PTC Announces Direct Integration of Onshape and Altium to Streamline ECAD-MCAD Collaboration
PTC has introduced the 'Onshape Altium Connector,' a cloud-native integration that bridges the gap between mechanical (Onshape) and electrical (Altium) design. This eliminates the need for manual file exchanges, enabling real-time synchronization and early detection of design issues such as board-to-chassis interference, significantly accelerating product development cycles.
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- 📰 Published: May 19, 2026 at 00:00
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PTC (Headquarters: Boston, MA; CEO: Neil Barua) has announced a new integration between its cloud-native CAD and PDM platform, Onshape®, and Altium. This integration allows printed circuit board (PCB) designs to be imported directly into Onshape, enabling real-time synchronization of changes between electrical and mechanical engineering teams.
Developing electronic products requires close coordination between electrical and mechanical design teams. However, relying on email file attachments or manual updates leads to inefficiencies, version conflicts, and late discovery of defects, such as boards not fitting into enclosures. The Onshape Altium Connector eliminates these frictions by establishing a direct link between the platforms.
Key features of the Onshape Altium Connector include:
- Fully Cloud-Based: No file conversion, downloads, or manual data transfers required.
- ECAD-MCAD Synchronization: Changes made in either platform are automatically reflected in the other.
- Early Issue Detection: Validate whether circuit boards fit correctly in enclosures at an early stage.
- Built-in Version Control: Design histories are managed in their respective platforms but linked in real-time.
- Browser Accessibility: Review, comment, and markup from anywhere without software installation.
Nikolay Ponomarenko, Vice President of R&D at Altium, called the collaboration a milestone in cloud-native engineering, emphasizing the reduction of risks associated with manual file sharing. David Katzman, General Manager of Onshape and Arena at PTC, noted that connecting these workflows is a critical step toward complete digital product development.
Developing electronic products requires close coordination between electrical and mechanical design teams. However, relying on email file attachments or manual updates leads to inefficiencies, version conflicts, and late discovery of defects, such as boards not fitting into enclosures. The Onshape Altium Connector eliminates these frictions by establishing a direct link between the platforms.
Key features of the Onshape Altium Connector include:
- Fully Cloud-Based: No file conversion, downloads, or manual data transfers required.
- ECAD-MCAD Synchronization: Changes made in either platform are automatically reflected in the other.
- Early Issue Detection: Validate whether circuit boards fit correctly in enclosures at an early stage.
- Built-in Version Control: Design histories are managed in their respective platforms but linked in real-time.
- Browser Accessibility: Review, comment, and markup from anywhere without software installation.
Nikolay Ponomarenko, Vice President of R&D at Altium, called the collaboration a milestone in cloud-native engineering, emphasizing the reduction of risks associated with manual file sharing. David Katzman, General Manager of Onshape and Arena at PTC, noted that connecting these workflows is a critical step toward complete digital product development.
FAQ
Is the Onshape Altium Connector available globally?
Yes, as a cloud-native solution, it is available to engineering teams worldwide, accessible via any standard web browser.
Does this require any special local hardware servers?
No, it is entirely cloud-native, requiring no local server installations or complex IT maintenance for data exchange.
Can I use it with existing Altium licenses?
The connector establishes a link between the two platforms; please consult with PTC or Altium sales representatives for specific licensing requirements.