Capability: The updated Tecplot 360 combines engineering plotting and computational fluid dynamics visualization. The application offers a range of plotting capabilities, multiframe workspace for effective analysis, presentation, and publication of analysis results. Features include x-y, two-dimensional, and three-dimensional plotting capabilities. The upgrade includes additional processing power for speedier results and tools for larger data visualization and transient analysis than past versions offered. Exploration tools let users interpret complex analysis results.

Hardware: PC running the Windows, Linux, and most Unix platforms, or Macintosh operating system X.

Developer: Tecplot, 13920 S.E. Eastgate Way, Bellevue, WA; (425) 653-1200; fax (425) 653-9200; www.tecplot.com.

Cost: $1,250 to start.

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Graphic Data

Capability: The latest version of a scientific graphing and data analysis package, SigmaPlot 10 contains workflow efficiency improvements, enhancements to the application's curve-fitting engine, and a wider range of graphing options, which allow users to easily customize their graphs to communicate various aspects of their research. The software is for researchers, who use it to analyze research data and create publication-quality graphs for presentation, publication, or the Web. A new feature, the submission assistant, stores an extensible list of publication specifications for 22 leading journals to reduce time researching publication-graph requirements. Also new is a feature that lets laboratories track and log changes to notebooks from multiple users, which simplifies security and compliance.

Hardware: PC running Windows 98, 2000, NT 4.0, or XP.

Developer: Systat Software Inc., 501 Canal Blvd., Suite E, Point Richmond, CA 94804-2028; (800) 797-7401; fax (800) 797-7409; www.systat.com.

Cost: $699 for corporations; $499 for academic research and development institutions.

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Capability: The student edition of the SolidWorks CAD program can be purchased with or without the Cosmos analysis tool. All versions include the standard 3-D mechanical design software, an animator for creating moving files from parts or assembly files, a feature with which users can create photorealistic images of models, design communication software for sharing drawings, and an express version of the analysis software. Finite element, kinematics, motion, and computational fluid dynamics analysis are included in the combined edition. All documents are watermarked with the words "for educational use only."

Hardware: PC running Windows 2000, NT, or ME.

Developers: ASolidWorks, 300 Baker Ave., Concord, MA 01742; (978) 371-5000; fax (978) 371-7303; www. solidworks.com.

Cost: $99 for standard version; $199 for version with full analysis.

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Range of CAM

Capability: SmartCAM version 13 is a computer-aided manufacturing software suite that offers specific applications for turning, milling, fabrication, free-form machining, and wire EDM. The software provides multiple-surface capabilities for a range of parts from two-axis work to three-axis molds, dies, and prototypes. All upgraded products in the SmartCAM 13 family include updated data translators and numerically controlled editing software.

Hardware: PC running Windows 2000 or XP.

Developer: SmartCAMcnc, 1144 Gateway Loop, Suite 220, Springfield, OR 97477-7750; (541) 344-4563; www.smartcamcnc.com.

Cost: $2,495 to start for the entry-level 2- and 2.5-D products; up to $9,995 for SmartCAM FreeForm Machining.

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See Drawings Free

Capability: The Kubotek Spectrum CAD viewer gives engineers and designers access to design data stored in many popular CAD formats, including AutoCAD, Cadkey, Catia, Inventor, KeyCreator, Pro/Engineer, SolidWorks, UGS NX, and others. Users don't have to run the CAD program to see the designs. The ability to view several new file formats was added during a recent upgrade. In addition, users now can scan files to open, view, and print raster image files from their legacy and scanned-drawing files.

Hardware: PC running Windows 2000 or NT.

Developer: Kubotek, 100 Locke Dr., Marlborough, MA 01752; (508) 229-2020; www.kubotekusa.com.

Cost: Free.

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