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What to Check Before Purchasing 3D CAD or CAE Software from a Reseller

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Reseller cad cae

Investing in 3D CAD or CAE software is a strategic decision that goes far beyond simply selecting a tool—it directly impacts your engineering efficiency, product quality, and long-term digital capabilities. While leading solutions from companies like Dassault Systèmes, Siemens Digital Industries Software, and Autodesk offer powerful features, the role of the reseller is equally critical in determining the success of your investment. Before making a purchase, it is essential to evaluate several key factors in detail.

Aligning Software with Business and Technical Needs

The first and most important step is ensuring that the software aligns with your business objectives and engineering workflows. Every organization has unique requirements—whether it is product design, simulation, manufacturing, or a combination of all three. The chosen solution should support your industry-specific needs, whether you operate in automotive, aerospace, industrial machinery, or construction. Additionally, consider how well the CAD and CAE environments integrate. Seamless integration can significantly reduce errors and improve productivity, whereas disconnected systems can lead to inefficiencies and data inconsistencies. Scalability is another crucial aspect, as the software should be capable of supporting your growth as your projects and team size expand.

Evaluating Software Capabilities and Performance

Beyond basic functionality, it is vital to assess the depth and robustness of the software’s capabilities. This includes modeling features such as parametric design, direct modeling, and advanced surfacing, as well as simulation capabilities like structural analysis, thermal studies, and fluid dynamics. Performance is equally important—especially when working with large assemblies or complex simulations. A solution that struggles with performance can become a bottleneck in your workflow. It is always advisable to request a trial or demonstration and test the software using real-world projects to evaluate how well it performs under your specific conditions.

Understanding Licensing and Cost Structure

The pricing model of CAD and CAE software can be complex, making it essential to fully understand the licensing structure. Whether the software is offered as a perpetual license or a subscription, each model has its own advantages and long-term cost implications. You should also clarify whether licenses are assigned to individual users or shared across teams (floating licenses). Hidden costs can arise from additional modules, maintenance fees, or upgrades, so it is important to have complete transparency on pricing. Understanding renewal terms and potential cost escalations will help you avoid unexpected expenses in the future.

Assessing Reseller Credibility and Expertise

The reseller plays a pivotal role in your overall experience, making their credibility and expertise a key consideration. Ensure that the reseller is officially authorized and certified by the software vendor. Their experience in the CAD/CAE domain, particularly within your industry, can significantly influence the quality of guidance and support you receive. A reseller with a strong local presence and a well-trained technical team can provide faster and more effective assistance. It is also beneficial to ask for customer references or case studies to understand their track record.

Training and User Adoption

Even the most advanced software will not deliver value unless your team knows how to use it effectively. Training is therefore a critical component of your purchase decision. Check whether the reseller provides initial training as part of the package or at an additional cost. Beyond basic onboarding, access to advanced training programs, workshops, and certification opportunities can help your team fully leverage the software’s capabilities. Continuous learning resources such as tutorials, webinars, and documentation are equally important for long-term success.

Implementation, Integration, and Customization

Successful deployment of CAD/CAE software involves more than installation. The reseller should provide comprehensive implementation support, including system setup, data migration, and configuration. Integration with existing systems such as PLM, ERP, or CAM is another key factor to consider, as it ensures smooth data flow across your organization. Additionally, customization capabilities—such as APIs, automation scripts, or macros—can help tailor the software to your specific workflows, improving efficiency and reducing manual effort.

After-Sales Support and Service Quality

After-sales support is often the defining factor in the long-term success of your software investment. Evaluate the reseller’s support structure, including response times, service level agreements (SLAs), and availability of dedicated account managers. Whether support is provided remotely or onsite can also make a difference depending on your needs. Regular updates, bug fixes, and technical assistance should be part of the support package to ensure that your operations run smoothly without disruptions.

Data Security and Ownership Considerations

In today’s digital environment, data is one of your most valuable assets. It is crucial to understand who owns the design data and how it is managed. If the software involves cloud deployment, assess the security measures, backup processes, and compliance standards. On-premise solutions, on the other hand, may offer greater control but require internal IT resources. You should also consider the risks of vendor lock-in and ensure that your data can be exported or migrated if needed.

Product Roadmap and Future Readiness

Technology is evolving rapidly, with trends such as AI-driven design, digital twins, and cloud-based engineering shaping the future. It is important to choose a solution that is continuously evolving and aligned with these trends. Understanding the vendor’s product roadmap, frequency of updates, and commitment to innovation will help ensure that your investment remains relevant in the years to come.

Proof of Concept and Real-World Validation

Before finalizing your decision, conducting a proof of concept (PoC) is highly recommended. Running a pilot project using your own data allows you to evaluate the software’s performance in real-world conditions. It also provides an opportunity for your engineering team to give feedback, ensuring that the solution meets their practical needs and expectations.

Legal and Contractual Clarity

Finally, carefully review all legal and contractual terms associated with the purchase. This includes the license agreement, support contracts, exit clauses, and data portability terms. Clear and transparent agreements can prevent misunderstandings and protect your organization from potential risks in the future.


Final Thoughts

Purchasing 3D CAD or CAE software is not just a technology decision—it is a long-term partnership with both the software provider and the reseller. While leading platforms from Dassault Systèmes, Siemens Digital Industries Software, and Autodesk offer world-class capabilities, the reseller’s expertise, support, and commitment often determine the real value you derive. Taking the time to thoroughly evaluate these factors will help you make an informed decision and maximize your return on investment.

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nanoCAD 26 Released

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MOSCOW, Russia, Mar 30, 2026 – Nanosoft AS is proud to announce the release of nanoCAD 26, the latest version of our professional CAD platform. Building on the foundation of the previous version, this update introduces a wide range of user-driven enhancements designed to speed up drafting workflows, improve precision, and deliver a more refined user experience across the entire application.

NanoCAD 26 modal

“With nanoCAD 26, we focused on listening to our users and refining the details that make a real difference in everyday work,” — said Frode Rødland, CEO of Nanosoft AS. “From smarter snapping and expanded text tools to advanced layer management and localized command aliases, this release empowers engineers, architects, and designers to work faster and more intuitively than ever before.”

What’s New:

1. Native Command Aliases – Work Faster in Your Own Language

nanoCAD 26 introduces localized alias files for French, Spanish, German, and Portuguese, allowing users to call commands using shortcuts in their native language. Whether through the command line or dynamic input, familiar abbreviations reduce typing time and streamline the drafting workflow.

2. Interface & Dialog Updates

A cleaner, more modern interface enhances usability across the platform. The status bar now features minimalist icons instead of text indicators, while a wide range of dialog boxes — including Options, Profiles, and Text Decoding — have been refreshed to provide a more consistent and contemporary user experience.

3. Enhanced Rectangle & Polygon Tools

Rectangle and polygon tools have been expanded with new creation modes and flexible settings. These options are now available directly in the Extended Properties dialog, offering greater control and precision for 2D drafting tasks.

4. Smarter & More Flexible Snaps

Snap functionality has been significantly upgraded with a more flexible configuration system. Users can now fine-tune snap behavior — including object highlighting and snap trigger control — directly within the Options dialog, enabling greater precision tailored to individual workflow preferences.

5. New Text Editing Tools

A comprehensive set of new text tools has been introduced to improve editing efficiency and control. Enhancements include Text Align, Text Mask and Unmask, MText Formatting Reset, Auto Numbering, and Text-to-MText conversion, among other functions.

6. Advanced Layer Management: Groups, Filters & States

The Layer Manager now includes powerful tools for working with groups, filters, and layer configurations. These features are accessible through an expandable panel opened via the Expand Layer Filter Tree button, giving users more control over complex drawings.

Pricing and Availability

nanoCAD 26 is now available for download and purchase. Users with active subscriptions can upgrade to nanoCAD 26 at no additional cost. New users are invited to explore the full capabilities of the nanoCAD 26 through a 30-day free trial.

Nanosoft AS remains committed to delivering powerful, accessible CAD solutions that meet the evolving needs of design professionals worldwide. We invite you to download nanoCAD 26 and experience the difference firsthand.

About Nanosoft

Nanosoft is a member of Nanosoft Group of companies. Nanosoft is a community of CAD professionals who have been working in the CAD software industry since the 1980s. We are focused on creating high-quality, cost-effective software solutions for the CAD industry.

One of our priority goals is to provide our customers with the ideal solution to upgrade from unlicensed (pirated) CAD tools to legitimate software. One of our key strategies is to develop lowcost software products. For more information, visit https://nanocad.com.

Tekna Secures CAD 1.5 Million Plasma Systems Order from UK University

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ARENDAL, Norway and SHERBROOKE, QC, Canada, Mar 30, 2026 – Tekna (OSE: TEKNA), a world-leading provider of plasma technology and advanced materials to industry, is pleased to announce it has received an order valued at CAD 1.5 million from a prestigious UK university for a cutting-edge plasma solution.

The contract sees Tekna supplying a segmented plasma torch, which the university will integrate into a unique plasma wind tunnel designed for material testing in the field of hypersonics — an area with significant applications in defense-related research. The product is expected to be delivered within approximately 12 months, with the order booked as intake in the first quarter of 2026.

“This order is a testament to the extraordinary engineering that goes into every Tekna plasma system,” said Claude Jean, CEO of Tekna. “Delivering a solution capable of supporting hypersonic material testing demands the highest levels of precision and innovation, and we are proud to put our technology at the forefront of this exciting field of research.”

Tekna’s plasma systems are widely recognized for their state-of-the-art research capabilities, offering flexible configurations that meet the evolving needs of both industry and leading academic institutions worldwide.

Tekna will publish its Annual Report 2025 on April 9, 2026.

About Tekna Holding ASA

Tekna is a world-leading provider of sustainable, advanced material solutions, headquartered in Sherbrooke, Canada. The company specializes in high-purity metal powders used in critical applications such as additive manufacturing (3D printing) across the aerospace, defense, medical and consumer electronics industries. The company is positioning itself in the fast-growing market of advanced nanomaterials for the microelectronics sector.

Tekna also develops cutting-edge induction plasma systems designed for both industrial research and production. Its unique, IP-protected plasma technology is powering its hypersonic wind tunnels, PlasmaSonic, which enable simulating material exposure conditions in space.

With over 30 years of experience, Tekna is a trusted partner to a broad portfolio of multinational blue-chip customers for its high-quality products and innovation. Its material solutions help enhance productivity, enable more efficient use of materials and support the transition to more resilient supply chains and a circular economy. For more information, visit https://www.tekna.com.

Aerospace & Defense PLM Action Group Announces 80 Use Cases for Digital Twin-Digital Thread Investment

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ANN ARBOR, MI, USA, Mar 30, 2026 – The CIMdata-administered Aerospace & Defense PLM Action Group (AD PAG) is sharing a catalog of 80 use cases for digital twin-digital thread (DTW-DTH). This document marks the culmination of an intensive benchmarking project designed to bridge the gap between theoretical potential and industry reality.

Recognizing the need for clarity in a complex digital landscape, an AD PAG-sponsored project team undertook the challenge of advancing the industry’s understanding of current DTW-DTH capabilities. By benchmarking use cases using commercially available software and services, the team has provided a roadmap for organizations looking to scale their digital maturity. They are now releasing the use cases assembled to support the benchmark.

A Collaborative Benchmarking Effort

The project was powered by a high level of cross-industry collaboration, featuring domain experts from major constituents in the PLM community:

  • Industry Experts: Specialists from AD PAG member companies.
  • Strategic Partners: Four leading industry organizations.
  • Solution Providers: Seven top-tier providers who executed the benchmarks.

To ensure the results were grounded in real-world applications, the team followed a structured, collaborative approach to select and refine scenarios. This rigorous process resulted in the demonstration of 28 distinct use cases from an assembled catalogue of 80 use cases spanning multiple domains across all stages of the product lifecycle.

A Definitive Reference Resource

The newly released document serves as a comprehensive archive of the benchmark project’s use case inventory. It captures:

  • The initial set of use cases, drafted by the AD PAG DTW-DTH project team.
  • Contributed use cases from the partnering organizations’ internal libraries.
  • Refined use cases demonstrated by participating solution providers.

“This document is a reference resource that captures all use cases created and assembled in the course of the benchmark project,” stated James Roche, Vice President, Aerospace & Defense Practice Director at CIMdata, who managed the benchmark execution. “It provides the industry with a clear and consistent view of the current practical value potential of digital twin-digital thread investment as envisioned by leading practitioners in the field.”

The partnering industry organizations were AIAA, OMG, prostep ivip, and SAE International. The participating solution providers were Ansys (part of Synopsys), Capgemini, Cortona3D, eQ Technologic, Hexagon, Infosys, and Prostep AG.

Those interested in learning more may download the Use Case Catalog and the Benchmark Report of Findings for free at https://www.cimdata.com/en/aerospace-and-defense/publications/digitaltwin-digitalthread.

About Aerospace & Defense PLM Action Group

Since its founding in 2014, the AD PAG, administered by CIMdata, has sponsored research and jointly staffed projects on a diverse set of prioritized PLM-related industry and technology topics. These topics include Model-Based Definition, Multiple-View Bill of Materials, PLM Technology Obsolescence Management, Global Collaboration, Model-Based Systems Engineering, and Digital Twin/Digital Thread. As an outcome of these investments, the AD PAG has released a series of direction statements and position papers that are freely available for downloading from its website at http://www.ad-pag.com/. Making these materials available is consistent with the Group’s mission to engage proactively within the PLM ecosystem and advocate for common direction and positions within the aerospace and defense industry on PLM-related topics of importance to the members.

For more information about the A&D PLM Action Group, please contact CIMdata at info@cimdata.com.

About CIMdata

CIMdata, an independent worldwide firm, provides strategic management consulting to maximize an enterprise’s ability to design, deliver, and support innovative products and services by identifying and implementing appropriate digital initiatives. For forty years, CIMdata has provided industrial organizations and providers of technologies and services with world-class knowledge, expertise, and best-practice methods on a broad set of product lifecycle management (PLM) solutions and the digital transformation they enable. CIMdata also offers research, subscription services, publications, and education through certificate programs and international conferences. To learn more, visit www.CIMdata.com or email info@CIMdata.com.

Fictiv Expands Export Control Services to Deliver EAR-Regulated Programs for Aerospace, Advanced Technology Industries

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Fictiv EAR

OAKLAND, CA, USA, Mar 30, 2026 – Fictiv, a global supply chain and manufacturing company, announced enhancements to its export control services,  embedding classification confirmation and automated safeguards directly into its digital manufacturing platform and services to deliver faster, clearer pathways for Export Administration Regulations (EAR)-regulated programs.

The updated export control service integrates classification confirmation and automated detection safeguards into Fictiv’s Digital Manufacturing and Supply Chain Platform and service offerings,  balancing speed, security, and regulatory responsibility, reducing ambiguity and enabling faster decision-making while maintaining compliance integrity.

Projects requiring this process may include aerospace and propulsion components, commercial spacecraft hardware (such as ECCN 9A515 classifications), avionics and navigation systems, and certain advanced electronics and materials technologies.

“As advanced manufacturing programs become more technically complex and globally regulated, customers need both speed and certainty,” said Andy Sherman, General Manager of U.S. Operations at Fictiv. “By embedding automated export safeguards directly into our service offerings, we’re delivering greater clarity and confidence in compliance for EAR-regulated projects — reinforcing our commitment to responsible innovation.”

Helping Manufacturers Navigate Rising Global Regulatory Risk

In regulated industries, export control missteps can lead to shipment delays, financial penalties, reputational damage, and operational disruption. Fictiv’s enhanced services and framework are designed to proactively reduce these risks before they impact production timelines.

“Fictiv’s export control framework gives us greater confidence when managing EAR-regulated projects,” said Lillian Ortiz, Sr. Project Manager, ITW Automotive. “The built-in classification confirmation and automated safeguards reduce ambiguity while helping us move faster without compromising compliance.”  

By requiring export classification confirmation and leveraging automated detection technology to flag export-control language in technical documentation, Fictiv helps customers:

  • Minimize regulatory exposure
  • Prevent accidental submission of ITAR-controlled technical data
  • Reduce manual compliance bottlenecks
  • Maintain secure handling of sensitive project information
  • Enable faster internal approvals with clearer documentation

EAR-controlled projects that fall outside of our platform-supported classifications (ECCN EAR99/9E991) need to be initiated off-platform so our Sales and Compliance teams can review them before any files are uploaded.

This proactive, system-level approach strengthens supply chain resilience while preserving speed.   

“We’re excited to partner with Fictiv to support more complex, regulated programs. With Fictiv’s robust quality systems, industry-recognized certifications, and deep regulatory expertise, we’re well positioned to serve customers in highly regulated industries with confidence and precision.” commented, Bill Bonadio, CEO, Prototek Digital Manufacturing.

Supported Classifications

To comply with EAR (15 CFR § 730 et seq.) and ITAR (22 CFR § 120–130), Fictiv maintains defined processes governing the submission, review, and handling of technical data and manufacturing projects through its platform.

By formalizing and automating these procedures, Fictiv strengthens its ability to serve customers in aerospace, space commercialization, advanced electronics, and other cutting-edge industries — where regulatory precision is as critical as production speed.

About Fictiv

Fictiv is a global manufacturing and supply chain company that enables organizations to scale globally without the typical barriers of cost, complexity, and risk. By leveraging Fictiv’s four global manufacturing centers in India, Mexico, China, and the U.S., companies can access high-quality production, optimize logistics, and mitigate supply chain risk—ensuring they can move from prototype to production with speed and confidence. To date, Fictiv has delivered more than 40 million prototype and commercial parts and assemblies for early-stage companies and large enterprises alike, helping them innovate faster, free up precious resources, and drive profitable growth. For more information, visit www.fictiv.com.

About MISUMI Americas

MISUMI Americas provides configurable components, standard parts, and custom manufacturing solutions serving automation, robotics, medical, automotive, electronics, aerospace, and industrial equipment markets across the United States and Mexico. By uniting MISUMI and Fictiv, the company delivers a unified digital manufacturing platform that connects design, engineering, and production with unmatched precision, speed, and reliability. For more information, visit us.misumi-ec.com.

SimScale Publishes 2026 State of Engineering AI Report

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MUNICH, Germany, Mar 30, 2026 – SimScale, the world’s first AI-native cloud engineering simulation platform, today released its 2026 State of Engineering AI Report. The report reveals how AI is reshaping engineering design and simulation workflows as organizations face mounting pressure to innovate faster and manage rising product complexity, with many now embedding AI into core operations rather than treating it as a standalone tool.

From Experimentation to Scaled - State of Engineering AI 2026 Report Preview

Surveying 350 engineering leaders across the United States, United Kingdom, and Germany, the report finds that engineering teams using AI-enabled workflows generate nearly four times as many design variants per program as those relying on conventional approaches. Rather than simply accelerating existing workflows, AI is expanding the scope of engineering creativity, allowing teams to test more ideas, iterate faster, and identify optimal designs earlier in the development process.

“For years, AI in engineering was viewed primarily as potential,” said David Heiny, CEO and co-founder of SimScale. “What we’re seeing now is a shift from experimentation to scaled execution. Compared with our 2025 report, the share of organizations actively experimenting with pilots and running mature, scaled AI programs has nearly doubled, signaling a clear wave of adoption. The teams pulling ahead are not just adopting AI tools, they’re embedding AI into real engineering workflows built on cloud-native platforms, expanding the design space in ways that simply aren’t possible with legacy infrastructure. That’s when you move beyond incremental efficiency gains and start seeing measurable impact on both innovation and commercial performance.”

Organizations making progress are not waiting for perfect data conditions. They are more likely to scale Engineering AI successfully when they have the right operational foundations in place. The report findings point to several defining themes shaping how engineering organizations are adopting, scaling, and operationalizing AI today:

Modern Infrastructure, Not Perfect Data, Unlocks Scale

  • 75% of organizations with mature AI programs cite cloud-native infrastructure as a key enabler.
  • 70% of respondents cite secure data governance and access controls as critical enablers of scaling AI initiatives.

The data reinforces what leading engineering organizations are already discovering: scale is less dependent on perfect data architecture and more closely associated with infrastructure readiness and governance maturity. The broader opportunity hinges on modernizing infrastructure so AI can deliver value within real engineering processes now, while data foundations continue to mature.

Engineering AI Is Creating Commercial Advantage

  • Organizations using AI-enabled workflows reported an average 2.8x speedup in servicing simulation requests compared to conventional workflows.
  • Organizations using AI-enabled workflows report request for quote (RFQ) and technical bid turnaround times approximately three times faster than those using conventional workflows
  • Accelerating simulation turnaround and RFQ response times helps organizations respond to customer requirements faster and compete more effectively in time-sensitive markets.

Agentic AI is Becoming Embedded into Engineering Processes

  • Across every major stage of product development, AI copilots are significantly more common than autonomous agents, with adoption ranging from 67% in requirements engineering to 76% in simulation/computer-aided engineering (CAE), while only about 10% reported deployment of fully autonomous AI agents.
  • 87% of organizations have the necessary governance in place for AI to take autonomous pass/fail decisions at design gates, with 8% routinely adopting this practice. This trend indicates a widespread expectation of increasing autonomy of AI agents.

While adoption of AI in engineering workflows is accelerating, the data reveals that organizations are progressing deliberately when it comes to full autonomy. Copilots are becoming embedded in day-to-day engineering tasks, assisting with simulation setup, analysis, and workflow coordination. However, fully autonomous agents remain limited in deployment, reflecting the high-consequence nature of engineering decisions. In environments where product performance, safety, and compliance are at stake, maintaining human oversight and governance remains central, even as AI capabilities continue to mature.

Engineering AI is Expanding the Design Space across Industries

  • In Machinery and Industrial Equipment teams, 88% of organizations using AI workflows iterate daily or multiple times per day, compared with just 12% using conventional workflows.
  • In Life Sciences and Healthcare teams, 64% of organizations using AI workflows iterate daily, while conventional workflows show virtually no daily iteration.

Across industries, the survey results show that AI-enabled workflows are significantly changing how quickly engineering teams can explore and refine designs. Instead of running simulations only periodically due to time and compute constraints, many teams can now iterate on designs daily or even multiple times per day. This faster pace of experimentation allows engineers to test more configurations, identify potential issues earlier, and converge on optimized solutions more quickly, expanding the practical design space within a single development cycle.

The full 2026 State of Engineering AI Report, including detailed findings and analysis, is available here.

Methodology

SimScale partnered with Global Surveyz to survey 350 senior engineering leaders at organizations with more than 1,000 employees across the United States, United Kingdom, and Germany. The survey was conducted in February 2026.

About SimScale

SimScale is the world’s first AI-native cloud platform for engineering simulation. Trusted by over 800,000 users globally, SimScale empowers engineering teams to innovate faster by exploring thousands of design decisions in seconds. By integrating Engineering AI workflows with high-fidelity CFD, FEA, Electromagnetics, and Thermal simulation in a single cloud platform, SimScale eliminates the constraints of on-premise hardware and software, helping customers engineer the irreplaceable. For more information, visit www.simscale.com.

CADEXSOFT Launches Manufacturing Toolkit 2026.2 CAD SDK for Quoting and MaaS Platforms with Advanced DFM, B-Rep, and Web Visualization Capabilities

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Cadexsoft

March 26, 2026

CADEXSOFT announces the release of Manufacturing Toolkit 2026.2 — a CAD SDK for developers building quoting and MaaS platforms, with DFM checks, native B-Rep, feature recognition, and web visualization.

Manufacturing Toolkit 2026.2 highlights:

  • Support for computing-oriented bounding cylinders.
  • External thread recognition in CNC machining.
  • MTK Workbench & Web updates.

Read more about the changes in our blog

Support for computing oriented bounding cylinders

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Support for computing oriented bounding cylinders

A new class has been introduced to compute oriented bounding cylinders for parts, bodies, and shapes. Unlike traditional axis-aligned bounding volumes, this approach provides a tighter and more representative fit. It is particularly useful for cylindrical components, shafts, and similar features where axis alignment does not reflect the true geometry.

External thread recognition in CNC machining

Feature Recognition in CNC Machining has been extended to support external threading. In addition to previously supported threaded holes, MTK now detects threads on cylindrical features such as bolts, screws, and threaded bosses.

DAILYCADCAM
External thread recognition in CNC machining

The new Machining_Thread feature provides detailed parameters, including major diameter, minor diameter, pitch, thread length, and axis. As a result, thread-related features are captured more accurately and can be reliably used in automated workflows, reducing the need for manual interpretation.

MTK Workbench updates

BENCH
Drawing visualization in MTK Workbench

MTK Workbench now includes support for drawing visualization, enabling users to inspect 2D sheets alongside 3D models within a single environment. Users can work with individual sheets, explore drawing structure, and analyze the properties of drawing elements without switching tools.

Key additions include:

  • Sheet Selector for switching between sheets in multi-sheet drawings.
  • Drawing Structure tree providing a hierarchical view of drawing elements.
  • Property View for detailed inspection of selected drawing elements.
  • Dedicated 2D viewer for active sheet elements.

In addition, process parameter panels for Feature Recognition, DFM Analysis, and Wall Thickness processes have been added, allowing real-time configuration of parameters and deeper insight into how different settings affect results.

MTK Web updates

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Vertex highlight mode in MTK Web (with coordinate measurement enabled)

MTK Web visualization examples have been extended with new interaction and measurement capabilities, providing more precise and flexible tools for model inspection.

New highlight modes include vertex selection and arbitrary points on model surfaces, enabling more flexible interaction with geometry.

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Angle measurement between two planes or lines in MTK Web

Additional measurement types have been introduced, including surface diameter, angles between two planes or lines, angles defined by three points, and coordinate measurements. Surface diameter measurement is particularly useful for cylindrical and curved features, while new angle measurements enable more accurate assessment of orientation and alignment.

Measurement billboarding can now be enabled or disabled so that labels automatically face the camera and remain readable during model rotation.

For more details visit – CADEXSOFT | 3D Development Tools for Digital Manufacturing

Siemens Introduces Drivetrain Analyzer Onsite On‑Premises Analytics for Industrial Drives

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Drivetrain Analyzer Onsite

NUREMBERG, Germany, Mar 27, 2026 – Siemens is introducing Drivetrain Analyzer Onsite (DTA Onsite), a new on‑premises analytics solution for industrial drive systems. The software enables users to evaluate drive data entirely within their own infrastructure and meet stringent data-sovereignty requirements. As the first module of the new solution, Siemens is releasing DTA Onsite – Monitoring, which provides continuous condition monitoring of mechanical and electrical drivetrain components using locally executed AI methods for pattern recognition and anomaly detection.

Monitoring as a new module for local condition monitoring

DTA Onsite – Monitoring captures high‑resolution, including precision time protocol (PTP) synchronized vibration and analog signals acquired – depending on the use case – via the Connection Modules Vibration (CM VIB), Fast Process Parameters (CM FPP), and IOT (CM IOT). This includes vibration data, analog values and fingerprint information, which are preprocessed locally and then analyzed within the system. The user interface provides plant‑level overviews, KPI trend views and detailed diagnostic dashboards – all accessible through a standard web browser. The integrated Industrial AI identifies deviations from typical drivetrain behavior and provides indications of potential mechanical changes or early‑stage wear. All data remains within the user’s own infrastructure, as the analytics are executed entirely on the industrial PC.

Drivetrain Analyzer Onsite complements the existing cloud offering

With Drivetrain Analyzer Onsite, Siemens is expanding its drivetrain analytics portfolio with a solution tailored for users preferring strictly local data processing. The Drivetrain Analyzer Cloud, launched last year, supports cross‑site, cloud‑based analyses and fleet‑level evaluations. In contrast, DTA Onsite targets industrial environments where data sovereignty, latency requirements or isolated network architectures are key considerations. Both systems follow the same modular concept but differ in operating model, integration environments and regulatory deployment contexts. Like Drivetrain Analyzer Cloud, DTA Onsite is part of Siemens Xcelerator.

DTA Onsite runs on industrial PCs and uses a containerized software architecture. The solution supports open and documented interfaces such as MQTT, gRPC, and OPC UA, enabling integration into SCADA systems, edge platforms, industrial IPC environments and maintenance software. Data streams from sensors and automation equipment are consolidated locally and visualized through a unified monitoring interface.

DTA Onsite – Monitoring can be deployed in a wide range of industrial environments and is specifically designed for applications with variable load, speed and operating profiles. This includes production machinery such as extruders, packaging machines and textile machines, where mechanical and process‑related changes must be detected early. The solution is equally suitable for infrastructure applications such as pump stations, compressors or conveyor systems, which often operate continuously or across varying load conditions. Motion‑control applications with dynamic movement profiles also benefit from the detailed monitoring capabilities, as load peaks and changing operating states are systematically captured and analyzed.

About Siemens Digital Industries

Siemens Digital Industries (DI) empowers companies of all sizes within the process and discrete manufacturing industries to accelerate their digital and sustainability transformation across the entire value chain. Siemens’ cutting-edge automation and software portfolio revolutionizes the design, realization and optimization of products and production. And with Siemens Xcelerator – the open digital business platform – this process is made even easier, faster, and scalable. Together with our partners and ecosystem, Siemens Digital Industries enables customers to become a sustainable Digital Enterprise. Siemens Digital Industries has a workforce of around 70,000 people worldwide.

About Siemens AG 

Siemens AG (Berlin and Munich) is a leading technology company focused on industry, infrastructure, mobility, and healthcare. The company’s purpose is to create technology to transform the everyday, for everyone. By combining the real and the digital worlds, Siemens empowers customers to accelerate their digital and sustainability transformations, making factories more efficient, cities more livable, and transportation more sustainable. A leader in industrial AI, Siemens leverages its deep domain know-how to apply AI – including generative AI – to real-world applications, making AI accessible and impactful for customers across diverse industries. Siemens also owns a majority stake in the publicly listed company Siemens Healthineers, a leading global medical technology provider pioneering breakthroughs in healthcare. For everyone. Everywhere. Sustainably. In fiscal 2025, which ended on September 30, 2025, the Siemens Group generated revenue of €78.9 billion and net income of €10.4 billion. As of September 30, 2025, the company employed around 318,000 people worldwide on the basis of continuing operations. Further information is available on the Internet at www.siemens.com.

Velo3D Appoints James Suva as CFO

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FREMONT, CA, USA, Mar 27, 2026 – Velo3D, Inc. (Nasdaq: VELO) (“Velo3D” or the “Company”), a leader in additive manufacturing (“AM”) technology known for transforming aerospace and defense supply chains through world-class metal AM, announced the appointment of James Suva as its Chief Financial Officer, effective April 6, 2026.

Mr. Suva replaces Bernard Chung, who has been serving as Acting Chief Financial Officer since December 31, 2025, pending the completion of the Company’s search for a permanent Chief Financial Officer. Mr. Chung will continue to serve as the Company’s Controller. 

Mr. Suva brings more than 20 years of capital markets and technology sector experience, most recently serving as Senior Vice President and Treasurer at Cricut. He will be responsible for the Company’s finance, accounting, treasury, and investor relations activities.

“We are excited to welcome Jim as our Chief Financial Officer. He brings extensive capital markets experience and deep additive manufacturing industry expertise that will be critical as we continue to execute on our strategic priorities,” said Arun Jeldi, Chief Executive Officer of Velo3D. “I would also like to thank Bernie for his steady leadership and dedication in stepping up as Acting CFO during the transition. We are pleased that he will continue to contribute to the Company’s success in his role as Controller.”

About Velo3D

Velo3D is a metal 3D printing technology company. 3D printing—also known as AM—has a unique ability to improve the way high-value metal parts are built. However, legacy metal AM has been greatly limited in its capabilities since its invention almost 30 years ago. This has prevented the technology from being used to create the most valuable and impactful parts, restricting its use to specific niches where the limitations were acceptable.

Velo3D has overcome these limitations so engineers can design and print the parts they want. The Company’s solution unlocks a wide breadth of design freedom and enables customers in space exploration, aviation, power generation, energy, and semiconductor to innovate the future in their respective industries. Using Velo3D, these customers can now build mission-critical metal parts that were previously impossible to manufacture. The fully integrated solution includes the Flow print preparation software, the Sapphire family of printers, and the Assure quality control system—all of which are powered by Velo3D’s Intelligent Fusion manufacturing process. The Company delivered its first Sapphire system in 2018 and has been a strategic partner to innovators such as Honeywell, Honda, Chromalloy, and Lam Research. Velo3D was named as one of Fast Company’s Most Innovative Companies for 2024. For more information, please visit Velo3D.com, or follow the Company on LinkedIn or X.

Fictiv Introduces Instant Injection Molding Quotes

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SAN FRANCISCO, CA, USA, Mar 27, 2026  — Fictiv announced the introduction of Instant Injection Molding Quoting, a significant enhancement of Fictiv’s industry-leading injection molding services and an integral part of Fictiv’s Digital Manufacturing and Supply Chain Platform.

Traditional quoting workflows can slow project timelines. Fictiv’s instant quoting technology removes that friction — delivering immediate visibility into cost and lead time so teams can speed up time to market and make sourcing decisions with confidence.

“Speed without sacrificing quality wins in modern manufacturing. Instant injection molding quoting removes friction from one of the most critical production workflows — and that changes how fast teams get products to market,” says Dave Evans MISUMI Americas CEO & President and Fictiv Co-Founder & CEO.

Instant Quotes 24/7

By automating the quoting process for qualifying parts, teams gain immediate clarity on cost and lead times—allowing them to move from design to production seamlessly and make sourcing decisions with greater confidence.

According to Ivan Sánchez, Sourcing Specialist at Legrand, “Transparent, upfront pricing changes the conversation. When cost and lead times are clear immediately, approvals move faster and production starts sooner.”

Fictiv’s instant injection molding quotes remove two of the biggest bottlenecks in production manufacturing: sourcing parts and time to quote.

Injection molding instant quotes through the Fictiv platform now available

Greater Transparency and Accuracy

Instant quoting also gives customers clear, competitive pricing for qualifying injection molding designs as well as:

  • Instant, accurate cost visibility
  • Lead time predictability
  • Reduced program risk

Expert Engineering Backup

For more complex injection molding parts that do not qualify for instant quoting, Fictiv continues to provide detailed, engineer-reviewed quotes and design-for-manufacturability (DFM) support.

This approach ensures customers receive:

  • Instant, accurate cost visibility
  • Lead time predictability
  • Reduced program risk

Expert Engineering Backup

For more complex injection molding parts that do not qualify for instant quoting, Fictiv continues to provide detailed, engineer-reviewed quotes and design-for-manufacturability (DFM) support.

This approach ensures customers receive:

  • Automated speed
  • Expert engineering guidance
  • High-quality outcomes across simple and complex programs

By combining digital platform efficiency with human expertise, Fictiv delivers quality, speed and reliability at scale.

Experience the Future of Manufacturing

Instant Injection Molding Quotes reflects Fictiv’s broader mission to make custom and standard parts manufacturing faster, easier, and more transparent — without sacrificing quality.

Customers can access the new feature today by uploading a qualifying injection molding design directly to the Fictiv platform.

About Fictiv

Fictiv is a global manufacturing and supply chain company that enables organizations to scale globally without the typical barriers of cost, complexity, and risk. By leveraging Fictiv’s four global manufacturing centers in India, Mexico, China, and the U.S., companies can access high-quality production, optimize logistics, and mitigate supply chain risk—ensuring they can move from prototype to production with speed and confidence. To date, Fictiv has delivered more than 40 million prototype and commercial parts and assemblies for early-stage companies and large enterprises alike, helping them innovate faster, free up precious resources, and drive profitable growth. For more information, visit www.fictiv.com.

About MISUMI Americas

MISUMI Americas provides configurable components, standard parts, and custom manufacturing solutions serving automation, robotics, medical, automotive, electronics, aerospace, and industrial equipment markets across the United States and Mexico. By uniting MISUMI and Fictiv, the company delivers a unified digital manufacturing platform that connects design, engineering, and production with unmatched precision, speed, and reliability. For more information, visit: us.misumi-ec.com