Capability: The technology platform Minute Mesh is a collection of both software development tools and of libraries of parameterized geometrical mesh primitives that allow for the creation of parameterized mesh generators. The technology supports several types of parameters, including geometrical dimensions, mesh specification, and material properties. It also contains a 3-D mesh viewer so users can control the generated mesh, loads, and material properties applications. The platform includes MeshViewer, which lets users inspect the generated mesh.

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

Developer: SoftInWay Inc., 35 Corporate Dr., 4th floor, Burlington, MA 01803; (781) 685-4942; fax (781) 685-4601; www.softinway.com.

Cost: Starts at $4,900.

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Capability: A maker of graphics software has released ModelPress 3D Publisher and Viewer, which uses compression technology to reduce 3-D CAD file sizes by 70 to 98 percent in order to speed the sharing of 3-D data online. The software protects intellectual property because the native CAD files are not transferred. It compresses large model files into smaller, bandwidth-friendly files. The smaller files download in seconds. The viewer part of the technology provides basic CAD visualization by reading the published model file and allowing it to be seen and measured, but not copied or modified. It's useful for those who want to share CAD models with users who don't have access to complex 3-D applications. The viewer comes as a desktop application that can be embedded in a Web page or in other desktop applications. Because it doesn't require access to the Web or a network, once the file is loaded, CAD models can be viewed from the desktop or local network, and can be distributed outside the firewall via the Web to on- line trading exchanges, customers, vendors, suppliers, and manufacturing bidders.

Hardware: PC.

Developer: Informative Graphics Corp., 706 E. Bell Rd., Suite 207, Phoenix, AZ 85022; (602) 971-6061; fax (602) 971-1714; www.infograph.com.

Cost: Free.

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Capability: 3D ContentCentral is an online directory of downloadable, three-dimensional, computer-aided design parts from leading component manufacturers. Users can search the directory to find and download solid models of parts into their designs, to check compatibility, and to ensure the accuracy of their designs. Design engineers can search through a directory of leading suppliers worldwide and download supplier-certified CAD models into their designs. The process usually takes minutes, according to the developer. The directory also includes a model-sharing library and user community. The library allows design engineers to post a 3-D CAD model in order to give other users quick access to the model. Users can download models into their designs, regardless of which CAD system they use. The directory can be accessed via the Internet or directly from a menu option within the developer's software. Product categories include pneumatics, power transmission, or tooling. The products can be configured, viewed, and downloaded into designs.

Hardware: PC with Internet access.

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

Cost: Free.

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Capability: The integrated vessel design and stress analysis program PVElite has been upgraded to version 5. The upgrade incorporates the latest ASME 2002 Addenda for pressure vessels and includes revised databases. The upgrade also allows 3-D graphics to be included with input data to allow for faster modeling. It adds sump element and nozzle-on-nozzle capabilities. Input data can now be saved into a database such as Microsoft Access to let users more easily share and manage information. A new color-syntax highlighting tool in the output portion of the software allows users to find errors and create reports. For faster component analysis, the upgrade adds a flange merge capability. To make the analysis of tube sheets easier, it integrates the tube sheet with the expansion joint.

Hardware: PC running Windows 2000 or XP-Pro.

Developer: Coade Inc., 12777 Jones Rd., Suite 480, Houston, TX 77070; (281) 890-4566; fax (281) 890-3301; www.coade.com.

Cost: $5,000.

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