Multinational software company Dassault Systèmes (EPA:DSY), behind the 3DEXPERINCE platform for product lifecycle management and 3D design, has purchased marine and offshore engineering company AITAC BV, headquartered in the Netherlands. The acquisition will see AITAC’s Smart Drawings software integrated with Dassault’s 3DEXPERIENCE platforms “Designed for Sea” and “Optimized Production for Sea”.
Automated smart drawings for plants and cruise liners
AITAC’s Smart Drawing software automates the creation of standardized drawings for boats, equipment, and plant designs based on a master 3D model created in Dassault Systèmes’ CATIA applications. The company is a longstanding customer of Dassault’s, and has used the technology for clients including luxury cruise liner shipyard Meyer Werft.
Drawings produced using AITAC’s solution and 3DEXPERIENCE help such shipyards and offshore manufacturers meet marine-specific standards and requirements. Automation from a master 3D model cuts the cost of the drawings production, at this would otherwise require the use of multiple models to break down different areas of the design. This also in turn improves the quality of design certification, and maximizes the overall value of a master 3D model.
Seamless integration between design and drawings production is helping the marine and offshore industry streamline all parts of the product lifecycle. This could also open up the industry to more digital solutions, including a computerized parts archive, and part consolidation.
A 40% stake in AITAC engineering in Croatia
The transaction was completed June 1, 2017. Money exchanged between the parties is currently undisclosed, but for Dassault Systèmes the acquisition does include holding 40% of AITAC’s marine and offshore engineering office in Croatia, that is also a provider for the navy.
Marc Journeux, Co-director at AITAC, comments,
We have always been passionate about transforming the way marine and offshore companies use 3D and we work hard to provide our customers with the best experience of a 3D master approach. Dassault Systèmes has always been a fantastic partner for us, and we truly believed this is the only company able to take this market to the next step. Now our team is excited to join Dassault Systèmes to accelerate the pace of innovation.
Alain Houard, Vice President of Marine & Offshore Industry at Dassault Systèmes, adds,
For years, AITAC has been a software partner of Dassault Systèmes supporting its 3DEXPERIENCE platform customers and now we’re taking this long and fruitful partnership to the next level. AITAC’s long-term experience, expertise and team of naval architects and engineers will help us to extend our marine and offshore portfolio’s capabilities and support customer deployment projects.
The future of 3DEXPERIENCE
Stephen Chadwick, Managing Director EuroNorth at Dassault Systèmes, recently gave 3D Printing Industry his views on the Future of 3D Printing as part of our guest article series from professionals across the additive manufacturing world. In the article, Chadwick gives particular insight into the value of digital simulation and the collaboration between manufacturing and design.
At the Design in the Age of Experience event in Milan, 3D Printing Industry also heard firsthand from Dassault Systèmes CEO Bernard Charlès how 3D printing is “going to completely change the manufacturing world.”
Subscribe to the latest 3D printing and design related news with the 3D Printing Industry newsletter, follow us on Twitter and like us on Facebook.
Featured image: AITAC provides super yacht, marine, offshore and plant engineering for specialist applications in the sea, in addition to PLM solutions and consultancy. Image via aitac.nl
