Opinion
Assembly displayed by Zel X; image source Siemens Software
The day before the Zel X PLM for SMBs launched, as I asked Siemens about the new product.
Ralph Grabowski: Where did the unusual Zel X name come from?
Siemens Software:In the product naming world, there are several different classes, including: descriptive (e.g. General Motors), evocative (e.g. Amazon), and invented (e.g. Pixar).
We decided to take the invented name route, with a name that’s short and simple -- matching the easy-to-use and streamlined nature of the product itself. The X suffix indicates that Zel X is part of the Siemens Xcelerator as a Service portfolio, along with other products like NX X, Opcenter X, and Simcenter X.
Grabowski: It appears to be based on NX. Will Solid Edge users be able to integrate Zel X into their workflows?
Siemens: Yes, Zel X is a great companion to Solid Edge as well. Zel X gives users access to their Solid Edge data anywhere, at any time with its lightweight, browser-based experience available on any device. Zel X helps Solid Edge users take control of their quoting, planning, design, manufacturing and collaboration, and more importantly better meet the needs of their customers.
Zel X can view, mark up and import Solid Edge data; upon import, geometric fidelity is the focus, with additional metadata supported over time. Solid Edge can import Zel X files (.PRTs), with the option to maintain associativity with Zel X.
Grabowski: When does Zel X ship?
Siemens: Zel X is available now. Users can buy it on the Zel X web page, siemens.com/zel-x. A 30-day free trial is also available.
Updates are automatically delivered quarterly, in real time without expensive, time-consuming upgrades or any additional IT costs. The continuous release cycle of Zel X ensures delivery of those tools and functionalities as soon as possible.
Grabowski: Will all components be available from the start, such as design, NC, and simulation, or will the extras come out over time?
Siemens: Yes, all advertised components are available immediately, with more on the way.
Grabowski: Does the price ($1,300 - $2,300/year) include access to all components, or are they priced separately?
Siemens: A subscription to Zel X Advanced includes all components at no additional cost.
Zel X comes in two affordable subscription options, Standard and Advanced. Users can pick the plan that fits their needs and the features they want.
- Zel X Standard offers the core tools needed for quoting, planning, designing, preparing for machining and much more
- Zel X Advanced takes those tools and adds more data management options and simulation, and expands design into assembly and history-based modeling.
Grabowski: Does Zel X work with CAD software from other vendors? I ask this, because in the past Siemens Software was proud of how Teamcenter works in multi-CAD environments.
Siemens: Zel X is a great complement to any CAD and CAM system. Zel X complements other, non-Siemens CAD as well, such as Creo, Solidworks and Inventor.
Zel X can import the following CAD formats:
- NX parts and assemblies
- Solid Edge parts, assemblies and sheet metal
- JT parts and assemblies
- Solidworks parts
- Creo parts
- Inventor parts
- Parasolid data
Zel X can export the following CAD formats:
- NX parts and assembles
- STL
- 3MF
- DXF flat patterns
- Drawings as PDF
In addition, Zel X can view and mark up these CAD formats in addition to the ones listed above:
- NX drawings
- Solid Edge drawings
- Solidworks assemblies
- STEP/STP, IGES, STL, OBJ, DM PLMX, HyperLynx
- Capital electrical design
The range of supported formats is continuously growing.
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