passion for Creating innovative products inspired us to showcase the amazing solution these PTC products offer.”
10th May 2021
Niketh Shetty
Harness the power of AI and deliver your best designs in less time thanks to this webinar about AI Driven Generative Design!
Introduced by:- Kolawole Agoro, an Applications Engineer at PLM Central
Speaker:- Muhsin Ali, a Senior Applications Engineer also at PLM Central.
Are you looking to create optimal CAD model designs from a set of requirements you specify, produce high-quality designs at a lower cost and ready-to-manufacture products? Then look no further.
Generative Design allows you to:
• Rapidly explore innovative designs
• Cut costs
• Improve quality
• Reduce time-to-market
• Faster exploration
• More in-depth examination of different combinations of materials and manufacturing processes
For those who missed out on this webinar about AI Driven Generative Design a video has been made, if you have any queries please do not hesitate to contact us.
22nd April 2021
Niketh Shetty
Another month in lockdown has past, but we are filled with positivity as the vaccination rollout is suppressing the virus infection in the UK. This will be great for businesses as well as our mental well-being as we look forward to things opening up in Easter and beyond.
This month, we have reached the end of the financial year and end of the quarter. I’m really proud to announce that this has been an excellent quarter for PLM Central as we’ve obtained more than 160% of our quarterly sales target for PTC.
We have to thank all our customers who have trusted in our products, support & services.
Just to highlight a few of them, we confirmed a large Digital Transformation order from a UK based “Flexographic printing machine maker”, who will be taking advantage of our support services, as well as our products (more information to be announced soon!). They will be fully utilising our Engineering & Manufacturing solutions, which you can learn more about in the like provided. And a first for PLMc – A major design house recently purchased our Creo Ansys Driven Simulation (CSL) software.
In terms of activities, our premier Engineering Calculation software PTC MathCad has had an upgrade to PTC MathCad Prime 7.0 . To celebrate, we hosted an excellent webinar exploring all the new features, which received fantastic feedback and engagement. Watch the full webinar here.
We’re looking forward to April with hope and anticipation for business to resume back to normality.
We would like to wish all our customers a lovely and Happy Easter!
30th March 2021
Niketh Shetty
PTC have announced Mathcad Prime 7.0 to replace all versions of Mathcad which precede. So no more Mathcad 15 or Prime 6.0!
The industry-leading engineering mathematics programme Mathcad Prime enables you to share your engineering calculations and solve the most challenging situations. With new features, improved usability, and more than a dozen improvements to the new symbolic engine, Mathcad Prime 7 makes this process simpler.
PTC has announced the end-of-sale and support for PTC Mathcad 15.0 and PTC Mathcad Prime 1.0 – PTC Mathcad Prime 6.0 effective December 31, 2021.
This webinar will cover everything you need to know to move from Mathcad to Prime. Included are the new features and benefits which come with this all new version.
For those who missed out on this webinar about “Mathcad Prime 7 Released!” a video has been made, if you have any queries please do not hesitate to contact us.
24th March 2021
Niketh Shetty
After a tough year of lockdown, which was no doubt challenging for all businesses, there is finally a roadmap out of the Pandemic and back to a sense of normal. As with most businesses, PLM Central will be returning to the office in phase’s, aligned to the new government guideline. It is our priority to ensure all our clients are well looked after and we are ready and geared up to serve your every interest. Working remotely or in the office, we are always here to support you!
2021 has started of positively for PLM Central, after signing up a few really exciting clients. We’re extremely happy to have acquired a long term commitment from Edale Ltd. They were looking for better service and more tailored relationships, and PLMc’ customer success strategy was a key driver for Edale aligning with us. We are very proud of what we offer to our customer and with our personal support, Edale‘s investment in technology will be justified.
In other news, MathCad primes 7.0 is planned to be out on the 9th of March with exciting new features. PTC have announced plans to retire MathCad 15 and any other prior versions, making MathCad 7.0 the a must have. We have a specially dedicated our March Webinar toward this important crossover. Sign up here to find out what’s new.
We are also developing some amazing AR capabilities we will have some update for our customer in the coming weeks and months. PLM Central are on a roll and have some exciting things coming up!
4th March 2021
Niketh Shetty