Siemens announces updated Simcenter Testlab software to reduce need for physical prototypes

PLANO, Texas - Siemens Digital Industries Software in Plano, Texas has announced updates to its Simcenter Testlab platform aimed at helping manufacturers reduce the need for full-scale product prototypes and speed up product development.

Although component testing remains critical, these updates are intended to streamline processes and better integrate physical testing with simulation models.

“Manufacturers are looking for opportunities to accelerate their zero prototypes initiatives. Advances made with Simcenter Testlab demonstrate how the use of virtual pre-test planning with the reuse of digital twin data, when combined with centralized data management collaboration capabilities and flexible, rugged data acquisition hardware designed for use in the field, are changing the testing industry,” said Wilfried Claes, product manager director, Simulation and Test at Siemens Digital Industries Software.

The company says the updates could improve overall efficiency in complex impact testing by up to 50%. Engineers can now reuse CAD data to set up instrumentation and impact points, while the system supports the simultaneous use of multiple hammers, broadening the frequency range necessary for evaluating electric vehicles. The software automatically merges data from multiple hammers in real time, reducing manual data processing.

The new tools also enhance testing capabilities. Virtual Prototype Assembly allows engineers to combine physical and simulation data, enabling performance assessments of different configurations before building physical prototypes. The NVH (Noise, Vibration, and Harshness) Simulator lets users evaluate sound quality by listening to product simulations before they are built. Meanwhile, Mission Synthesis tools aid in durability testing by using real-world vibration data to predict failure points.

Other updates focus on improving data management and automation. A new Data Management feature offers centralized storage for NVH data, allowing engineers to easily access and collaborate on key performance indicators (KPIs) and test data without downloading files locally. Workflow automation tools further reduce manual work by automatically retrieving, processing, and publishing data.

The combination of Simcenter SCADAS RS hardware and Simcenter Testlab software boosts real-time data acquisition. Remote connectivity allows engineers to monitor data from offsite locations, and event-marking tools help technicians record specific events during test drives. The rugged design of the hardware ensures reliability in extreme conditions, such as high temperatures, moisture, and shock.