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AUBURN HILLS, Mich., February 24, 2011 – Dassault Systèmes (Euronext Paris: #13065, DSY.PA), a world leader in 3D and Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) solutions, today announced that Lockheed Martin has migrated its F-35 Lightning II robotic painting workcells to Dassault Systèmes’ DELMIA Robotics. A long-time user of DELMIA manufacturing simulation solutions, Lockheed Martin’s new implementation of DELMIA Robotics has made the company’s manufacturing processes more efficient, leveraging a common interface across its CATIA design authoring and DELMIA digital manufacturing solutions.

Lockheed Martin uses simulations to verify that the robots will reach all the painting positions while avoiding any collisions. Automating the paint and coatings process provides significant time savings, as well as better process control. Additionally, protecting workers from potentially harmful paint fumes is an added benefit of robots. The company had already experienced success with the previous generation of DELMIA Robotics simulation.

Since they are already familiar with the CATIA interface, Lockheed Martin NC programmers easily move into robot support roles, pick up the software and produce programs.

Lockheed Martin currently employs the robotic solution in two different automated paint cells, both configured on moving rail systems. A three-robot cell is dedicated to painting the aircraft exterior and a two-robot cell is configured to handle a variety of F-35 components. Both the physical cell and the robot programming have been designed for flexibility through optimization and verification of the programs in the virtual DELMIA environment so that the company can paint different mixes of components at different times.

Enhancements within the DELMIA Cenit FASTSURF solution make it easier to modify existing robot programs for significant time gains. Previous solutions required extensive rework any time a component design changed. Now with FASTSURF, adapting to a part change can be as simple as plugging a new parameter in the setup strategy. Additionally, this solution allows Lockheed Martin to monitor the thickness of coatings—a critical factor in ensuring that aircraft  meet design requirements—through a query option at any point in the application.

“Working with a visionary company such as Lockheed Martin has allowed Cenit to verify the value of our FASTSURF solution,” stated Cenit account manager, Niall Cullen. “Their in-depth experience in Robotic OLP was key in shaping a production-hardened solution with aerospace accuracy.”

“Lockheed Martin was quick to understand the benefits to be gained by having all engineers working with the same user interface paradigm across CATIA and DELMIA solutions,” said Steve Milliren, executive account manager, aerospace industry, DELMIA, Dassault Systèmes. “With the DELMIA Robotics solution, there is a common structure for easy communication and elimination of data translations for improved data integrity.”

In addition to the DELMIA Robotics solution, Lockheed Martin also uses Dassault Systemes Virtual Ergonomics and DPM Assembly solutions.

Collaborative 3D design and manufacturing solution at the heart of the development of the A350 XWB Programme

Paris Air Show (Le Bourget), France, June 15th, 2009 – Dassault Systèmes (DS) today announced that Airbus, one of the world’s leading aircraft manufacturers, is deploying DS Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) solutions to support several key design processes around 3D of its A350 XWB programme. The software will provide Airbus engineers with a collaborative solution from 3D design to manufacturing engineering, enhanced comparatively to previous programmes.

Based on Dassault Systèmes ENOVIA VPM, a 3D Digital Mock Up of the plane will support design activities from several thousands of designers, from Airbus and its suppliers. The aircraft composite structure design, developed on Dassault Systèmes CATIA Composite Part Design solution, can be revised by all parties involved, leading to improved engineering reactivity.  The 3D Digital Mock-Up (DMU) is also going to be connected to Manufacturing Engineering (Dassault Systèmes DELMIA software) for an optimization of the manufacturing process and an end to end process from engineering to manufacturing.

The A350 XWB programme is focused on operational efficiency with a family of new-generation aircraft perfectly suited to the market’s changing needs in terms of size, range, passenger comfort and the environment. It will provide improved fuel efficiency, reduced emissions and lower noise levels during departure, cruise and arrival. This is why, managing the lifecycle of its A350 aircraft in a virtual 3D PLM environment, has been one of Airbus’ major objectives.

“Dassault Systèmes is supporting Airbus in its objective to improve manufacturing techniques and to increase collaborative innovation for sustainable business.” comments Etienne Droit, Executive Vice President, Dassault Systèmes.  “Two years ago, Dassault Systèmes and Airbus agreed to have 3D as the master of the A350 definition and 3D reliable configured DMU to be the reference for any A350 designers and managers, to put in place Dassault Systèmes PLM solutions to support the wide Extended Enterprise ecosystem working to develop and produce A350, and to simplify and harmonize IT environment to be efficient in supporting these challenges: This is now a reality.”

“In today’s interconnected world, it is even more critical for manufacturers to intensify their collaborative approach for smart product design and development.  IBM and Dassault Systèmes have worked together to deliver an implementation that allows Airbus to collaborate more easily with partners and suppliers.  This helps optimize operations globally and creates a  leaner and faster model for product development”, stated Albert Bunshaft, vice president, IBM Product Lifecycle Management.