Simcenter 3D and Altair: Complementary or an either/or choice?

In the dynamic world of product development, one key question keeps cropping up: Should we opt for an integrated CAE platform such as Siemens Simcenter 3D, or for specialised Altair CAE tools such as HyperMesh, OptiStruct, SimSolid and PhysicsAI?

At the d.u.h.Group, we know from many years of experience that the answer is rarely a clear-cut ‘either/or’. Rather, it is a strategic “both-and” approach that takes our customers’ digital product development to a new level.

Two powerful ecosystems, one shared vision: the Siemens–Altair synergy

From a technical perspective, Simcenter 3D and the Altair tools are independent software ecosystems. Simcenter 3D is part of the Siemens Xcelerator portfolio and offers a comprehensive, integrated CAE environment for pre-processing, solving and post-processing. Altair, on the other hand, is known for its specialised standalone solutions, which are leaders in their respective disciplines.

However, Siemens’ recent acquisition of Altair is fundamentally changing the rules of the game. It creates one of the world’s most comprehensive AI-powered industrial software portfolios. For our customers, this means that the boundaries between these powerful worlds are blurring. A strategic synergy is emerging that paves the way for even more flexible and efficient simulation strategies.

The evidence speaks for itself: hybrid simulation workflows are the norm

In many medium-sized and large development departments, the hybrid use of simulation software has long been a reality. It is not unusual for:

• pre-processing is carried out in HyperMesh,
• the simulation is carried out in OptiStruct or SimSolid,
• and supplementary simulations or workflows are run in Simcenter 3D – or vice versa.

The reason for this is simple: each system has its own specific strengths, which can offer decisive advantages depending on the project requirements and use case. Our engineers at the d.u.h.Group specialise in combining these strengths in the best possible way.

Interoperability through standard formats: The good news is that data exchange works seamlessly. Both ecosystems support common standard formats such as STEP, IGES and Parasolid for CAD geometries, and NASTRAN Bulk Data for mesh and solver setups. This enables flexible and efficient data exchange between the tools and ensures seamless digital workflows.

When does each piece of software excel? An overview of their strengths

At d.u.h.Group, we provide you with personalised advice on which CAE solution or combination is best suited to your specific requirements.

For the d.u.h.Group, one thing is clear: it is not an either/or decision. We see the future in the intelligent combination of these high-performance CAE systems. It is both normal and beneficial to use both ecosystems in parallel in order to continually redefine the boundaries of engineering.