The Virtues of Virtual Products

Manufacturing and engineering companies around the world are building virtual products that can communicate across the barriers of time, distance, discipline, and culture. Interactive-product-simulation (IPS) technology complements the processes used to create three-dimensional geometry. IPS software leverages a company's investment in computer-aided design (CAD) design by providing earlier access to prototypes, faster updates than with physical models, enterprise-wide distribution of information in an easy-to-understand format, support for existing processes, and long-term value that extends beyond the finalization of product designs. IPS provides real-time interaction via the virtual product-a simulated version of the final functioning design that can include functional simulations, animations, mechanisms, and simulated humans or ‘manikins.’ IPS has many applications in the concept phase, where one of the most critical challenges for manufacturers is the economic evaluation and frequent review of multiple high-level concepts and configurations. PS enables engineers, manufacturing and maintenance staff, and even customers to visualize and operate complex virtual products so that they can improve the designs' manufacturability, ergonomics, and maintainability.