Episodes

  • A Student’s Journey in CAD and 3D Modeling
    Jun 13 2023
    There is a significant discrepancy between how academia prepares students and what the industry expects them to do when they graduate. To close that gap, new design and manufacturing techniques must be introduced to students as early as possible. Academia should also strive to ensure students are being taught how to use the tools currently used by prospective employers. I’m your host, Jennifer Piper, and today I’m joined by Leah Griesmer, a third-year mechanical engineering student at the University of Cincinnati. Leah has an interest in additive manufacturing and 3D modeling and plans to get into product design after graduation. In this episode, you will learn about the benefits of learning CAD software, specifically NX before entering the workforce. You will also get to hear about Leah’s positive experience with NX highlighting its user-friendly interface, CAE capabilities, and seamless integration with other CAD software. Additionally, you will find Leah's insights as she provides valuable perspectives for aspiring designers and highlights the exciting possibilities in the world of product design. What You’ll Learn in this Episode: How Leah got into product design (01:39)  How the university curriculum has prepared her for a career in product design (03:24) The process of designing a product (05:24) The benefits of creating a digital mockup (07:02) Leah’s experience working with Siemens' NX (10:17) The Role of AI and machine learning in Product Design (15:31) Connect with Leah Griesmer: LinkedIn Connect with Jennifer Piper:  LinkedIn
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    19 mins
  • Siemens' Design Solutions for Startups and Small & Medium Businesses
    May 31 2023
    Many startups encounter obstacles in their quest for rapid success. Lengthy development cycles and various challenges impede their progress. This is why Siemens is dedicated to addressing these issues and enhancing the startup journey.  I’m your host, Jennifer Piper, and today I’m joined by Jeff Shagena, the SMB Product Manager for NX Product Engineering Software at Siemens Digital Industries Software. Jeff will help us understand the various CAD offerings and programs of Siemens for startups, students, and small to medium-sized businesses (SMBs).   In this episode, you will learn more about the Siemens Mechanical Product Design bundle, and NX Cloud Connected products, which allow users to access NX software through the cloud, facilitating easy product acquisition and scaling. You will also get to hear more about the concept of continuous release, which involves regular major releases and monthly updates, enabling users to easily obtain the latest features and bug fixes at their convenience. What You’ll Learn in this Episode: Benefits of value-based licensing for SMB customers (3:58) How value-based licensing works (5:02) The benefits of the Siemens mechanical design offering (6:29) Siemens Xcelerator for Startups (10:16) Cloud and SaaS offerings from NX design team (15:29) Connect with Jeff Shagena: LinkedIn Connect with Jennifer Piper:  LinkedIn
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    16 mins
  • How NX CAD Meets the Needs of Small and Medium Businesses
    May 16 2023
    It is no news that the COVID-19 pandemic has hit small and medium businesses hard. But the good news is that a snapback has been observed in SMB after it has faded. The pandemic has accelerated the adoption of the comprehensive digital twin concept among SMBs, making it important to stay connected as much as possible.  I’m your host, Jennifer Piper, and today I’m joined by Jeff Shagena, the SMB Product Manager for NX Product Engineering Software at Siemens Digital Industries Software. In this episode, Jeff will help us understand the state of the SMB CAD market, especially after the pandemic. You will get to learn about the trends that are driving changes in this market, with the first being digital transformation. You will also hear more about Siemens' future vision for NX and how it is adapting to fit the needs of SMBs – which includes improving awareness of the software and its packaging options, investing in tools like the Discovery Center, and focusing on innovation in areas like AI and machine learning. What You’ll Learn in this Episode: Trends in the SMB market and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic (1:18) How Siemens’ NX  fits the needs of the SMB industry (6:27) Cloud-based solution for SMBs (11:37) Efforts made to make it easier to learn and use NX (17:22) The future of NX (22:15) Connect with Jeff Shagena: LinkedIn Connect with Jennifer Piper:  LinkedIn
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    26 mins
  • Inside the Design and Manufacturing Processes at Piper Aircraft
    May 2 2023
    Computer-Aided Design (CAD) systems allow engineers, architects, and other design professionals to deliver numerous drawings quickly and accurately during the planning and design phase. And just like in other industries, the use of CAD in the aerospace industry is vital for the successful creation of innovative airplane designs and functionality.  I’m your host, Jennifer Piper, and today I’m joined by Michael O'Shea, the Lead Structural Design Engineer of the Product Development IPT at Piper Aircraft. He will be talking to us about the design and manufacturing processes at Piper Aircraft. In this episode, he will help us understand his role as a lead structural design engineer and his day-to-day work, which involves a lot of CAD modeling with Siemens' NX. You will learn about the design and manufacturing processes at Piper Aircraft and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the aerospace industry and how Piper Aircraft adapted to new demands, including the move towards electric and autonomous aircraft. What You’ll Learn in this Episode: The design process at Piper Aircraft (4:45) How Siemens' NX helps Piper Aircraft keep up with the increasing product complexities in the industry (9:21) The challenges in aerospace and defense, and how simulation and visualization tools help in the design process (11:32) Piper’s Halo safety system (13:51) The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the aerospace industry and how Piper Aircraft adapted to new demands (15:00) Connect with Michael O'Shea: LinkedIn Connect with Jennifer Piper:  LinkedIn
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    21 mins
  • Integrating Siemens Software and Tools in Education
    Apr 27 2023
    The products of modern engineering enterprises are characterized by high complexity and precision. Furthermore, to produce competitive products it is required to provide a short time for design and the introduction of new products as well as the modifications of products already produced. Such a problem cannot be solved without the use of modern software both for design and technological preparation of production and for engineering analysis. I’m your host, Jennifer Piper, and today I’m joined by Dr. Sam Anand, a professor and industry expert with 35 years of experience in advanced and digital manufacturing. Sam is also the director of the Siemens Simulation Center and co-director of the Industry 4.0 Institute at the University of Cincinnati.  In this episode, he will help us understand the impact of the Siemens Simulation Technology Center on engineering education and research at the University. You will get to learn about Sam’s expertise and experiences in teaching digital manufacturing and design to students at the university level. And you will also hear more about using Siemens software and tools in the curriculum and the focus on solving real industrial problems through simulation.  What You’ll Learn in this Episode: How Dr. Sam Anand started his career in engineering (2:12) The impact of the Siemens Simulation Technology Center on engineering education and research at the University of Cincinnati (12:43) How the Siemens Simulation Technology Center is being utilized in teaching and research at the University of Cincinnati (17:02) The key concepts emphasized in the courses that use Siemens’ NX software, and how they are taught to the students (18:18) Other government and industrial projects that utilize Siemens’ NX software to develop digital manufacturing and design (29:03) Connect with Sam Anand: LinkedIn Connect with Jennifer Piper:  LinkedIn
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    37 mins
  • The Magic of Software as a Service (SaaS)
    Apr 4 2023
    Adopting new technologies allows businesses to expand their capabilities and keep up with the competition. However, new technology can sometimes become too difficult to maintain, requiring extra costs to run securely. To solve this problem, companies are now offering their software products as a service, eliminating the need for customers to perform tasks such as installing, updating, and security. I’m your host, Jennifer Piper, and today I’m joined by Paul Brown, Senior Marketing Director at Siemens Digital Industries Software. He’ll help us understand what software as a service (SaaS) is and why it has become popular among companies. In this episode, you’ll learn about the benefits of SaaS to companies and users. You’ll also learn about the different products that Siemens offers as SaaS, including the most recent addition. Additionally, Paul will share his views on the future of SaaS and why it should not be seen as a replacement for desktop solutions. What You’ll Learn in this Episode: Why companies are adopting SaaS (01:29) Why Siemens started availing products as SaaS (04:47) The different products that Siemens offers as SaaS (06:47) The Future of SaaS (14:25) Siemens new SaaS product (15:27) Connect with Paul Brown: LinkedIn Siemens Connect with Jennifer Piper:  LinkedIn
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    19 mins
  • Designing For Speed using NX CAD
    Mar 21 2023
    Building an efficient and fast car starts in the design phase. That is why companies make tremendous investments in building a talented design team and equipping them with the best design tools. One organization that has mastered the art of using digital tools to design, test, and validate models is the Oracle Red Bull Racing. I’m your host, Jennifer Piper, and today I’m joined by Daniel Watkins, Head of CAD and PLM at Oracle Red Bull Racing. He’ll help us understand the process of designing a championship-worthy Formula One car. He’ll also help us understand the role that is played by digital tools such as Siemens’ NX in the design process. In this episode, you’ll learn why the Oracle Red Bull racing team relies so much on Siemens’ NX and their biggest challenges in designing and improving their car. Additionally, Daniel will dispel a common myth regarding how cars and drivers are managed. What You’ll Learn in this Episode: How Oracle Red Bull Formula One team has changed over the last decade (03:03) The steps involved in designing their car (03:37) The suite of Siemens tools the team uses in the design process (08:32) The role played by the digital twin in a car’s design process (12:06) The biggest challenges when designing a Formula One car (18:32) The driver’s contribution to the car’s design (26:44) Connect with Daniel Watkins: LinkedIn Oracle Red Bull Racing Connect with Jennifer Piper:  LinkedIn
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    33 mins
  • The Benefits of Modular Construction
    Mar 7 2023
    The construction industry is facing a labor shortage challenge that is expected to worsen in years to come. This has motivated more companies and governments to explore modular construction, which is faster and solves the labor shortage problem. Additionally, companies in this space have digitized the design process to make it more efficient and affordable. I’m your host, Jennifer Piper, and today I’m joined by Derek England, NX Product Manager for AEC and BIM at Siemens Digital Industries Software. He’ll help us understand modular construction and its impact on the industry. He’ll also help us understand the role of Siemens NX in this relatively new field. In this episode, you’ll learn the factors that have led to the rise of modular construction. You’ll also learn about the two types of modular construction and the benefits of each. Lastly, you’ll hear about the benefits of using the digital twin in the building design process. What You’ll Learn in this Episode: The meaning of modular construction (03:19) Why modular construction is appealing to customers (04:33) Problems solved by modular construction (07:07) How the digital twin helps modular construction (10:14) Derek describes his experience visiting a modular construction factory (15:01) Modular construction barriers (22:22) Connect with Derek England: LinkedIn Siemens Connect with Jennifer Piper:  LinkedIn
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    31 mins