Design & Analysis Software News

Software powerhouse Autodesk doesn't keep its new technologies a secret. The company works with early adopters at company beta sites to test such concepts as multi-touch computing, cloud rendering, and 3D software as a service. Recently, Computer Graphics World interviewed Brian Mathews, VP of Autodesk Labs, for a glimpse if how the lab works and the technologies that may find their way into tomorrow's design software. What new features would you like to see in your design tools?

GlobalSpec is seeking proposals from industry experts interested in participating in its April 20, 2011 Design & Analysis Software online conference and trade show events. Open to GlobalSpec's 5 million registered users, this event will examine trends, technologies, and applications in the field of Design & Analysis Software. Speaking opportunities provide an opportunity for you and your company to participate in a high-quality, engaging production that will help increase brand awareness and influence key decision-makers. Learn more or submit your proposal today. Deadline for the April 2011 event is July 30, 2010.

Learn about how printing multi-material prototypes enable product development teams to better match their end products' look and feel. Join Objet for this complimentary webinar where you will learn about the benefits of multi-material parts, best practices for designing print-ready parts, and real-world case studies illustrating successful applications. Register.

Dataforth Corporation, Tucson, Arizona, offers two model families of loop powered software configurable temperature transmitters. The DSCP20 and SCTP20 transmitter series are designed around an ASIC chip specifically engineered for thermocouple and RTD sensor interface.

Engineers and architects will enjoy closer collaboration in modeling information on construction, reports Cadalyst. Architects prepare a model to pass to structural engineers that contains only load bearing features; the concrete core of a wall. When the model arrives back, the architect can access a wizard to identify proposed engineering changes (see video).

Engineers can automate and integrate thousands of simulations created with CAD, CAE, and other software. The software optimizes against such parameters as performance, costs, and statistical methods like Design of Experiments or Design for Six Sigma. One user says the software reduced design and analysis time for downhole expandable tubulars from two months to two days.

Debuting in July, the ZBuilder can produce high-end 3D prototypes at a lower cost than comparable machines. The printer builds parts additively, using a high-resolution Digital Light Processor projector to solidify a liquid photopolymer. Priced at $34,900, it has an accuracy of +/- 0.008 in (+/- 0.2 mm), with walls as thin as 0.005 in (138 microns). Build Size: 10.2 x 6.3 x 7.5 in. (260 x 160 x 190 mm).

Want more out of machining equipment? Try NC program optimization software, notes Modern Machine Shop. After importing a model and the corresponding machining program, the software analyzes how forces fluctuate during machining and automatically optimizes the feed rate. Bell Helicopter used the program to fine-tune production of a titanium forging for a transmission application.

With a comprehensive range of computer aided design (CAD) applications, NX is unmatched in power and flexibility when it comes to mechanical design and engineering. NX offers a broad set of CAD solutions for the design of complex mechanical products.

Ultra-compact and lightweight, the portable Accu3D X-SCAN is your ideal and affordable 3D laser-based digitizer. The 3D scanner's user-friendliness and precision make it the perfect tool to inspect items or for engineering feedback. The captured data is displayed in real-time during the scanning process, ensuring the efficient and easy operation.

To reduce car body weight by 30%, Michigan's Engineering Technologies Associates harnessed design optimization concepts to speed development. A key tool is a software package that incorporates an advanced search engine. It saves time by using multiple search strategies simultaneously, dynamically adapting to the problem.

Analysis software, working on 3D physical models of hearts, helps surgeons plan and practice difficult heart valve replacement. Companies like Colorado's Medical Simulation Corp. (see video) use FEA and CFD software to create 3D models for valve makers. Designers also use similar software both to simulate organic forms and develop animation for training.

Buried by mountain of development data? High-Definition (HD) PLM technology will help you sort it out. HD recognizes an engineer's specialty, such as powertrain, and personalizes the workspace for those tasks. The software delivers data proactively to aid in collaborative decisions, notifying users when an action is required.

This software links you with project members via private email servers or Gmail, as well as Yahoo, Hotmail, and Live platforms. It remembers the time scale used in each view on the graphical chart, and it has a quantity column for material resources. With end date and start date columns for predecessor and successor tasks, the tool gives managers better scheduling insight.

Register for the second of a four part series of complimentary webinars. Engineers will gain insight into how to use the latest FEA software innovations to help meet business objectives such as reducing material costs, time to market and field failures. White paper included. Register today!

Questions? E-mail: info@neisoftware.com

As avionics buses on military and commercial aircraft become more varied and complex, it is even more important that a bus analyzer be used during the design, deployment, and maintenance of avionics systems. GE Intelligent Platforms helps you choose the right data analyzer needed as part of the overall system design.

Especially for engineers new to the field. Called FutureME, the site offers a job board, technical articles, and engineering courses. A "career stages" section includes advice on the skills needed to move up the ladder, and a ManageME area explores topics like communications styles, team-building, and the role of mentors.

Honda has unveiled its own personal mobility device to rival the Segway, now used by police, park rangers, and the general public. Moving at a top speed of 6K per hour, the U3-X features an omni-directional traction system in a compact, 22 lb frame. The single-wheel people mover uses an inclinometer to sense tilt, and then sends a message to a balance control system, which turns the drive wheels to maintain balance (see video).

Designing the Car of the Future

Recession or not, the auto industry races to pinpoint what consumers want in tomorrow's cars. Innovations address everything from safety and entertainment to predictive maintenance and flexible cargo options. Which ideas do you think essential in the car of the future?