digital tools and references
Capability: Third-party add-ons for the CAD system Alibre Design
include STL Import for Alibre Design and OBJ Import for Alibre Design.
The STL add-on gives the CAD system the ability to read stereolithography
files, which is helpful for rapid prototyping service bureaus that want
to modify STL files but don't have access to the original non-uniform
rational B-spline models. The other add-on, OBJ Import for Alibre Design,
lets the CAD-system user read wavefront (.obj) files. Users of other CAD
software systems can export their models to the .obj file format, which
can then be brought into Alibre Design using this add-on.
Hardware: PC running the Alibre Design CAD system.
Developer: Sycode, S1/116, Nova Cidade Complex, NH 17, Alto Porvorim,
Goa 403521, India; (91-982) 2689298; fax (91-832) 2416615; www.sycode.com.
Cost: STL Import for Alibre Design, $195; OBJ Import for Alibre Design, $195.
CAD Dimensions
Capability: AcceliCAD, which is CAD software, has been
updated to AcceliCAD 2008. The application is based on the IntelliCAD
system and contains all its standard features, including DWG file support,
as well as support for industry standard commands, menu files, script
files, shape files, text fonts, and hatch patterns. The upgrade includes
a new feature that gives dimensions for a part in one step. The dimension-driven
editing tool allows users to modify a dimension and see the object change
to match the new dimension. A floating entity information window displays
relevant information about an object when the user places the cursor over
it.
Hardware: PC running Windows 2000, XP, or Vista.
Developer: Autodsys Inc., 292 NW Walnut St., Dundee, OR 97115;
(503) 487-6051; www.autodsys.com.
Cost: $375.
Click here to obtain information on this product
Capability: The DWG Viewer lets users view AutoCAD DWG, DWF, and DXF formats even without access to those formats. It boasts a simple interface and runs on the Windows desktop or inside Web browsers like Internet Explorer, Firefox, and Netscape. This release includes support for AutoCAD 2008, enhanced measurement capabilities, an updated user interface, and support for the Windows Vista operating system.
Hardware: PC running Windows 2000, NT, or Vista.
Developers: Informative Graphics Corp., 4835 E. Cactus Rd., Suite
445, Scottsdale, AZ 85254; (602) 971-6061; fax (602) 971-1714; www.in-
fograph.com.
Cost: Free.
Contour and Vector Plotting
Capability: DF Contour generates publication-ready graphs
and contours from numerical and experimental data. The tool can be used
to analyze and represent the results of laboratory experiments or computational
simulations. It produces color graphic representations of various data
types—including vector and scalar fields, shapes, curves, and markers—
and generates a screen animation of a succession of color maps. For data
input, the application recognizes a simple user-generated ASCII file format.
Only a one-word descriptor is required at the beginning of each data set
to let the application identify the type of data and represent it.
Hardware: PC running Windows 2000, NT, or XP.
Developer: Dynaflow Inc., 10621-J Iron Bridge Rd., Jessup, MD 20794; (301) 604-3688; fax (301) 604-3689; www.dynaflow-inc.com.
Cost: $200.
Technical Analysis Minus Fortran
Capability: The mathematical computing software O-Matrix
allows scientists and engineers to solve technical analysis and simulation
without the use of traditional languages such as C+ + or Fortran. It's
used to analyze data, create simulations, visualize results, and build
turnkey scientific and engineering computing solutions. Users can load
data directly from many formats, including Excel, text files, hierarchical
data format, and Windows Wave files. It includes math, statistical, and
engineering functions for analysis and modeling.
Hardware: PC running Windows 2000 or XP.
Developer: Tecplot Inc., 3535 Factoria Blvd. SE, Suite 550, Bellevue, WA 98006; (425) 653-1200; fax (425) 653-9200; www.tecplot.com.
Cost: Single-user license, $500; development kit, $1,500.
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