"Lifesaving drones design using CAD software" (Siemens, 2019), presents and elaborates Siemens' NX CAD software and its capabilities through its user, Zipline, a logistics robotic aircraft manufacturing company in Silicon Valley (Zipline, 2022). Siemens presented NX CAD software as a reliable and effective solution that aids in producing better product designs more efficiently. The NX provides unique features such as identifying critical areas in prototype designs and selecting the appropriate material to use (Siemens, 2019). The software also has a function called NX journal, which enables the automation of standard routines, such as testing product designs in a simulation, with various conditions to evaluate the performance of the design, without the need to manufacture the product design (Siemens, 2019). Additionally, the NX has a shared workspace feature which allows team projects to work together across different departments. The implementation of the NX software has allowed Zipline to create customizable, bottom-up bill of materials that provides a detailed mass buildup, which aided in the aircraft's development (NX Journaling, 2022). The various features of Siemens' NX CAD software has ultimately reduced design process time and improved Zipline's operation efficiency, giving the company a competitive advantage over its rivals. The NX CAD software is best suited for design based businesses because of its NX journal and its shared workspace features.
The NX Journal function is one of the features that makes the NX CAD software suitable for companies. Interactive sessions can be recorded through NX Journal, which allows editing and replay. With this function, it is easily possible to automate repetitive tasks (). Using the programming language Visual Basic.NET, it creates a scripted file from an interactive session which can be run subsequently to repeat the tasks. With simple programming constructs and user interface elements, these sessions may be quickly improved and altered to create a personalized program. Hence, the customized sessions made by the NX Journal will increase the company's efficiency.
Moreover, the NX CAD software has the means to share workspaces. This allows designers from different departments to share their work (Siemens, 2019). This makes it easy for everyone to stay on the same page and avoid mistakes. It also helps to speed up the design process by allowing designers to see what others are working on. This is a great way to collaborate on projects and ensure that everyone is on the same page. The shared workspace also makes it easy to track changes and see who made what changes. This is a great tool for team-based projects.
However, the NX CAD software is expensive. The basic cost of NX CAD software is USD$3,444 per year, which only includes solid molding of components, assembly modeling, sheet metal design, freeform modeling and convergent modeling (All3DP, 2022). However, the full NX CAD software cost can reach up to USD$40,000 with all modules which includes NX Advance Designer, NX Mold Designer, NX Scan to Part and NX Drafting & Layout (All3DP, 2022). Hence, NX might not be suitable for companies with small budget.
In conclusion, Siemens' NX CAD software has many unique qualities that can help companies to cut time and cost when designing their product. However, the cost of NX CAD is significantly more than other CAD softwares, which would not be suitable for companies with tight budget.
Reference:
All3DP. (2022, August 11). The best CAD Software for professionals in 2022. All3PD pro. https://all3dp.com/1/best-cad-software/
NX Journaling. (2022). Engineer meet NX Journaling. Engineer Meet NX Journaling . https://www.nxjournaling.com/content/engineer-meet-nx-journaling
NXJournaling. (2012, March 2). Beginning journaling using NX Journal. NX Journaling. https://nxjournaling.com/content/beginning-journaling-using-nx-journal
Siemens. (2019, March). Lifesaving drones designed with CAD software. Siemens. https://new.siemens.com/global/en/company/stories/industry/lifesaving-drones-designed-with-cad-software.html
Siemens. (n.d.). NX programming and customization. Siemens. https://www.plm.automation.siemens.com/en_gb/Images/nx%20programming%20and%20customization%20fs%20W%203_tcm642-4564.pdf.
Zipline. (2022). Company: Zipline - Instant Logistics. Zipline. https://www.flyzipline.com/company
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