digital tools and references
Capability: With the 3-D CAD and computer-aided manufacturing
program KeyCreator 6.5, users can directly edit history-free 3-D models.
Model features can be easily found, isolated, and their values updated
and changed. A new feature provides automated exporting and referencing
of duplicate solids found in a single file. A discover-assembly function
reduces redundant solids by automatically replacing identical bodies with
links to a new external file containing the body. This feature can greatly
reduce the size of the file. Also new is the capability to automatically
calculate the assembly's mass and center of gravity, even if components
are low-quality imported models or are imprecise lightweight entities.
Hardware: PC running Windows 2000 or XP.
Developer: Kubotek USA Inc., 100 Locke Dr., Marlborough, MA 01752;
(508) 229-2020; www.kubotekusa.com.
Cost: $800, single user.
CAD With Design Feedback
Capability: The 3-D CAD software SolidWorks has been
upgraded to SolidWorks 2008. The upgrade provides feedback about quality
and manufacturability during the CAD design process. One new feature,
Swift Instant3D, lets users create and modify 3-D model features by manipulating
drag handles directly on the model. Another feature, Swift DimXpert, automatically
sets geometric dimensions and tolerances on parts. It also provides visual
feedback on whether the model has been properly described and is ready
for manufacturing. DimXpert adheres to the ASME Y14.41-2003 3-D specification.
It automatically creates views, dimensions, and tolerances in 2-D drawings
for complete design documentation. An office professional version of the
software has photorealistic tools while an office premium version includes
motion-analysis software.
Hardware: PC running Windows 2000, NT, or XP.
Developer: SolidWorks Corp., 300 Baker Ave., Concord, MA 01742;
(978) 371-5011; www.solidworks. com.
Cost: $3,995; $5,995 for office professional; $7,995 for office premium.
Click here to obtain information on this product
Capability: Engineers can plot and animate simulation data with EnSight Lite. Data can be analyzed and explored via interactive rendering combined with multiple transient 2-D plots. Engineers can extract plot data from probe position versus time or along a line through the model space. They can also animate plotting, showing current time and dependent value, get an integrated view of plots and 3-D geometry, and reuse layouts. Results can be saved and shared digitally or printed for viewing.
Hardware: PC running the Windows, Macintosh, or Linux platforms.
Developers: Computational Engineering International Inc., 2166
N. Salem St., Suite 101, Apex, NC 27523; (919) 363-0883; fax (919) 363-0833;
www. ensight.com.
Cost: $2,500 for a commercial or government license, $625 for an academic license.
Drawing to Document
Capability: Solid Converter DWG converts DWG and DXF
files to vector-based portable document format files. You don't need to
be running AutoCAD to use it. Drawings can also be converted to image
formats, including TIF or JPEG. Users can select specific layouts or layers
to convert and change PDF colors. With this upgraded version, DWG settings
can control page layout in the conversion. Users can customize line widths
within a drawing or suppress lines. The package offers a variety of encryption
options for security.
Hardware: PC running Windows 2000 or XP.
Developer: Solid Documents LLC, 2509 152nd Ave. N.E., Suite E, Redmond, WA 98052; (800) 880-2654; fax (425) 671-0157; www. soliddocuments.com.
Cost: $69.99.
Cost-Free Calculation
Capability: Tedds Lite is a free platform for publishing
and using Tedds calculations. Users have access to some of the developer's
Tedds calculations, which are used for repetitive calculation to replace
handwritten math. The calculations aid repetitive calculations and replace
handwritten calculations, mainly for civil and structural forms.
Hardware: PC running Windows 2000, NT, or XP.
Developer: CSC Inc., 500 N. Michigan Ave., Suite 300, Chicago, IL 60611; www.cscworld.com.
Cost: Free.
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