digital tools and references
Capability: The two-dimensional CAD and drafting program General
CADD Pro, version 4.1, makes the features of the developer's DOS-based
CAD program available for Windows. Many users of this program still maintain
an older DOS-based computer solely to run the program, the developer says.
The new program provides for an easy upgrade to Windows. The 2-D part
of the program recreates as closely as possible the two-letter command
structure featured in the DOS program and favored by drafters. Version
4.1 includes features such as an interface that allows multiple drawings
to be open at once. The program also features the capability to see multiple
views of the same drawing and improved hatch and fill functions.
Hardware: PC running Windows 98, 2000, XP, or ME.
Developer: General CADD Products Inc., 1 Railroad Ave., Cherry
Valley, NY 13320; www.generalcadd.com.
Cost: $599, with discounts for purchasing more than one copy.
Analysis to Suppliers
Capability: This developer has combined its Solid Edge CAD program with its Teamcenter Express product data management system to target the mid-level market. The integrated system—composed of product design, analysis, and data management software—helps companies manage CAD data and collaborate electronically with suppliers and customers. The program is preconfigured for rapid deployment with minimal information technology requirements. A single-user interface embeds PDM commands within the CAD commands, which means that CAD users don't have to learn any new icons. An optional multisite module is available to access data at multiple locations.
Hardware: PC running Windows 2000, NT, or XP.
Developer: UGS, 5800 Granite Parkway, Suite 600, Plano TX 75024;
(972) 987-3000; www.ugs.com.
Cost: $6,995.
Click here to obtain information on this product
Capability: TableBar 2.4 for AutoCAD Table integrates
in one toolbar all of the table commands in AutoCAD 2005/2006. This toolbar
looks similar to the table toolbar in Microsoft Word. The application
streamlines table creation and editing, controls table properties, and
makes it easy to create tables and change any property within a table.
Hardware: PC running any AutoCAD 2005/2006 program and Windows 98, 2000, 2003, XP, or ME.
Developers: Cadig, 9625 W. 76th St., Suite 150, Eden Prairie,
MN; www.cadig.com.
Cost: Free.
Combined 2-D and 3-D
Capability: Both TurboCAD 2-D for the Macintosh and
TurboCAD 2-D and 3-D for the Macintosh have been updated. These upgrades
include 11 new tutorials that cover
2-D and 3-D design and drafting. The 2-D and 3-D version can import 15
and export 11 different CAD and graphics formats. CAD files can be shared.
The combined program also includes a converter, so engineers can automatically
create 2-D wireframe and hidden-line drawings from imported 3-D components
or assembly drawings.
Hardware: PC running Macintosh OS 10.2 and later or PC running Windows 2000, NT, or XP.
Developer: International Microcomputers Software Inc., 75 Rowland Way, Suite 340, Novato, CA 94945; (415) 878-4000; fax (415) 897-2544; www.turbocad.com.
Cost: $99.95 for the 2-D version; $495 for the 2-D and 3-D version.
Seeing Engineering Equations
Capability: The 3-D graphics add-on for Mathematica,
MathGL3d, is now available in version 4.0. Mathematica is a technical
computing program, while MathGL3d is an OpenGL-based package for scientific
visualization and real-time interaction with Mathematica graphics. The
add-on lets engineers and scientists visualize high-end engineering and
design prototypes. They can use the application to visualize early rendering
before committing to a product's final rendering. It's also
suitable for demonstrating and visualizing concepts in the classroom.
The add-on includes interactive features, such as rotation, animation,
and visual viewpoint. It exports to many common 3-D file formats.
Hardware: PC running Windows 2000, XP, or NT, Macintosh OS 10 or later, or Linux and Mathematica 5.0 or higher.
Developer: Wolfram Research Inc., 100 Trade Center Dr., Champaign, IL 61820-7237; (217) 398-0700; fax (217) 398-0747; www.wolfram.com.
Cost: $600.
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