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Purdue University Prepares 650+ Future Engineers Each Semester with Anark Collaborate
Purdue University is leading the way in preparing the next generation of engineers by embedding real-world digital tools into its engineering curriculum. Through a partnership with Anark that began in 2018, between 650 and 1000 students each semester use Anark Collaborate to engage with complex engineering data in a clear, modern, and accessible way.
Led by Associate Professor of Practice Travis Fuerst, the program integrates Anark Collaborate into a 16-week course that immerses students in model-based practices from day one. “This is a freshman class, and it’s important that we prepare them for the real world of engineering. I introduce them to these tools not by talking about them, but by using them—just like in industry,” said Fuerst.
Before adopting Anark Collaborate, Fuerst relied on Anark 3D PDFs, but eventually experienced limitations with distribution and version control. Now, all students access fully annotated models through a browser—no downloads required, and always up to date.
The course introduces students to Siemens NX, Teamcenter, and Anark Collaborate within a digital thread framework that mirrors engineering environments seen in modern manufacturers. From early assignments modeling individual parts to collaborative engineering subsystem design in later weeks, students gain hands-on experience with product lifecycle management, engineering change orders, and model-based definition (MBD).
“The model is the authority. A drawing is a derivative,” Fuerst emphasizes, helping students understand why 3D models deliver better clarity and efficiency.
Purdue’s partnership with Anark exemplifies how academia and industry can work together to modernize engineering education and close the digital skills gap. Students leave the course not just with technical skills but with a competitive edge. “If you’re entering a company that still relies on 2D drawings, you should be asking why. That may be a sign they’re behind the curve.”
Read the complete case study to learn how Anark is helping the next generation of engineers thrive at Purdue University.
