INTERCONNECTS

HyperWorks optimization technologies to target materials and production cost reductions in forward programs: Altair Engineering, Inc., a leading global provider of technology and services that empower innovation and decision-making, today announced that Prima Industrie, an Italian developer, manufacturer and provider of high-power laser systems for cutting, welding and drilling three-dimensional (3D) and two-dimensional (2D) parts, will implement the HyperWorks computer-aided engineering (CAE) software platform into its design development process. The HyperWorks suite and OptiStruct, the leading design synthesis optimization technology, will be used to optimize existing cutting machines and to develop new 2D machines in the future. "During an extensive benchmark we realized that HyperWorks would best suit our needs," said Maurizio Gattiglio, Director, 2D Machines Division, Prima Industrie. "We have high expectations for HyperWorks. In our development of 2D laser systems, we had reached the limits of machine optimization that traditional approaches allow. With HyperWorks and OptiStruct we hope to break through these limits. Our department alone develops and builds more than 200 machines per year. We expect to reduce the cost per machine by several hundred Euros through materials savings while maintaining the high quality of our laser systems. This will give us a quick return on our software investment and tremendous improvements in the development and production processes." "In almost every industry, optimization plays an increasingly important role in sustainable design initiatives as well as reducing development cycles, time-to-market, utilization of materials and production costs," said Cosimo Panetta, Managing Director, Altair Engineering, Italy. "We are very pleased that Prima Industrie chose HyperWorks as their preferred solution to optimize their advanced laser systems for performance and manufacturability. As Prima Industrie realizes, optimization not only plays a role in new product development but can also be very effective in identifying cost-saving opportunities in current production programs. We look forward to working with them in these areas."