There are many great enhancments in Solid Edge ST2, not least the new Synchronous sheet metal capabilities and the new Simulation module. However in this first post for ST2 I wanted to focus on one of the the most important elements that you first encounter as a user of Solid Edge – the User Interface.

On Tuesday 26th May 2009 Siemens PLM Software announced the next version of Solid Edge with Synchronous Technology that is scheduled to ship to customers this summer.
Solid Edge with Synchronous Technology 2 continues to build on the ground breaking and innovative Synchronous Technology that was first seen last year. We have been showcasing Synchronous Technology on this blog which is dedicated to revealing the secrets of this new design paradigm.

Since being released in 2008 Synchronous Technology has rightly received rave reviews from users, and pundits alike. It addresses those questions we as users have been constantly striving to answer:
How can we change our design as quickly as we change our mind?
How can we capture ideas as soon as we think them?
How do we thrive in a multi CAD world?
When will CAD be so simple anyone can use it?

A synchronous assembly will allow us to manipulate a parts geometry using the Steering Wheel, PMI dimensions and Live Rules, all without the need to in place edit the component. This ultimately speeds up the design process for us since we can make modifications to multiple part simultaneously.

Did you know that it is possible to convert traditional models to Synchronous models. They then behave just like designs that have been created from scratch in the Synchronous environment. We have had many users attend our Synchronous training sessions and leave at the end of the course – inspired to convert some of their existing designs that were proving difficult to modify. Once converted they were able to make those modifications simply and easily.

If you are a SolidWorks user it is probably one of many tools that you use to perform your job. Others might include design guides and standards, reference books, analysis software and most certainly Google to name just a few. We all have a “toolbox” containing our favourite tools but if you are like me we always want access to the best tools for the job.

As was mentioned in one of our previous posts Solid Edge with Synchronous Technology is now shipping. Many existing Solid Edge users have now installed and started working with the product. As always the key to success is ensuring you have the appropriate training.