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Jon Hirschtick, Co-Founder & CEOTo counter the friction in the collaborative efforts due to the unnecessary copying of files while the CAD files are sent back and forth between multiple users through email or Dropbox, Onshape’s collaboration tools allow users to share the most recent version of the design amongst themselves and with external partners. The tools are equipped with simultaneous editing capabilities; allowing multiple users to open and work within the same document at the same time from their respective devices or browsers. The design changes made by every individual in the document are updated in real-time without the need to rebuild or reload the document. “From a manufacturing engineer on the shop floor to the CEO, everyone can use Onshape to observe what everybody is doing in real time,” remarks Jon Hirschtick, Co-Founder and CEO, Onshape.
Onshape’s cloud-based architecture has many additional benefits for design teams. The software can be deployed to all internal and external team members instantly on any device. There are no downloads, installs or licensing tasks required and all team members automatically use the latest version of the software. Furthermore, users have the ability to design 3D models together, or work on separate branches merging their work at a later time. A complete history of every edit and change is recorded and a user can choose to revert back to any stage of the design anytime.
From a manufacturing engineer on the shop floor to the CEO, everyone can use Onshape’s collaboration tools to observe what everybody is doing in real-time
Perhaps the most significant differentiators between cloud-based Onshape and desktop-installed 3D CAD systems are stable and affordable. Onshape users never experience crashes as both their CAD system and CAD data live on redundant servers. Every login begins with a fresh dedicated session on servers used only for Onshape and not running any other applications. As for cost, Onshape is $1,500 for annual subscription, less than a third the price of a traditional CAD license. And because the burden of heavy geometric calculations has been moved from individual machines to the cloud, there is no need to purchase a high-performance workstation to run Onshape.
Onshape also offers technical support, ranging from online knowledge bases to instructional videos, to educate clients. The company has a dedicated training center and an online learning center for self-paced online courses along with a full curriculum.
Beyond CAD, Onshape is delivering a full slate of integrated engineering tools to the cloud. The company offers a dedicated app store and API to support partner applications including simulation, machining of metals, preparation for 3D Printing, and photorealistic rendering. With future plans to add more tools for analytics, Onshape aims to stay at the cutting edge of the core areas related to CAD. “We want to expand in some unique areas through our partners and through things that no one’s ever really thought of doing with traditional systems because they wouldn’t be feasible,” concludes Hirschtick.
Onshape Puts OX Delivers On Track to Deliver Low-Emission Transport Breakthrough
Friday, December 08, 2023
An automotive start-up that has been dubbed ‘the Uber for global farmers’ is designing its range of electric trucks by tapping into the power of software company PTC’s Onshape software.
Founded in 2020, Warwick-based OX Delivers designs electric trucks that can withstand the developing world’s harshest environments.
The Warwick company’s purpose-built low-emission vehicles, developed using PTC’s cloud-native design platform with built-in PDM, will offer small rural farmers a highly reliable, cost-effective way to get perishable crops to market on time.
Successful fundraise for EV logistics business OX Delivers means African expansion
Dependable transportation can mean the difference between earning enough cash to plant the next crop or economic disaster as goods rot by the road before ever reaching a buyer.
The start-up is currently running a pilot project in Rwanda, offering local businesses a chance to buy space on a truck to move their goods to their customers.
All the feedback from the drivers and users in this trial is being sent back to OX Deliver’s 13-strong engineering team in Leamington Spa.
The team will use that data to create a vehicle that is robust, environmentally friendly, and delivers a positive ergonomic experience for the user.
Kristiana Hamilton, Engineer at OX Delivers, said: “There has already been so much design and prototyping work done to get us to where we are today, with an electric prototype currently running in Rwanda.
“However, we are very much still at the development phase as we move to create a unique low-emission truck that is fit for purpose and can be easily assembled overseas.”
She continued: “Adopting Onshape as our core design platform has been a gamechanger for the team. It’s intuitive, easy-to-use, and the ability to iterate in real time has cut lead times and ensures we can meet our ‘sprint’ strategy on new designs.
“We’re only a small engineering unit compared to much larger businesses, so often work across different areas of the vehicle. Clarity of information, plus the ability to do basic simulation can eliminate any costly modifications quickly, and we can easily add in on-the-ground feedback to our modelling.”
Work on the new chassis for the next vehicle iteration is the current focus of OX Delivers. This will see it move from a front wheel drive to a rear wheel drive, a necessary change for the Rwandan market.
This work takes place alongside other ‘sprints’ to develop a more driver-friendly cab and to refine the suspension so the vehicle can withstand dirt track roads, verges, and steep hills.
Importantly, Onshape enables collaboration, which is critical for OX Delivers. The team is now using custom features (designed by other Onshape users) to add more functionality and to create physical models for testing.
Kristiana went on to add: “We work with a very close-knit supply chain, including the likes of Potenza, Penso, and Dana Incorporated. Collaborating on the design of the chassis with Penso means we need them to have access to our drawings and to be able to access our platform.
“Onshape makes this easy to achieve, with the sharing of information sent securely in the cloud. Furthermore, as we get closer to the final OX Truck, we’ll be able to use its built-in PDM capability to manage the growing bill of materials.
“For a start-up business, the technology is affordable and gives you big organisation security and functionality.”
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Jon Hirschtick, EVP at PTC said: “OX Delivers is transforming the way emerging countries transport goods, delivering better lives and opportunities for local people.
“It is another fantastic UK innovation on a global scale, and we are delighted that OX Delivers is utilising Onshape to overcome some of the natural design challenges that occur when you are building a bespoke vehicle to deliver sustainable transport in harsh environments.”
Onshape, a cloud-native CAD tool with built-in PDM, helps companies design better products faster, eliminates bottlenecks earlier and streamlines collaboration – all while giving users the freedom to work from any device.
Company
Onshape
Management
Jon Hirschtick, Co-Founder & CEO
Description
Delivers built-in collaboration and version control tools for modern agile
design teams
