PTC Unveils Onshape's Next-Generation Model-Based Definition Capabilities with Aura Aero at Paris Air Show

Rhea-AI Summary

PTC has announced groundbreaking model-based definition (MBD) capabilities for its Onshape cloud-native CAD and PDM platform. This industry-first solution enables engineering teams to embed complete product manufacturing information directly into 3D CAD models, eliminating the need for traditional 2D drawings. The new MBD feature includes dimensions, tolerances, annotations, surface finishes, and material specifications. Currently in early visibility with select customers, the solution is expected to launch broadly in late 2025. PTC is partnering with sustainable aviation leader Aura Aero to showcase this technology at the Paris Air Show from June 16-19, where Aura Aero reports achieving 100% digital aircraft certification using these features.

Positive

• First cloud-native MBD offering in the CAD/PDM industry, demonstrating technological leadership
• Eliminates need for 2D drawings, potentially reducing errors and improving communication efficiency
• Partnership with Aura Aero showcases real-world application in aviation industry
• Cloud-native platform enables instant accessibility from any device and location

Negative

• General availability not expected until late 2025, indicating a long wait for broader market access
• Currently limited to select customers in early visibility program

Insights

Software Industry Analyst

PTC's cloud-native MBD in Onshape eliminates 2D drawings, streamlining manufacturing and positioning PTC ahead of CAD competitors.

PTC's announcement of model-based definition (MBD) capabilities for its Onshape platform represents a significant technical advancement in the CAD/PDM software market. As the first cloud-native implementation of MBD, this innovation addresses a critical industry challenge by embedding manufacturing specifications directly into 3D models instead of requiring separate 2D drawings.

The traditional disconnect between 3D models and 2D manufacturing drawings has long created inefficiencies, errors, and delays in production workflows. By embedding product manufacturing information (PMI) - dimensions, tolerances, surface finishes, and material specifications - directly into the 3D model, PTC eliminates interpretation issues while maintaining accessibility across devices and locations thanks to Onshape's cloud architecture.

PTC's partnership with Aura Aero is particularly noteworthy. The aerospace industry faces stringent documentation and certification requirements, yet Aura Aero's Chief Digital Officer states they can now "certify aircraft 100% digitally" using these capabilities. This suggests potential regulatory acceptance, which has historically been a significant barrier to MBD adoption in highly regulated industries.

This development aligns with the broader industry shift toward digital transformation and model-based enterprise approaches. While the feature won't be generally available until late 2025, it positions PTC's Onshape platform competitively against major CAD vendors like Dassault Systèmes, Siemens, and Autodesk who are also pursuing MBD strategies but typically within traditional desktop-based architectures.

For manufacturing organizations, the promise of cloud-native MBD is compelling: improved collaboration between engineering and manufacturing teams, reduced errors, faster production cycles, and elimination of paper-based or PDF documentation processes that create digital discontinuities in product development workflows.

• Industry's first MBD offering delivering complete digital definition of a product within a cloud-native CAD and PDM solution
• Cloud-native MBD in Onshape enables better collaboration between engineering, supply chain, and manufacturing teams
• PTC and Aura Aero, a leader in sustainable aviation, will preview cloud-native MBD in Onshape at Paris Air Show

BOSTON, June 12, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- PTC (NASDAQ: PTC) today announced model-based definition (MBD) capabilities within its Onshape^® computer-aided design (CAD) and product data management (PDM) platform. MBD in Onshape is the first MBD offering within a cloud-native CAD and PDM solution and enables engineering teams to create a complete digital definition of a product by embedding all common product manufacturing information (PMI) directly into the 3D CAD model, including dimensions, tolerances, annotations, surface finishes, material specifications, and more. Cloud-native MBD in Onshape is currently in an early visibility program with select customers and is expected to be generally available in late 2025.

PTC will demonstrate cloud-native MBD in Onshape with Aura Aero, a leader in sustainable aviation, at Aura Aero's display at Zone B4 at the Paris Air Show, from June 16-19.

"Even with the widespread adoption of 3D CAD, most manufacturing teams still rely on 2D drawings to communicate critical dimensions, tolerances, and annotations. This disconnect often leads to miscommunication and delays," said David Katzman, General Manager of Onshape and Arena, PTC. "Our new MBD capabilities remove the need to interpret 2D drawings by embedding PMI directly into the 3D model. This will enable teams to work faster, with greater clarity and fewer errors, while allowing a full digital end-to-end process. And because Onshape is cloud-native, this information is instantly accessible to everyone who needs it, from any device and any location. It's a major step forward in making MBD practical and scalable for real-world use."

"With cloud-native capabilities in Onshape, PTC is delivering on what the concept of MBD has always promised – clear, accessible manufacturing intent embedded directly into the 3D model," said Marc Germain, Chief Digital Officer at Aura Aero. "This is the next generation of MBD, and it's transforming how we design, collaborate, and accelerate the path from concept to production. Thanks to these features, we now can certify our aircraft 100% digitally."

For more information on cloud-native MBD in Onshape, please visit: Model-Based Definition (MBD) in 3D CAD.

In addition to demonstrating cloud-native MBD in Onshape with Aura Aero at Zone B4, PTC will demonstrate the newest version of its Creo computer-aided design solution and its agentic AI solutions for the intelligent product lifecycle at the PTC^® chalet #395.

To learn more about Onshape, the industry's only cloud-native CAD and PDM platform, visit www.onshape.com.

About PTC
PTC (NASDAQ: PTC) is a global software company enabling manufacturers and product companies to digitally transform how they design, manufacture, and service products. Headquartered in Boston, Massachusetts, PTC employs over 7,000 people and supports more than 30,000 customers globally. For more information, visit www.ptc.com.

PTC Media Contact
Greg Payne
gpayne@ptc.com 

PTC Investor Contact
Matt Shimao
mshimao@ptc.com

PTC, Onshape, and the PTC logo are trademarks or registered trademarks of PTC Inc. and its subsidiaries in the United States and other countries.

About AURA AERO
A pioneer in low-carbon aviation, AURA AERO is committed to serve mankind by designing and manufacturing aircraft that accelerate air transport decarbonization. Founded in 2018, AURA AERO is based at Toulouse-Francazal airport in France and employs nearly 250 people. Having obtained design and production agreements, the company confirms its status as a fully recognized aircraft manufacturer. Follow our news: https://aura-aero.com/en/medias/

Follow us on: Facebook: @auraaero, Instagram: @aura_aero, LinkedIn: AURA AERO, X: @aero_aura, YouTube: @auraaero

AURA AERO Media Contact
Caroline Brown
+ 33 (0)6 22 08 86 23
caroline.brown.rp@gmail.com

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/ptc-unveils-onshapes-next-generation-model-based-definition-capabilities-with-aura-aero-at-paris-air-show-302480126.html

SOURCE PTC Inc.

FAQ

What is PTC's new Model-Based Definition (MBD) capability in Onshape?

PTC's MBD in Onshape is the industry's first cloud-native solution that embeds complete product manufacturing information directly into 3D CAD models, including dimensions, tolerances, annotations, surface finishes, and material specifications.

When will PTC's new MBD capabilities be generally available?

The cloud-native MBD capabilities in Onshape are expected to be generally available in late 2025.

How does Aura Aero use PTC's Onshape MBD capabilities?

Aura Aero uses Onshape's MBD capabilities to achieve 100% digital aircraft certification, transforming their design and collaboration processes.

What advantages does PTC's cloud-native MBD solution offer over traditional methods?

The cloud-native MBD solution eliminates the need for 2D drawings, reduces miscommunication and delays, enables faster work with fewer errors, and provides instant accessibility from any device and location.

Where will PTC demonstrate its new Onshape MBD capabilities?

PTC will demonstrate the cloud-native MBD capabilities at the Paris Air Show from June 16-19, at Aura Aero's display in Zone B4 and at the PTC chalet #395.