Design engineering

Siemens engineering software is utilized across a wide range of industries, providing essential tools for design, simulation, and manufacturing. Digital twin technology helps optimize processes and improve efficiency. From product development to collaboration, Siemens software drives innovation and precision in engineering projects worldwide.

• Industrial machinery – New product introduction
• Battery – Accelerated battery development for industrial batteries
• Automotive – Vehicle electrification
• Electronics – Electronic systems design
• Medical – Medical device design
• Medical device - Design control
• Consumer products – Consumer product design
• Consumer goods – Enterprise recipe management
• Energy and utilities – Power plant design
• Heavy equipment – Heavy equipment design
• Heavy Equipment - Engineering simulation
• Marine - Ship design and marine engineering

When using advanced design software like Siemens NX, Teamcenter, Simcenter and the rest of the Siemens Xcelerator portfolio, the engineering design process integrates traditional steps with powerful software capabilities, enhancing efficiency, precision and collaboration. Our comprehensive and integrated software for product design, engineering and manufacturing offers a range of tools for CAD, CAM, CAE, PLM, Simulation and E/E design. The engineering design process in this context involves several key phases:

• Problem definition and planning:
  • Clearly define the engineering problem, including all requirements and constraints.
  • Use our tools to review similar past projects or templates that might give insights into the project.
• Design and modeling:
  • Create detailed 3D models of the proposed solution. This step involves using parametric and direct modeling techniques to develop parts and assemblies.
  • Employ advanced tools for sheet metal design, surface modeling and other specific requirements as needed.
• Analysis and simulation:
  • Use the integrated CAE capabilities of to simulate the behavior of the design under various conditions, such as mechanical stress, thermal conditions, fluid dynamics and more.
  • Adjust designs based on simulation outcomes to meet performance criteria and optimize for factors like weight, strength and cost.
• Prototyping (virtual and physical):
  • Create virtual prototypes within the digital twin to evaluate the design's functionality and aesthetics.
  • For physical prototypes, use CAM to prepare manufacturing processes or export data for 3D printing and other rapid prototyping techniques.
• Evaluation and iteration:
  • Review the design against specifications and stakeholder feedback. Utilize visualization and rendering tools within design software to present ideas clearly.
• Detailed design and documentation:
  • Finalize the design, adding all necessary details for manufacturing and assembly.
  • Generate detailed drawings, assembly instructions and other documentation required for manufacturing and product support.
• Manufacturing and implementation:
  • Finalize preparations for manufacturing within the digital twin and integrated manufacturing systems to plan production processes, CNC machining paths and more.
  • Collaborate with suppliers and manufacturers directly through the platform, sharing design files and specifications.
• Product launch and feedback analysis:
  • After the product is manufactured and launched, gather feedback on its performance.
  • Use feedback for continuous improvement, applying lessons learned to future design projects.

Throughout this process, the Siemens Xcelerator portfolio facilitates collaboration among team members and integration with other software tools and platforms, ensuring that data flows seamlessly across different stages of product development. This comprehensive approach allows for a more efficient and effective engineering design process, from concept to production.

The engineering design process is an essential methodology in the field of engineering, acting as the backbone of innovation and problem-solving. This structured approach enables engineers and designers to tackle complex challenges methodically, transforming abstract ideas into tangible solutions that enhance our daily lives and drive technological advancement.

At its core, the engineering design process serves to:

• Solve complex problems: It provides a systematic approach to understanding and solving complex engineering challenges, ensuring solutions are viable, effective and innovative.
• Develop and optimize products and processes: It guides the development of new products and the improvement of existing processes, focusing on efficiency, functionality and user needs, while also emphasizing cost-effectiveness and sustainability.
• Facilitate interdisciplinary collaboration and compliance: It promotes collaboration among various disciplines and ensures designs meet regulatory standards, safety requirements and ethical considerations, leading to well-integrated and compliant solutions.

This process is more than just a set of steps; it is a dynamic framework that adapts to the evolving needs of manufacturing, technology and the environment. By fostering a culture of continuous improvement, collaboration, and innovation, the engineering design process not only addresses today's challenges but also lays the groundwork for future advancements, ensuring that the solutions we create are both sustainable and forward-looking.

Product engineering software refers to a suite of software tools and applications used in the design, development, testing and management of products, especially in fields such as mechanical, electrical and electronic engineering, as well as software engineering. These tools are integral to modern product development processes, enabling engineers and designers to create more complex, reliable and efficient products faster than ever before.

The main categories and functionalities of product engineering software include:

• Computer-Aided Design (CAD): CAD software is used for creating detailed 2D or 3D models of products. It allows for the visualization, simulation and analysis of product designs, facilitating the exploration of different design options and the identification of potential issues early in the design process.
• Computer-Aided Engineering (CAE): CAE software encompasses simulation and analysis tools that engineers use to evaluate the performance of their designs under various conditions, such as stress, heat, fluid dynamics and more. CAE tools are crucial for optimizing designs for performance, safety and compliance with standards.
• Computer-Aided Manufacturing (CAM): CAM software is used to plan, manage, and control manufacturing processes directly from computer-generated models and drawings. It includes functionalities for generating machine toolpaths, programming CNC machines and planning production workflows, helping to bridge the gap between design and manufacturing. See our awards.
• Product Lifecycle Management (PLM): PLM software helps manage the entire lifecycle of a product from inception, through engineering design and manufacture, to service and disposal. It integrates people, data, processes and business systems, providing a comprehensive information backbone for companies and their extended enterprise.
• Electronic Design Automation (EDA): For products involving electronic components, EDA software is used to design and analyze electronic systems such as printed circuit boards (PCBs) and integrated circuits (ICs). EDA tools help engineers create schematic diagrams, layout PCBs and simulate electronic circuits to ensure their reliability and performance.

To incorporate sustainability in design engineering, Siemens software offers advanced solutions that enhance sustainable practices throughout the production lifecycle. One key innovation is digital twin technology, which allows you to create virtual models of your processes. This lets you simulate and optimize operations without physical trials, reducing waste, conserving energy and minimizing raw material usage.

Siemens software also supports sustainable design by integrating environmental impact considerations from the earliest stages of product development. By embedding sustainability criteria into your design and engineering processes, you can develop products that are more efficient and less resource-intensive.

Additionally, Siemens engineering tools provide real-time data and analytics, facilitating continuous improvement of your manufacturing processes. This helps you identify inefficiencies, optimize operations and implement energy-saving measures, contributing to a more sustainable manufacturing environment. Read how Siemens is driving sustainability across industries.