Nikon SLM accelerates PLM processes with ENTERPRISE 3Dfindit and ECAD–MCAD linkage

Nikon SLM Solutions is streamlining its engineering and PLM processes by adopting Cadenas’ strategic parts management ENTERPRISE 3Dfindit. As part of the rollout of Siemens Teamcenter and Siemens NX, the company migrated more than 8,600 norms and standard parts, cleansed master data, and cut new part creation from 18 minutes to around 2 minutes.

“Why should we convert CAD data when we can generate it directly with ENTERPRISE 3Dfindit? That way we always have up-to-date, high-quality data,” explains Gordon Wirth, Senior PLM Process Manager at Nikon SLM Solutions.

Functionally, 3Dfindit now forms the backbone of parts management. The platform connects Teamcenter, NX, Eplan, and SAP, provides access to more than a thousand manufacturer catalogs, flags preferred parts, and prevents duplicates. Designers can search for components faster and insert them natively into their CAD models, reducing lead times and sources of error.

“Convenience, quality, and speed in part creation have improved significantly—and with them our users’ satisfaction,” Wirth adds.

Particularly relevant for mechatronic systems is the new ECAD–MCAD integration. Electronic components created in Eplan and stored in Teamcenter can be used directly as native 3D models in Siemens NX. This creates a consistent, cross-domain digital model that shortens alignment between mechanics and electronics and improves variant management—a practical benefit especially for complex AM systems where sensors, wiring, and mechanical assemblies are tightly interlinked.

Looking ahead, Nikon SLM plans to expand connectivity, for example in cable and component data management. Standard components such as connectors or sensors are to be managed centrally in 3Dfindit to further increase reuse and system integration. For the additive manufacturing division, this means faster, more consistent design processes and robust data foundations all the way into production.