Robert Bosch puts its weight behind JT Open CAD/PLM data sharing standard

The JT format, developed by PLM software firm UGS, is now industry’s most widely used lightweight data format for sharing product information – including 3D product geometry – to enable business-wide collaboration throughout a product’s lifecycle. “Establishing JT as the global industry standard for 3D product visualisation and collaboration will provide tangible business benefits for not only the automotive technology at Bosch, but for the entire automotive sector,” says Gerhard Felten, executive vice president, applied research and production technology, Robert Bosch. Bosch says it will harness its contacts and expertise in different industries to help further establish JT. “With UGS’ announcement of its intent to publish JT, we believe that all the pieces are now in place to realise this goal,” says Felten. “We want to establish JT as an alternative to native CAD data exchange with our OEMs,” adds Roberto Sorito, project leader for digital mock-up and engineering collaboration at corporate research and advance engineering, Robert Bosch. “We will influence the further development of JT according to our requirements regarding drawing less product development processes.” Bosch has been using JT for around four years with its engineers who use a variety of CAD software. Since nearly every major CAD application can output JT files, the company has been able to share CAD data seamlessly outside engineering, providing all departments with the ability to access and visualise real-time 3D product data.