Ansys, Schaeffler Collaboration Drives Sustainable Product Development

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Ansys and the motion technology company Schaeffler AG announced they are extending their agreement for an additional three years. Schaeffler will rely on Ansys to standardize product development workflows, reduce waste from physical prototypes, and lower the company’s overall carbon footprint through digital transformation.

Schaeffler manufactures high-precision components and systems for drive train and chassis applications as well as rolling and plain bearing solutions for many industrial applications. Ansys and Ansys Apex Channel Partner CADFEM Germany GmbH will continue to provide customer support for Schaeffler as the company hones its digital engineering practices. The extension of the partnership will now see Ansys multiphysics solutions Ansys Mechanical™, Ansys Fluent™, Ansys Electronics™, and Ansys Motor-CAD™ with enhanced computing capabilities through high-performance computing, applied across all divisions.

As a preferred simulation provider, Ansys will strengthen Schaeffler’s digital thread by democratizing simulation and improving material intelligence across engineering disciplines. For example, including data about material composition in the research and development process will result in more innovative and sustainable products.

To do this, Ansys will contribute its industry-leading solutions to Schaeffler’s framework for digital transformation, which consists of four pillars: digital workplace, cyber-physical equipment (digital factory), digital product lifecycle, and smart products.

“Schaeffler is pursuing ambitious goals for its products when it comes to the strategic topic of sustainability,” said Uwe Wagner, CTO at Schaeffler AG. “We aim to integrate the reduction of CO2 emissions directly into the product development process. Innovative simulation tools play an integral role here. Together with strong partners like Ansys, we will drive the digitalization of our R&D processes and innovations towards series production.”

Schaeffler recently used Ansys solutions to optimize the performance of their electrolyzers — a device that extracts hydrogen from water — to advance hydrogen gas as an emission-free, renewable energy resource.

“We are looking forward to continuing to help Schaeffler meet its sustainability goals and democratize simulation software across the business,” said Walt Hearn, senior vice president of worldwide sales and customer excellence at Ansys. “Digital transformation can’t happen overnight, but through dedication and by leveraging Ansys simulation solutions, Schaeffler has already reduced material waste and emissions while improving efficiency. This is just the beginning of what Ansys and Schaeffler can accomplish together.”